by Silas Boahene | Aug 11, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Head coach of the Ghana U20 national team, Desmond Offei, has named a 35-man squad to begin camping in preparation for the upcoming WAFU Zone B U20 Championship.
The squad features players from the U20 African Games-winning team, with the Black Starlets set to report to the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence on Sunday, August 11, 2024, to commence their training.
Over the next few weeks, Coach Offei will oversee intensive preparatory activities before selecting the final squad for the championship. These training sessions are designed to heighten competition among the players, ensuring that the final team is highly competitive and well-prepared to represent Ghana.
Coach Offei recently returned from a European tour with the team, where the Black Satellites played against clubs in Belgium as part of their preparation.
Ghana is aiming to return to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, following their triumphant victory in the 2021 edition held in Mauritania.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 11, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian teenager Bobby Amartey has signed his first professional contract with English Premier League club Leicester City.
The 18-year-old, who joined the Foxes at age 12, has steadily risen through the ranks to secure this significant milestone in his career.
Amartey impressed with the club’s developmental squad last season, even captaining the U21 side in the Premier League 2. His performances have earned him a place in Leicester City’s first team for the upcoming season.
Last season, Amartey made 14 appearances in the Premier League 2, adding to the 21 matches he played for the U18s.
Amartey, who is also capable of playing in midfield, expressed his satisfaction with his career progress. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I feel like the season started off slow, but it picked up, and I’m happy with where I am now. However, I’m not the finished product, so hopefully, I can keep improving. Midfield is a new position for me, but I really enjoy it, and I hope to play there more often. I feel more comfortable there.”
by Silas Boahene | Aug 11, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Hearts of Oak have officially appointed Nana Yaw Amankwah as their new assistant coach, a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the club’s performance ahead of the upcoming season.
Amankwah, who joins the Phobians from Medeama, where he served as an assistant coach, brings extensive experience and tactical expertise to the team. During his tenure at Medeama, Amankwah played a key role in their Ghana Premier League victory and their historic entry into the CAF Champions League group stages.
His successful track record in top-tier Ghanaian football is expected to complement the vision of head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, who is determined to lead Hearts of Oak back to prominence.
The club’s management expressed their enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Nana Yaw Amankwah as our new assistant coach. His expertise and positive energy are exactly what our team needs.”
After a challenging season that saw them narrowly avoid relegation, Hearts of Oak are eager to make a fresh start. The addition of Amankwah to the coaching staff underscores their commitment to improving performance and reclaiming their status as one of Ghana’s football powerhouses.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 10, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has shared his financial journey and advice with young footballers. Dauda revealed that he invested his earnings from the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations into real estate, purchasing a plot of land that has since increased in value sixfold. He stressed the importance of financial planning, advising athletes to prioritize investments in assets like property over luxury items. Reflecting on his own choices, Dauda noted that while he could have afforded a more expensive car, he chose to buy a modest vehicle to maintain his financial stability. His investment in real estate has proven to be a wise decision, highlighting the benefits of thoughtful financial planning. Dauda, who made 26 appearances for Ghana and was the first-choice goalkeeper at the 2014 World Cup, emphasizes that prudent financial management can significantly impact life after football.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 10, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Accra Lions forward Dominic Amponsah has completed a move to Georgian side FC Dila Gori. The 18-year-old striker signed with the Erovnuli club during the summer transfer window, transitioning to European football after an impressive season with Accra Lions, who finished second in the Ghanaian Premier League. FC Dila Gori announced Amponsah’s arrival, highlighting his potential and technical skills. Last season, Amponsah scored nine goals and provided two assists in 43 appearances for Accra Lions. He is expected to make an immediate impact in the first team. Amponsah’s move follows the departure of midfielder Emmanuel Dzigbah to Cukaricki in Serbia.
