by Silas Boahene | Sep 23, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has achieved a significant milestone by making his 100th appearance for Arsenal during the match against Manchester City on September 22, 2024. The 31-year-old played the full match, but a late equalizer from John Stones denied Arsenal a memorable victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2020, Partey has contributed six goals and three assists to the North London club. His impact has been pivotal, solidifying his role as a key player since his move from Atletico Madrid.
Interestingly, Partey made his debut against Manchester City and marked his 100th appearance against the same team, completing this milestone at the same venue where he first took the field for the Gunners in October 2020.
This season, Partey scored his first goal since March 2023 in a match against Aston Villa. Overall, he has played 120 matches for Arsenal. Additionally, this match marked his 300th league appearance in his career, having previously featured in 200 league matches in La Liga and La Liga B with Real Mallorca, Almeria, and Atletico Madrid.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars player Prince Tagoe is set to rejoin his former club, Al Ettifaq FC, in a scouting role. The Saudi Pro League side has invited Tagoe to attend their highly anticipated home match against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on September 20, marking his return to familiar territory.
Tagoe has a storied history with Al Ettifaq FC, having played two seasons with the team and making a significant impact during their 2009 AFC Champions League campaign, where he scored an impressive eight goals in six matches. His outstanding performance garnered him recognition and led to 36 international appearances and seven goals for Ghana before his retirement in 2015.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has issued a detailed response to North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who criticized the Ministry for alleged wastefulness in the renovation of national stadia. This response comes in light of CAF’s recent withdrawal of approval for the Baba Yara Stadium due to its poor pitch conditions.
Ablakwa published several contracts related to the renovations, questioning why Ghana is facing a ban from hosting matches at home despite the funds allocated for improvements. In a comprehensive 30-page statement, the Ministry described Ablakwa’s claims as “disingenuous,” asserting that the state of the Baba Yara pitch should not overshadow the extensive renovations completed at the Baba Yara, Accra, and Essipong stadia over the past six years.
The Ministry stated, “Recent social media publications by the Hon. Member of Parliament for North Tongu have alleged wastage of national resources in renovating national stadia,” and emphasized that these claims mislead the public into believing that funds were disbursed without corresponding work.
The statement outlined the extensive renovation work carried out since 2018, particularly at the Accra Stadium, which had been described as a “death trap” due to years of neglect under the previous NDC administration. It highlighted that both the Accra and Kumasi stadia have successfully hosted several CAF and FIFA-certified matches, including the 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
The Ministry countered the MP’s assertions by noting that FIFA/CAF Category 2 and 3 matches, including significant tournaments, have taken place at the Accra and Baba Yara stadia. It criticized Ablakwa for using the current state of the Baba Yara Stadium to imply a lack of work, pointing out that there were no major renovations conducted at the national stadia from 2009 to 2017, during the previous government, of which the MP was a part.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s hopes in this year’s African inter-club competitions have been dashed, as both Samartex and Nsoatreman FC were eliminated from their respective tournaments on Saturday.
Samartex’s CAF Champions League Exit
Samartex, the Ghanaian champions, faced a disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League following a 2-0 defeat to Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca in the second leg of their second-round matchup. This result confirmed a 4-2 aggregate victory for Raja, who advanced to the group stage, leaving Samartex to focus on their domestic campaign.
After a promising 2-2 draw in the first leg in Accra, Samartex entered the match with hope. However, Marouane Zila’s goal just before halftime shifted momentum in favor of Raja. Despite a spirited effort from the Timber Boys, coached by Nurudeen Amadu, they were unable to find the net. A late goal from Naoufel Zerhouni in the 88th minute sealed Samartex’s fate, ending their debut in Africa’s premier club competition. The club expressed optimism on social media, stating that the experience, though disappointing, offers valuable lessons for future improvement.
Nsoatreman’s CAF Confederation Cup Exit
Nsoatreman FC, the holders of the Ghana FA Cup, also faced elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup after a 1-0 defeat to CS Constantine in Algeria, concluding with a 3-0 aggregate loss. After losing 2-0 in the first leg in Accra, Nsoatreman fell behind early in the second leg when Zakaria Benchaa scored in the 19th minute. CS Constantine dominated the match, limiting Nsoatreman’s chances to mount a comeback. This defeat marks the end of their debut campaign in African competition.
Both clubs will now shift their focus to domestic competitions. Samartex will resume their Ghana Premier League campaign against Bibiani Gold Stars and Medeama SC, while Nsoatreman aims to defend their FA Cup title or compete for the Premier League, seeking another opportunity for continental football next season.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 23, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria
The second week of the Accra J30 ITF Tennis Tour, hosted by the Tennis Foundation Ghana, concluded on Saturday at the National Tennis Centre in Accra. Nigeria’s Prosper Ikenna Okonkwo triumphed over Ghana’s Raphael Nii Nortei Dowuona in the final, winning in straight sets with a score of 7-6 (3), 6-0. Okonkwo, the number one seed, showcased his skill against the fourth seed Dowuona, who had emerged victorious in Week 1.
In addition to his singles success, Okonkwo partnered with last week’s runner-up, Joseph Franklin Jimoh, to clinch the boys’ doubles title for Week 2. Reflecting on his victory, Okonkwo emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. “It’s just hard work and patience; sometimes it will come, other times it won’t, but you have to keep pushing and believing in yourself,” he said.
Despite his defeat, Dowuona’s efforts were commendable. On the girls’ side, India’s Diya Chaudhary continued her winning streak, defeating Russia’s Leila Akhmetova in a thrilling comeback after losing the first set. Chaudhary’s victory was marked by scores of 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, securing her second consecutive title in Accra.
In the girls’ doubles final, Team Ghana celebrated a win as Sisu-Makena Tomegah teamed up with Madagascar’s Iriela Rajaobelina to defeat Great Britain’s Raja Sarvagnya Kilaru and Alisha Ndukwu in a closely contested match that ended 2-6, 6-3 (13-11).
The tournament, organized by Tennis Foundation Ghana under the leadership of Roger Crawford, will enter its third week on Monday, transitioning to the J60 tournament at the Accra Sports Stadium.
