TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Being a star is like building for yourself a prison yard , it’s difficult – Shatta Wale admits

    Being a star is like building for yourself a prison yard , it’s difficult – Shatta Wale admits

    Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale, who transitioned from dancehall to afrobeats, recently shared insights into his challenges as a celebrity in Ghana and how he manages them.

    In an interview with the BBC, which aired on October 28, he expressed his commitment to honesty and authenticity when dealing with people.

    Shatta Wale compared his experiences in Ghana and the UK, highlighting his longing for a sense of normalcy when he’s not performing.

    He mentioned that travelling to destinations like London grants him the freedom to experience this, as he finds it challenging to move around freely in Ghana.

    “I think I’m brutally honest; I want to be honest with people; I want to be real with people. When I’m off stage, I want to feel like a normal human so actually coming here to London is giving me that feeling because when I’m in Ghana, I can’t go to places,” he said.

    The musician also discussed how his need to feel normal causes him to respond heavily to critics on social media, as it gives him a sense of being on the “streets”.

    “Sometimes I feel like I want to eat fufu in a chop bar or a public place but I don’t get that and that’s a huge problem for me.

    “So that’s why when people get at me on social media, I just go live and just speak to them like I’m on the street,” he said.

    Comparing being a celebrity to being trapped in one’s home, Shatta Wale disclosed that he has to travel around and hold meetings at night due to the disruption he may create if he moves around during the day.

    “It’s not easy to be a star; it’s like you’ve bought a yard, you’ve built a whole prison yard and you’ve locked yourself up every time.

    “So people need to understand that it’s not easy for me. Because in Ghana, I can’t drive in the mornings or afternoons; I have to hold all my meetings at night,” he revealed.

  • “You are a foolish man” – Bullgod peeves, clash with Ola, Arnold, others over NAM1’s GH¢2.5 million to police

    “You are a foolish man” – Bullgod peeves, clash with Ola, Arnold, others over NAM1’s GH¢2.5 million to police

    A heated argument unfolded among panel members during the October 28, 2023, episode of United Showbiz on UTV.

    The dispute centred on the Ghana Police Service’s decision to deposit funds received from the CEO of defunct Menzgold Ghana, Nana Appiah Mensah (known as NAM1), into the Bank of Ghana.

    Bullgod, one of the panel members, asserted that the police’s actions were questionable.

    He believed that the money, originally intended to be directly disbursed to some customers of the now-defunct gold investment firm, should not have been placed with the bank.

    Bullgod contended that NAM1’s arrangement with the police involved providing security for the money’s distribution rather than taking control of its distribution.

    “He did not give the money to the police to share. He made an agreement with the police that he needed security and therefore sought permission to use their premises to disburse the money. The police said yes, you can come and do that and he sent the money to the police.

    “Now, after sending the money to the police, they have gone to deposit the money in their account, saying its an exhibit,” he alleged.

    Despite Bullgod’s assertion, his viewpoint was met with disagreement from the other panel members. Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo argued that the money should never have been entrusted to the police and should have been directly disbursed to the customers.

    In response, Bullgod proposed that the police should not have agreed to handle the money, but Ola offered a counterargument.

  • ‘What’s the big deal?’ Just a show off – Roy Keane fumes at Pep-Haaland on-field chat after derby win

    ‘What’s the big deal?’ Just a show off – Roy Keane fumes at Pep-Haaland on-field chat after derby win

    Roy Keane strongly criticised Pep Guardiola for what he deemed a pointless discussion between the Manchester City boss and Erling Haaland.

    Haaland had a standout performance at Old Trafford, scoring two goals in their 3-0 victory.

    His first goal came from a penalty in the first half, and he nearly netted another before halftime, but Andre Onana made an impressive save.

    In the second half, the 23-year-old secured his second goal with a header over Onana and also played a role in setting up Phil Foden for the third goal.

    After the convincing win, Guardiola engaged in a conversation with Haaland, focusing on the distinction between his first-half and second-half headers.

    When questioned about this in the studio, Keane criticised Guardiola for what he viewed as a theatrical act.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLZkb_kL3Ik

    He explained on Sky Sports: “It’s all for show. It’s all for show. You can have that chat in the dressing room. What’s the big deal? It was a lovely header but you don’t need to be on the pitch talking about it for five minutes. Just get down the tunnel and enjoy your victory.”

    This victory could potentially be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, and Manchester City certainly celebrated their win.

    The Citizens are now level with Arsenal in second place, trailing the leaders, Tottenham Hotspur, by just two points.

    Guardiola’s team will enjoy a rare midweek break, as they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at an early stage. Their next match is scheduled for the weekend, when they face Bournemouth on Saturday, November 4.

  • FIFA slaps embattled Luis Rubiales with three-year football ban after Jenni Hermoso kiss scandal

    FIFA slaps embattled Luis Rubiales with three-year football ban after Jenni Hermoso kiss scandal

    Former RFEF boss Luis Rubiales, who faced disgrace for an incident involving an unauthorised kiss with Spain’s Jenni Hermoso, has been handed a three-year ban from football.

    FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s Football Association (RFEF), had violated Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code with his behaviour following the Women’s World Cup final.

    This ban encompasses all football-related activities for three years.

    The incident occurred when the 46-year-old kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her winner’s medal following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney.

    Hermoso later confirmed that she had not consented to the kiss, leading to a series of events, including a mass walkout by Spanish players and support staff.

    Despite the controversy, Rubiales had persistently denied any wrongdoing, even when resigning from his position as RFEF president.

    In August, FIFA imposed a provisional 90-day suspension, and now they have issued a three-year ban, which will keep him away from football until 2026.

    It’s important to note that there is still a right to appeal available in this case.

    FIFA’s statement explained: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

    “This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.

    “Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today.

    In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

    “FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.”
    In addition to his FIFA ban, Luis Rubiales is currently facing a criminal investigation in Spain. This legal process began after prosecutors received Jenni Hermoso’s initial complaint of sexual assault, which was filed with a court in Madrid.

    A second complaint of coercion was later added, relating to alleged pressure on Hermoso to support Rubiales against the backlash resulting from his actions.

    Rubiales recently appeared in court, where he denied both charges. However, he was issued a restraining order that prohibits him from coming within 200 metres of Hermoso.

    Former Spain head coach Jorge Vilda, who had publicly supported Rubiales during a controversial speech in which the former president claimed he was being unfairly targeted by “false feminism,” is also under investigation in connection with the coercion allegation. Vilda has denied any wrongdoing.

    Vilda was dismissed from his role last month following a series of issues during his tenure. Controversially, he has already secured a new position as the head coach of Morocco’s women’s national team.

  • GHALCA Executives visits Akufo-Addo ahead of 2024 President Cup

    GHALCA Executives visits Akufo-Addo ahead of 2024 President Cup

    The leadership of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) recently paid a courtesy visit to President Akufo Addo.

    Their purpose was to express gratitude for his participation in their past two events and to discuss plans for the 2024 edition.

    During the meeting, the delegation, headed by Chairman Kudjoe Fianoo, presented a photo album of the 2023 President’s Cup to His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo after engaging in productive discussions on Saturday, October 28.

    Vice-Chairman John Ansah and two other members, George Ofosuhene Peprah and Anita Wiredu-Mintah, as well as Administrative Manager Samuel Oduro Nyarko and Communication Chief Patrick Akoto, were also in attendance at the meeting held at the presidential seat of Ghana.

    President Akufo Addo has been a staunch supporter of GHALCA’s activities and football in general, playing a crucial role in advancing sports infrastructure in this influential West African nation.

    He holds the distinction of being the only sitting president to attend two President’s Cup events and is set to complete a hat-trick by attending the final one before his term ends next year.

    In the most recent event, Hearts of Oak defeated their rival Asante Kotoko 1-0 to claim the trophy.

    The upcoming event in the following year is anticipated to see significant improvements, marking the tenure of the Ghanaian leader, who has been guiding the promising African nation for the past seven years.

  • Leave your husband or keep quite and let the small girls enjoy some –  Nana Ama McBrown advised 

    Leave your husband or keep quite and let the small girls enjoy some –  Nana Ama McBrown advised 

    A social media user, going by the name Octopus Trudy and the username @179858, has chimed in on the ongoing controversies revolving around renowned film actress and host of Onua TV’s “OnuaShow Time,” Nana Ama McBrown.

    The speculation pertains to McBrown’s alleged pending divorce from her husband, Maxwell.

    In a tweet spotted by The Independent Ghana, Octopus Trudy seemed to undermine McBrown’s efforts to quash rumours about her alleged marital troubles.

    Trudy stated that the actress’s enigmatic posts on TikTok will not alter the reality that she is sharing her husband with “Accra slay queens.”

    The tweet read: “Nana Ama McBrown is doing innuendos and indirect jabs on TikTok. Madam, your husband belongs to the Accra slay queens.”

    Social media user’s tweet

    Octopus Trudy continued her commentary by offering unsolicited advice. She suggested that McBrown should either terminate the relationship or let the other women in her husband’s life enjoy his company. “Since you won’t leave him, keep quiet and let the small girls enjoy some,” she added.

    @iamamamcbrowngh

    No matter what my trust is in you 💯 #HerExcellency #BRIMM

    ♬ In The Room by Maverick City Music – Maverick City Music
    @iamamamcbrowngh

    i love my family frames call for yours 0202993474 #HerExcellency #FamilyTime #family #BRIMM

    ♬ Kwaku Ananse – Amerado
    McBrown’s post believed to have proved reactions from the likes of Octopus Trudy

    Rumours surrounding the couple’s possible divorce first emerged following allegations by an Instagram influencer known as “Those Called Celebs.”

    The influencer claimed that Maxwell had been unfaithful to his wife with social media sensation Serwaa Prinkles. According to the influencer, Maxwell had even proposed divorce, prompting McBrown to vacate their marital home.

    In a subtle retort to these claims, McBrown took to her Instagram page to share uplifting messages such as “It is well” and “Don’t believe the reports about men. If God says yes, no man can say no.” She also displayed her wedding ring in some of her photographs, potentially indicating that her marriage is still intact.

    It’s crucial to point out that neither McBrown nor Maxwell have officially confirmed or denied these rumours, leaving the situation steeped in uncertainty.

    Importantly, there is yet to be any concrete evidence supporting these allegations.

  • Your husband belongs to Accra slay queens – Nana Ama McBrown told

    Your husband belongs to Accra slay queens – Nana Ama McBrown told

    A social media user named Octopus Trudy, with a user name @ 179858, has weighed in on controversies surrounding celebrated movie actress and host of Onua TV’s OnuaShow Time, Nana Ama McBrown’s alleged divorce with her husband, Maxwell.


    Octopus Trudy in a tweet sighted by The Independent Ghana, which appears to discredit McBrown’s defence of her alleged divorce rumours, mentioned that McBrown’s cryptic posts on TikTok would not change the fact that she is sharing her husband with “Accra slay queens”.


    The tweet read, “Nana Ama McBrown is doing innuendos and indirect jabs on TikTok.
    Madam, your husband belongs to the Accra slayqueens”.


    She continued to offer advice, suggesting that she should either end the relationship or let the other women he spends time with appreciate his company.


    ….Since you won’t leave him, keep quiet and let the small girls enjoy some,” she added.


    Rumors of divorce initially surfaced following claims by an Instagram influencer known as “Those Called Celebs” who alleged that Maxwell was cheating on his wife with a social media sensation named Serwaa Prinkles.


    According to him, Maxwell had proposed divorce, and McBrown had left their shared home.


    In response to these speculations, McBrown has subtly addressed the situation on her Instagram page by sharing positive messages like “It is well” and “Don’t believe the reports about men. If God says yes, no man can say no.”


    She also flaunted her wedding ring in some of her photos, possibly indicating that she is still married to Maxwell.


    However, it’s important to note that neither McBrown nor Maxwell have officially confirmed these rumours, and there is no concrete evidence to substantiate them.

  • French government expresses strong disapproval towards Marseille fan violence, calls it “disgusting”

    French government expresses strong disapproval towards Marseille fan violence, calls it “disgusting”

    French government strongly condemned the weekend’s violence near the Marseille stadium, describing it as “disgusting.” They reported that nine individuals were arrested following an attack on Lyon’s bus and an injury to their manager, Fabio Grosso.

    The scheduled Ligue 1 match between the long-standing rival teams, who have a history of fan violence, had to be cancelled.

    During the incident, Lyon’s manager, Fabio Grosso, was left with injuries, bloodied and disoriented as shards of glass struck him in the face and scalp when rocks were thrown at the team’s bus.

    “We have seen just about everything you would not want to see,” Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told France 2 TV on Monday, adding that fans had also allegedly been chanting anti-gay and racist slurs inside Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.

    “It was distressing, revolting, and disgusting.”
    Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that nine individuals have been apprehended thus far in relation to the incident.

    “I hope the highest possible prison sentences will be handed out to those fans who ruined the party for everyone,” he added on BFM TV.

    Potential sanctions on the clubs would depend on the football authorities, he said.

    Darmanin denied that authorities had failed to prepare for the risk, saying 500 police officers were present.

  • Chelsea boss accepts Blues form is ‘something we need to fix’

    Chelsea boss accepts Blues form is ‘something we need to fix’

    Mauricio Pochettino remains unworried but acknowledges that Chelsea’s performance at home has become a concern, following their recent loss at Stamford Bridge to Brentford.

    Despite their clear dominance in possession and numerous shots on goal, Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat, with Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo netting second-half goals to secure the victory for Brentford.


    “It’s something we need to fix,” the boss said of his team’s form at home. “I don’t think I’m worried but we feel the responsibility and we will try to find the solution. The key is to create a good atmosphere.

    “You need the right balance between the fans and the team. The team needs to translate the ideas of the fans so they can trust them. It works both ways. That is time. We have talented players but we are a new team. We are competing but we are missing things.

    “You sense the mood changes when we concede. We need to build trust. Sometimes you have to accept that the game is going in a direction you don’t want. You need to be calm in this moment and have the character to say, ‘Ok, it’s in a different direction but we are mature enough to play the way we should’. We will work on it.”

    In 2023, Chelsea is currently experiencing its worst home league record in a calendar year since 1986, with eight Premier League losses at Stamford Bridge.

    When accounting for draws, Chelsea has only managed a single victory in their last 13 home league matches, which was a 3-0 win over newly promoted Luton Town back in August.

    The challenges are not about to let up for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Following a Carabao Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night and an away match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Monday, their next league opponent at the Bridge will be none other than the reigning English and European champions, Manchester City, on November 12.

  • Jeremy Doku appear to jab Man Utd’s Antony after cryptic ‘stay calm’ tweet following derby clash

    Jeremy Doku appear to jab Man Utd’s Antony after cryptic ‘stay calm’ tweet following derby clash

    Jeremy Doku posted on social media after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over rivals United, suggesting that Antony ‘stay calm’.
    City won the match 3-0 at Old TraffordDoku appeared to goad United and Antony with his ‘Manchester is blue’ and ‘stay calm’ messages after the derby clash, in which tempers had threatened to spill over.


    Antony managed to avoid a potential red card after his frustration escalated, resulting in a deliberate foul on the Belgian winger by kicking out at him.

    Both Antony and Bruno Fernandes received yellow cards, and earlier in the game, Sofyan Amrabat had also been cautioned for a confrontation involving Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

    The outcome of the derby kept Manchester City within two points of the early Premier League leaders, Tottenham.

    Meanwhile, Manchester United find themselves in eighth place, closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table, following their fifth defeat in 10 league games.

    Following their victory in the Derby, Manchester City has a full week to prepare for the upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth on November 4.

    On the other hand, Manchester United will return to action sooner, facing Newcastle, a team that had previously eliminated City from the Carabao Cup in the fourth round on Wednesday.

  • Liverpool’s Díaz’s parents abducted in Colombia, mother rescued, search on for father

    Liverpool’s Díaz’s parents abducted in Colombia, mother rescued, search on for father

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Saturday that the mother of Colombian and Liverpool player Luis Díaz had been successfully rescued following her kidnapping in northern Colombia.

    However, efforts were still underway to locate his missing father.

    The Colombian attorney general’s office had previously formed a team of investigators to conduct a search for the couple in Barrancas, a municipality located in Colombia’s northern La Guajira province.

    The National Police verified the successful rescue of Díaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, and reported that she had a conversation with Director William Rene Salamanca.

    In a video message, Salamanca emphasised that all available resources were being mobilised to locate Díaz’s father.

    The parents of 26-year-old Díaz were reportedly abducted while driving to their residence. Gunmen on motorcycles intercepted them and forcibly took them away in their vehicles, as confirmed by authorities.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tqjCopWLniA?feature=share

    Liverpool issued a statement on Sunday, acknowledging their awareness of the situation.

    Luis Díaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022. Andrew

    “It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” the statement read. “In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”

    The forward was not named in Liverpool’s Premier League game at Anfield against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

    “We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Díaz,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said ahead of the game.

    “It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before; it’s a new experience I never needed.”
    The Colombian soccer federation, in an official statement, expressed deep regret over the kidnapping incident and called on authorities to ensure the safe rescue of Luis Díaz’s father.

    Luis Díaz, a player with 43 appearances for the Colombian national team, has chosen not to make any public statements regarding the incident.

    Liverpool, a Premier League club, made a significant multi-million-dollar signing in January 2022 by bringing in winger Luis Díaz from the Portuguese club Porto. Since joining the Premier League giants, he has made 58 appearances and scored 14 goals.

  • “I feel good, thanks” – NEC Nijmegen striker Dost speaks as he recovers after collapsing on pitch

    “I feel good, thanks” – NEC Nijmegen striker Dost speaks as he recovers after collapsing on pitch

    NEC Nijmegen’s forward, Bas Dost, found himself in the hospital on Sunday after collapsing on the pitch during their Eredivisie match against AZ Alkmaar.

    The game was subsequently abandoned.

    The 34-year-old, a former international player for the Netherlands, thankfully regained consciousness and was safely carried off the field.

    He later reassured fans on NEC’s social media that he was feeling well.

    “The AZ-NEC match was stopped in the 90th minute on Sunday evening with a score of 1-2.

    Bas Dost collapsed on the field and was immediately helped by all the emergency services present,” NEC said in a statement on their website.

    https://youtu.be/nTt80HvO2kQ

    “Dost was carried from the field by the emergency services and taken to the hospital.”

    Players from both teams stood around Dost, who scored the opening goal and provided the assist for NEC’s second, while he was being treated.

    “I’m doing well. The help I received on the field was fantastic,” Dost said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’m in the hospital now and I feel good. Thanks for all the support!”

    AZ posted a message saying, “Bas Dost is fortunately conscious. Wishing you a lot of recovery and strength, Bas.”

  • Ten Hag says 3-0 derby loss to Man City is one of his worst days at Man Utd

    Ten Hag says 3-0 derby loss to Man City is one of his worst days at Man Utd

    Erik ten Hag has described Manchester United’s significant loss in the derby against Manchester City as one of his most challenging days as the manager at Old Trafford.

    On Sunday, City secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, including a first-half penalty, and another goal coming from Phil Foden.

    Ten Hag has suffered some dismal results as United manager, but when asked whether the latest defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side made it one of his worst days in the job, he said, “Yes.”

    He added, “Of course, it is disappointing, but last year we had many highlights. When you lose a derby the way we lose, that is disappointing.

    “First half, we had a very good game plan and the execution was also very good. It was toe-to-toe first and it was very similar, but then the penalty changed the moment. Then, in the second half, we chose to become more offensive and it is 2-0 too quickly. From that point on it was a difficult game.”

    It is now seven defeats from 14 games in all competitions this season but Ten Hag said he is confident his team is making progress.

    “The three games before we won and the spirit is very good,” Ten Hag said. “I think we are on the way up. The start was difficult but now we are on the way up. When injuries are getting back, we will be getting stronger. We have to be patient but I am happy with some injuries coming back and then our side will be stronger.”


    Later, Ten Hag reaffirmed his choice to relegate Raphaël Varane and Sergio Reguilón to the bench in favour of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf.

    He also defended his decision to substitute striker Rasmus Højlund during the second half, even though the substitution was met with loud jeers from the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.

    “I have to protect Rasmus Højlund and I have to protect the team,” Ten Hag added.

    “He is putting so much effort into pressing, going through the transitions, going the long way, and fighting a tough opposition.

    “He is not used to it—three games in a week—so I have to protect him and the team to bring some energy in. We have bench players Mason Mount and [Alejandro] Garnacho; we know he can change games.”

  • Barca not “disappointed” enough – Gündogan fumes after El Clásico loss

    Barca not “disappointed” enough – Gündogan fumes after El Clásico loss

    Ilkay Gündogan emphasised that Barcelona needs to exhibit more passion and determination, especially in high-stakes matches.

    This assessment came after their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

    Barcelona initially took the lead in the first half, with Gündogan himself scoring.

    However, Jude Bellingham’s two goals in the second half, including the decisive 92nd-minute winner, propelled Real Madrid back to the summit of LaLiga.

    They are now level on points with Girona and hold a four-point lead over Barcelona.

    Gündogan pointed out that Barcelona’s response to this defeat underscores the challenges they’ll encounter if they aspire to contend for the league title this season.

    “I have to be honest, not as much as I wish because I don’t want to say something wrong, but I was in the dressing room and of course people are disappointed,” the Germany midfielder told La Liga TV.

    “But especially after such a big game and a result that is so unnecessary, I wish for more frustration, more anger and more disappointment. This is a little bit of a problem.

    “There has to be more emotion, especially when you lose and when you know you can perform better and do better in certain situations and you just don’t react.

    “It transfers to the pitch at the end of the day. We need to make a huge step in that direction, because otherwise Real Madrid or even Girona are going to run away. I didn’t come here to lose this type of game or to let a gap create.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0u2vXI__Zg

    Gündogan, 33, joined Barça as a free agent in the summer from Manchester City on the back of winning the Treble with the Premier League side.

    Barça coach Xavi Hernández wanted to bring him in to add creativity in the final third, but also for his experience, and he accepts he has a big role to play in helping the team recover from losing to Madrid.

    “There is also a responsibility for myself, as a more experienced player, to not allow the squad to just let things happen,” he added. “No, we need resistance.”


    Defeat in El Clásico was Barça’s first in all competitions this season, although draws against Getafe, Mallorca and Granada meant they went into the weekend in third place in the table, behind Madrid and Girona.

    Gündogan’s goal had given Barça a deserved lead at the break.But after Fermín López and Iñigo Martínez hit the woodwork for the home side, Bellingham’s 12th and 13th goals of a spectacular season helped Los Blancos turn things around.

    Xavi felt the result was an unfair reflection of the game.

    “The summary of the game is very simple,” he said in his postmatch news conference. “We had 60 really good minutes and scored one goal. Madrid had 20 good minutes and scored twice.

    “But that’s football; if you don’t score the second… We need five or six [chances] to score a goal. With three, they score two. That’s football and that’s Madrid.”

  • It was difficult, but had to keep my word – Fluminense’s Andre on Liverpool snub

    It was difficult, but had to keep my word – Fluminense’s Andre on Liverpool snub

    Andre Trindade, at the age of 22, has played a pivotal role in Fluminense’s journey to the Copa Libertadores final.

    They are set to face Boca Juniors in the final match on Saturday.

    It’s worth noting that back in August, Liverpool made a €30 million offer for the Brazilian player, but it was rejected by his club.

    “I’ve never talked about it; the first time I’ll talk about it will be now,” Andre told Globo. “It really was a good proposal for the club, from a big league. I think every player one day dreams of playing for a big club in Europe, in a big league.

    “But I decided to keep my word because, when the January window closed, [Fluminense coach Fernando] Diniz arrived and told me that he wanted me here until the end of the year.

    “We didn’t know that a proposal of this value would arrive.

    “I told him that, regardless of what happened, I would be there until the end of the season. It was a very difficult decision to make.

    “I think that if I had accepted this proposal, I don’t know if I would feel 100% comfortable, because I had already agreed with coach Diniz. He really values words and honesty and always tells me that when we do the right things, good things always happen.

    “In January, he told me that without a doubt, if he stayed, I would play and my value would increase. I think you have to make the decision. Coming to the final, everyone will say now that I made the right decision. I think it was a very faithful gesture on my part to stay, try to get this title and try to help as much as possible.

    “Now I’m going to do everything to win this title. At the end of the year, I don’t know what will happen; many things could happen, but I’m sure that just having arrived here, knowing that it worked, that it was like this,

  • Dortmund actively pursuing PSG’s Zaire-Emery

    Dortmund actively pursuing PSG’s Zaire-Emery


    Borussia Dortmund has     shown interest in signing 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, as reported by Calciomercato.

    Several European clubs are closely monitoring the young talent, who has already featured in nine of PSG’s ten Ligue 1 matches this season.

    Both manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos are eager to prioritise contract negotiations with Zaire-Emery in the upcoming weeks, as his current deal is set to enter its final 18 months in January.

    Zaire-Emery made his professional debut for PSG in August 2022, earning the distinction of becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. His role has expanded this season as he shines in Luis Enrique’s revamped setup in the French capital.

    Notably, Zaire-Emery was linked with a move to Premier League side Manchester City last month.

    However, PSG is hopeful that potential suitors will withdraw their interest if an agreement is reached for a contract extension.

  • El Classico: Barca took the lead, but Bellingham drowned their hope! See highlights

    El Classico: Barca took the lead, but Bellingham drowned their hope! See highlights

    Jude Bellingham once again proved to be the game-changer, securing a come-from-behind victory for Real Madrid in the season’s first Clasico on Saturday.

    Bellingham, who has been in outstanding form since his summer move to Real Madrid, scored his first-ever Clasico goal.

    Despite Barcelona taking the lead in the first half with Ilkay Gundogan’s strike, Bellingham levelled the match in the 68th minute by beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen and firing a shot into the top corner.

    But Bellingham’s impact didn’t stop there.

    The midfielder struck again in the late stages of the game, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.

    This goal marked a significant milestone as Bellingham became the first Englishman to score in this iconic fixture since Michael Owen did so for Los Blancos in 2005 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    With 13 goals and three assists in just 13 games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Bellingham currently holds the top position as La Liga’s leading goalscorer.

    Real Madrid now enjoys a rare free midweek, allowing them to recuperate after a demanding schedule before they gear up to face Rayo Vallecano at home the following Sunday.

  • See all three of Eddie Nketiah’s goals for Arsenal in 5-0 win over Sheffield United

    See all three of Eddie Nketiah’s goals for Arsenal in 5-0 win over Sheffield United

    Arsenal striker, Eddie Nketiah, showcased his brilliance by securing his very first Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal continued their impressive performance, defeating Sheffield United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 28.

    Nketiah left a significant mark on the match.

    He initiated the scoring with a clever touch, capitalising on Declan Rice’s precise pass to exploit Sheffield United’s defence.

    The former England U-21 player extended Arsenal’s lead with a powerful strike that found the back of the net’s roof, leaving Paul Heckingbottom’s struggling team in a precarious position.

    This UK-born Ghanaian forward, who has already accumulated five league goals this season, had a spectacular afternoon, sealing it with a remarkable long-range shot from 25 yards out.

    It’s important to note that Nketiah remains eligible to represent Ghana, as his only appearance for England was in a friendly match.

    Nevertheless, considering his remarkable goal-scoring exploits, it may not be long before Nketiah secures a competitive England debut.

    Regrettably, fellow Ghanaian Thomas Partey was absent from the squad due to injury.

  • Shatta Wale, Jude Bellingham, others congratulate Eddie Nketiah after first PL hat-trick for Arsenal

    Shatta Wale, Jude Bellingham, others congratulate Eddie Nketiah after first PL hat-trick for Arsenal

    Prominent Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale joined a chorus of celebrated footballers in showering praise on Eddie Nketiah, an English footballer of Ghanaian descent, following his remarkable Premier League hat-trick on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

    In Arsenal’s resounding 5-0 triumph over Sheffield United, Eddie Nketiah emerged as the standout player, achieving a hat-trick with a display of various goal-scoring styles.

    For his first goal, Nketiah flawlessly received a precise pass from Declan Rice, exhibiting a perfect first touch before skillfully evading the Sheffield goalkeeper.

    The second goal saw the 24-year-old capitalise on a loose ball after an Arsenal corner, delivering a powerful strike into the top left corner of the net.

    The third goal was particularly exceptional, as Nketiah unleashed a thunderous shot into the goal from a pass by Emile-Smith Rowe.

    Arsenal’s two additional goals were contributed by Japanese fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu and Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira.

    Following this remarkable hat-trick, Shatta Wale took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Eddie Nketiah for this historic achievement. Shatta Wale’s tweet read: “Great things happen to great people – Congrats on your Hat-trick yesterday @EddieNketiah9 at the #Emirates Stadium. Nobody saw it coming.

    “For once, you’ve never doubted yourself, Charlie. You are born great; keep shining.”

    Eddie Nketiah’s Instagram page was inundated with congratulatory messages from former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, and Arsenal teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and David Raya, among others.

    This hat-trick is expected to bolster Eddie Nketiah’s confidence as he steps up for Arsenal in the wake of the injury to Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus.

    Nketiah’s remarkable hat-trick propelled Arsenal to a 5-0 victory, elevating them to second place in the Premier League table with 24 points after ten games.

    Up next for Eddie Nketiah and Arsenal is a Carabao Cup match against West Ham on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

    Despite making his England debut on October 14, 2023, Eddie Nketiah remains eligible to represent Ghana, as the match he played in was a friendly against Australia.

  • Jojo Wollacott makes a comeback for Hibernian after months of injury sideline

    Jojo Wollacott makes a comeback for Hibernian after months of injury sideline

    After a two-month hiatus, Black Stars’ goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott has successfully recovered and is now back in training, preparing for first-team action with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

    Wollacott sustained a hamstring injury in August while playing for Scottish club Hibernian during a Europa League match.

    Following a series of medical scans, it was determined that he would not be able to return to action before the start of the 2023–24 season, causing him to miss a total of 10 games.

    His return from injury is poised to provide a significant morale boost to his team, as he was an unused substitute in Hibernian’s recent 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on October 28.

    Wollacott’s most recent appearance for the Black Stars was in June against Madagascar.

    Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in Ghana’s crucial AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) and the team’s recent international friendly matches against Liberia, Mexico, and the USA.

    However, it’s reassuring to know that he is fully prepared to take up his position as the goalkeeper for the Black Stars as they embark on their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros in November.

    His return is eagerly anticipated and will be pivotal for the national team’s aspirations in the World Cup qualifiers.

  • Chelsea’s transfer decisions now under Pochettino’s control

    Chelsea’s transfer decisions now under Pochettino’s control

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has successfully secured the authority to make the final decisions on transfers, according to reports by The Independent.

    Following the Todd Boehly-led takeover, which occurred just over a year ago, Chelsea has spent over £1 billion on player acquisitions.

    This extensive spending has resulted in a large and somewhat disjointed squad.

    Pochettino expressed the desire to have control over the shaping of his squad to ensure it aligns with his tactical style.

    As per the report, any future transfer activities will be aimed at addressing specific gaps or bolstering the squad’s depth to match Pochettino’s tactical preferences.

    It will be a “collaborative process with the recruitment team, which includes co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields.”

  • Bayern Munich’s Neuer poised for comeback following skiing accident

    Bayern Munich’s Neuer poised for comeback following skiing accident

    Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, is set to make his return to the field after breaking his leg in a skiing accident last year, according to coach Thomas Tuchel.

    Neuer’s last match was during the World Cup in Qatar on December 1, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage. Shortly after, he suffered a lower leg fracture while on vacation.

    Bayern Munich had signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a backup for the injured Neuer last season but allowed him to join Inter Milan in the summer.

    Sven Ulreich, a long-serving reserve goalkeeper, has started in all but one of Bayern’s 13 games this season.

    Bayern currently occupies the third position in the Bundesliga, trailing the leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points, while promoted Darmstadt is positioned 12th.

    In addition to his return with Bayern, Neuer also faces a challenge to reclaim his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for the German national team ahead of next year’s European Championship.

    Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen has been the preferred choice for Germany in most games since Neuer’s injury.

  • Kwadwo Asamoah’s ‘respect for club and relationship’ made Juventus academy in Ghana a reality

    Kwadwo Asamoah’s ‘respect for club and relationship’ made Juventus academy in Ghana a reality

    Former Ghanaian international Kwadwo Asamoah has unveiled how he successfully enlisted the support of Italian Serie A club Juventus for the establishment of the SMAC Academy.

    Initially, Asamoah planned to collaborate with several clubs he had played for, but everything changed following a single phone call from Juventus club officials.

    He elaborated that he had shared the project concept with Juventus coach Maximiliano Allegri and the Juventus Team Manager during a phone call, and they readily agreed to come on board.

    Asamoah credits his deep-rooted relationship with and respect for the club as instrumental in securing Juventus’ endorsement for the initiative.

    Speaking at the opening of the Juventus Academy Ghana, Kwadwo Asamoah shared, “One day, Juventus coach Allegri and the team manager called me due to the relationship and respect I had for my club, coaches, and teammates. During our conversation, I told them about the project I was working on.”

    He continued, “They asked me why I hadn’t informed them earlier, and I explained that my colleague was already in touch with them. Since that day, I have handed everything over to my colleague, and it took us less than three weeks to bring Juventus on board. This demonstrates how a player’s relationship and respect within the club can have a positive impact.”


    The Juventus Academy Ghana was officially launched on October 27, 2023, and is located at the SMAC Sports Centre in Accra.

    This partnership was made possible through the joint efforts of former Juventus player Kwadwo Asamoah and Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone, the Italian Consulate to Ghana.

  • Muntari leads, Asamoah Gyan others in Ghanaian players in Serie A with the highest number of goals

    Muntari leads, Asamoah Gyan others in Ghanaian players in Serie A with the highest number of goals

    Over the years, Ghanaian footballers have left a notable mark on Serie A, with numerous players consistently finding the back of the net.

    Below is a compilation of the top five highest-scoring Ghanaians in the history of Serie A.

    Agyeman Badu and Asamoah Gyan: 11 goals

    In the Italian league, Agyemang Badu and Asamoah Gyan share the record for scoring 11 goals each.

    Badu had stints with Udinese and Hellas Verona, while Gyan plied his trade with Udinese and Modena.

    Kwadwo Asamoah: 12 goals

    This Ghanaian midfielder, who showcased his talents in Serie A, had tenures with Udinese, Juventus, and Inter Milan. Asamoah, known for his versatility and ability to perform on the wing or in the center of the field, netted 12 goals during his 204 appearances in the Italian top flight. His reputation was built on his exceptional work ethic and precise passing skills.

    Emmanuel Gyasi: 13 goals

    The Ghanaian striker who currently plays for Empoli played for Spezia and Sassuolo in Serie A. Gyasi has scored 13 goals in 101 appearances in the Italian top flight.

    Gyasi is a quick and skilful striker who is known for his finishing ability. He has also represented Ghana at the international level, scoring two goals in eight appearances.

    KP Boateng: 15 goals

    KP Boateng, another influential Ghanaian midfielder, left a significant mark in Serie A with 15 goals across 131 appearances for Milan, Genoa, and Fiorentina.

    His time in Italy was adorned with triumphs, as Boateng clinched the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia title, and the Supercoppa title. On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana, participating in two FIFA World Cups.

    Sulley Muntari – 29 goals


    Sulley Muntari holds the record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Serie A history, having notched an impressive 29 goals throughout his 206 appearances for Udinese, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Muntari, renowned for his versatility, was particularly noted for his thunderous shots and knack for scoring from long range.

    He was not only a force in club football but also a crucial figure for the Ghana national team, contributing to their journey to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

  • Another injury sidelines Partey for weeks – Mikel Arteta confirms

    Another injury sidelines Partey for weeks – Mikel Arteta confirms

    Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, has officially announced that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle injury he suffered.

    During Arsenal’s commendable 2-1 victory against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 24 in Spain, the Black Stars’ deputy captain was notably absent from the squad.

    This season, the defensive midfielder has participated in just five matches.

    Fortunately, with the arrival of English midfielder Declan Rice, Arsenal has been able to secure some wins, a departure from previous seasons.

    According to Arteta, he said, “He has got a muscle injury. We expect him to be out for a few weeks. He has more tests today. He picked it up in the last training session, the last kick on the ball before Sevilla”, according to Daily Telegraph reporter Sam Dean.


    Partey made a return from a previous injury to contribute to Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City just before the international break.

    While on international duty with the Ghana national team, he played a role in their 2-0 and 4-0 losses to Mexico and the United States in October.

    However, concerns about Partey’s injuries have left many football fans uncertain about his future with the club. Fans have called on Arteta to sell him and find a suitable replacement to fill his position.

    Currently, Partey, aged 30, is determined to work his way back into the team.

    Nonetheless, there are reports indicating that he will consider his options in the upcoming Christmas period if the situation remains unchanged.

  • Video: Didier Drogba confirms as presenter of men’s Ballon d’Or

    Video: Didier Drogba confirms as presenter of men’s Ballon d’Or

    Chelsea icon Didier Drogba is set to be the presenter of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is widely expected to claim the award once again.

    The exceptionally talented Argentine forward is on track to secure his eighth Golden Ball, an incredible achievement, during an extravagant ceremony scheduled for Monday in Paris.

    Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and has quickly made an impact in the United States after leaving European football to join Major League Soccer (MLS).

    Messi seems to be the favourite to outshine Manchester City’s striker, Erling Haaland, for the most prestigious individual accolade. Haaland, despite an impressive 2022–23 season with 52 goals and a treble win, is anticipated to fall short of claiming the title of the world’s best player.

    Haaland and Messi


    Former Chelsea striker Drogba has revealed that he will be given the honour of overseeing the handing over of the famous Ballon d’Or trophy, with the iconic Ivorian saying: “On Monday, we’re going to present the 67th ceremony of the Ballon d’Or France Football. And we are going to talk about the last two World Cups.

    “We’re going to talk about the treble of Manchester City. And amazing individual performances in men and women’s football as well. So I see you on Monday. You ready? Who’s going to be the next Ballon d’Or France Football?”


    While Messi is poised to claim the men’s award, it seems likely that the Ballon d’Or Féminin will be awarded to Aitana Bonmati. The 2023 World Cup champion is expected to emulate her Barcelona and Spain teammate, Alexia Putellas, as she is acknowledged as the top player in women’s football.

  • GFA Technical Director Bernhard Lippert quits, no longer at post – Sources

    GFA Technical Director Bernhard Lippert quits, no longer at post – Sources

    FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has stepped down from his position as the Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    As per reports from Angel FM, Bernhard Lippert has resigned from his role as the Technical Director of the Ghana FA.

    His exit comes after serving in the position for three years, having been appointed by the leadership of the Ghana FA, with President Kurt Okraku at the helm.

    “FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has been appointed as Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association for a period of two years,” an official statement from the GFA said at the time.

    The statement continued, “As Technical Director of the Ghana FA, he will head the Technical Directorate and formulate guidelines, strategies and policies for the training and technical development of coaches of Ghana football, to provide advice to the Executive Council on coaching and technical development matters in general and the supervision of national football team coaches, to which the Technical Director may be assigned by the Association.

    “Bernhard Lippert will be responsible for the strategy, development and technical direction of the Technical Directorate and the preparation and implementation of technical programmes at the grassroots, juvenile, and National Teams thereby preparing football coaches and footballers for the future.”

    Having spent three years in the role and overseeing several initiatives, it is now apparent that Bernhard Lippert has vacated his position.

    The Ghana FA has not issued an official statement regarding the reported departure.

  • Goldfields stadium: You are such a ‘disgrace’ – Jeffrey Asare slams government over revocation of $2 tax waiver

    Goldfields stadium: You are such a ‘disgrace’ – Jeffrey Asare slams government over revocation of $2 tax waiver

    Prominent sports journalist Jeffrey Asare has strongly criticised the government’s revocation of a tax waiver granted to Gold Fields Ghana for the construction of the TNA Stadium.

    According to a report from Sompa FM, the government has rescinded a $2 million tax waiver previously extended to the mining company for the redevelopment of the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.

    Sharing his perspective on the government’s decision, Asare emphasised that the government had not been compelled to offer the tax waiver initially. He argued that Gold Fields did not require the waiver because they were capable of financing the $16 million project on their own.

    “Why are you surprised? ” He asked the host. “Who said the government thinks about you? Government, you have disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything, even the Sunyani project you disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything significant at the Coronation Park. Even those that President Kufour built, you couldn’t maintain. Takoradi, Esipon, even that you couldn’t maintain,” he said on Sompa TV.

    “A company that respects the area it operates has built this. Wait, who even told them to go and make the promise? Who forced them? Nobody forced you… They were doing their thing and did not need your $2 million tax waiver.

    “With or without it, they would’ve done it anyway. If they have been able to raise $16 million, what is $2 million? Meanwhile, this would end up costing more than that because of how prices go up. They don’t need your tax waiver. Nobody requested it.”

    In 2020, Goldfields Ghana, the primary sponsor of Medeama, revealed its commitment to invest GH₵ 65 million, which was equivalent to $16 million in dollars at the time, for the renovation and improvement of Medeama’s TNA Stadium.

    “The ongoing upgrade of the TNA park, which is heavily funded by Goldfields Ghana Limited, has a construction cost of Ghc 65 million. The mining company is investing an enormous sum in the extensive development of TNA Park, which has operated over the years as the home for top league sides like Medeama SC.

    “The new stadium, with a capacity of 10,400 seats, would feature updated amenities as well as disabled access. When completed, the facility will also be used by colts and division one clubs in Tarkwa.”

    The stadium is 80% complete and is set to be ready for use in March 2024.

  • Onana not ‘offended’ by Alejandro ‘gorilla tweet’, defends teammate over racism row

    Onana not ‘offended’ by Alejandro ‘gorilla tweet’, defends teammate over racism row

    Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has come to the defense of his teammate Alejandro Garnacho regarding a tweet that was viewed as potentially racist.

    After Onana’s outstanding performance in Man United’s UEFA Champions League victory over Copenhagen, Garnacho posted a picture of Onana and included a caption featuring a Gorilla emoji while celebrating his heroics.

    Onana made a crucial save by stopping a 90th-minute penalty, preventing Copenhagen from scoring an equalizer, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Man United.

    The young Argentine forward deleted the tweet a short while later following criticism for the tweet that was perceived as having racial connotations.

    Onana, in reaction, stated he is not offended and that he fully understands the message behind Ganarcho’s post, which is ‘power and strength’.

    “People cannot choose what I should be offended by. I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power & strength. This matter should go no further,” he posted on Instagram.


    The Football Association (FA) is currently monitoring the situation and may consider taking action regarding the matter.

  • Juventus announces intention to open football academy in Ghana

    Juventus announces intention to open football academy in Ghana

    Serie A giants have established academies in more than 50 countries around the world, where they foster young talents.

    According to a post on the social media page of Juventus Academy Ghana, the inauguration of the academy is scheduled for October 27, 2023.

    On its website, the Juventus Academy further explains its purpose as one that aims to educate young players in every facet of the game.
    “The Juventus Academy project was born to bring Juventus’ colours, methods and values to as many kids as possible.

    “Present in over 50 countries and on every continent, it offers both the teaching and development of football skills and educational training, accompanying young players in their growth, from introduction to the game to maturity, and not exclusively within the sport.

    “All programs are available, regardless of the level of the participants, and the activities are based on respect for their mental and physical well-being. Fun is at the centre of all the proposed activities.”

    It added: “Qualified coaches based in Turin provide constant support to projects with periodic visits to ensure that the standards of the Juventus Academy project are upheld.”

    Juventus Academy in Ghana is set to be located at the SMAC Sports Centre in Accra.

  • See photos of ex-Black stars coach, Kwasi Appiah’s daughter’s marriage ceremony

    See photos of ex-Black stars coach, Kwasi Appiah’s daughter’s marriage ceremony

    Audrey and her long-time boyfriend consecrated their relationship on Thursday, October 26, 2023, and are now officially Mr. and Mrs.

    Various family members and well-wishers of the groom and bride attended the traditional wedding to show their support.

    A tweet by Asante Forkuo on Twitter announced the marriage, stating, “Coach Kwesi Appiah’s daughter Audrey had her traditional wedding today. Congratulations to her.”

    In the meantime, Kwasi Appiah has expressed his aspiration to create history by guiding the country to its maiden FIFA World Cup qualification.

    He also expressed his goals, which encompass creating a competitive team capable of qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Appiah commenced his tenure as Sudan’s head coach on a positive note, guiding them to a rare victory against Chad, marking their first win since March.

    The North African team secured a 1-0 victory over Chad in an international friendly held at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, in October.

    Kwasi Appiah at his daughter’s marriage

    Although Appiah’s spell as Sudan boss has been slightly destabilised by the turmoil in the country, the Ghanaian coach said he still hopes to achieve his targets, having been the first indigenous coach to lead Ghana to the World Cup in 2014.

    “The target I have been given is to build a team and ensure the team qualifies for the 2026 World Cup and the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    “The only challenge is that there is no ongoing league due to the ongoing war, which has forced them to operate from Saudi Arabia but I hope order and peace will be restored in the country,” Appiah told Asempa FM, as quoted by Ghanaweb.

  • Jole Cole unimpressed by Darwin Nunez’s form, scores finishing as a “C”

    Jole Cole unimpressed by Darwin Nunez’s form, scores finishing as a “C”

    Despite Darwin Nunez getting on the scoresheet in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory against Toulouse, Joe Cole believes that Nunez’s finishing skills are subpar, rating them as a “C.”

    The Uruguayan forward has been gradually realising his potential under Jurgen Klopp after a lacklustre debut season in England. With two goals in three Europa League appearances, Nunez appears to be finding his form.

    However, the 24-year-old is urged to be more clinical.

    In the match against the French team, he missed a chance for a brace when he hit the post instead of finding the net, even with an open goal in front of him after rounding goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.

    Nevertheless, Ryan Gravenberch capitalised on the rebound and scored, with Nunez providing the assist.

    While Klopp dismissed criticism of the striker, Cole remains unimpressed and believes that Nunez needs to work extensively on his finishing skills to enhance his overall performance.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN02rWbwaYE


    “I think it does [sum him up as a player] but I think that can be harsh on him because he’s got so much to his game,” Cole told TNT Sports.

    “He gets an A* in every part of his game, and his performance tonight was also fantastic but his finishing is a C at the moment, but that’s something he can work on.”


    Cole hopes that Liverpool will stand vindicated for the £64 million ($79 million) that they paid upfront to Benfica for Nunez and compared him to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who was a late-bloomer at Stamford Bridge.

    “It’s something (finishing) that often comes later on in strikers, something that they work on later, like Didier Drogba,” he stated.

    “When he arrived at Chelsea, he wasn’t as polished as when he became the legend he was so the Liverpool fans will be hoping Darwin Nunez can turn into that kind of striker, one who seizes those opportunities and gets better with age.”


    Nunez will be back in action on Sunday when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

  • What did Rawlings do for Ghana after killing people? Nothing! – Kofi Amoabeng

    What did Rawlings do for Ghana after killing people? Nothing! – Kofi Amoabeng

    Prominent businessman and the founder of the now-defunct UT Bank, Kofi Amoabeng, has voiced his opinion that former President Jerry John Rawlings missed a significant opportunity for the development of Ghana.

    He expressed the view that the first Ghanaian President of the 4th Republic did not sufficiently advance the country as required during his tenure.

    During an interview on Kingdom FM on Thursday, October 27, 2023, Kofi Amoabeng asserted that the late Jerry John Rawlings had the greatest chance to bring about transformative changes in Ghana, but, in his opinion, he fell short of doing so.

    Amoabeng went on to mention that the most notable achievement of the former president of Ghana was overseeing the country’s transition into the fourth republic.

    “…when Papa Jay came, what did he do for Ghana? After all the people he killed, what did he do for Ghana?

    “He didn’t do anything. What happened to us? But we had some stability, and he gave us the Fourth Republic,” he said.

    Kofi Amoabeng made these statements in response to suggestions that Kennedy Agyapong, a hopeful flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), might be an effective president for Ghana due to his perceived resemblance to the late Jerry John Rawlings.

    Amoabeng contested the notion that Ghana requires a ‘radical president’ to bring about transformation, emphasising that even during the era of Jerry Rawlings, substantial change did not materialise.

    Furthermore, Kofi Amoabeng recently criticised the performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. During an interview on TV3 in Accra, he expressed the view that the government had not executed sound economic planning.

    “Of course, if you fail with the planning and management of the finances of the country, you have failed.

    “So yes, [the Finance Minister] has failed; there is nothing too waste,” he said.

    In a different interview, Mr. Amoabeng alleged that the government collapsed Heritage Bank just for political reasons.

  • No statement, no medical attention—Barker Vormawor shares jail experience

    No statement, no medical attention—Barker Vormawor shares jail experience

    Lead convener of #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest movement in Ghana lawyer, has shared his experience during his arreston the first day of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse.


    The 3-day protest, which spanned from September 21 to 23, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, was organised by a group called Democracy Hub to draw attention to the economic hardship, cost of living, abuse of power, corruption, and poor infrastructure in the country.


    The protesters planned to picket at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, but were met with police resistance and brutality.


    Many protesters and journalists were arrested and detained by the police, who claimed that the demonstration was unlawful and violated the Public Order Act.


    During an appearance on Metro TV’s OneonOne Show hosted by Bridget Otoo, the lawyer mentioned that he was arrested and taken to a railway police station, which, unbeknownst to him, existed, following which he was isolated in a cell.


    He said his greatest worry was his health, as he hadn’t taken his hypertension medication yet at the time of his arrest but all calls to seek medical attention proved futile.


    “So in going in there, when I was first arrested and taken to the station, in the morning I hadn’t taken my BP medication so one of the things I said to them was that I was worried about that so how can I get access to a medical officer or even the medication? They said they couldn’t do anything and they had to hear from HQ”, he mentioned.


    According to Mr Barker Vormawor, all efforts to get the police to write the statement right after their arrest took quite a while until later, when they decided to do so.


    “Essentially, when we were arrested,one of the things I told them was that if you are arrested, I am your lawyer so then I was demanding them to represent everybody’s statement to be taken, even in terms of our devices and that took a long time before they started taking names”.


    Meanwhile, the group is planning a whole-month demonstration where the protesters will throng the streets of Accra for a month.

  • You owe Maguire ‘an apology’ – Tim Sherwood to Erik ten Hag after player’s revival

    You owe Maguire ‘an apology’ – Tim Sherwood to Erik ten Hag after player’s revival

    Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has acknowledged that he owes “an apology” to Harry Maguire in light of the center back’s recent resurgence.

    The English international has been gradually improving his form in a Red Devils’ shirt, showcasing impressive performances in recent matches.

    Maguire’s strong performance against Brentford was followed by an even more remarkable display against Copenhagen.

    He played a pivotal role by scoring the winning goal, which revived United’s hopes in the race to reach the Champions League last-16, following two consecutive defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

    Tim Sherwood commended Maguire for his resilience and determination to remain at United, even though it was apparent that he wasn’t initially in Ten Hag’s plans.

    Sherwood now believes that the Dutch manager should extend an apology to the defender for initially excluding him from his plans.


    “Maguire was getting shoved out the door and you could see that the manager was trying to edge him out but he didn’t want to leave. He probably looked around the dressing room, saw how flaky the other players in his position were and decided that he’d eventually get some minutes,” he told William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football.


    “As a manager, when you have a player like Maguire who wants to give everything for the cause and leave nothing on the pitch, you can deal with that. The problem is when people go hiding and they don’t want to leave the treatment room because they want to be at 110% for every game they play, but that is never going to happen. I think he will play a lot more now, and I think Erik ten Hag owes him an apology,” he added.


    The Old Trafford faithful was heard singing “his head’s f* massiiive, 1, 2, 3, 4”, a song Leicester fans affectionately penned for Maguire after he emerged as their hero on a Champions League night.

    “Sherwood believes that the chorus will only grow stronger and louder as the defender will get more minutes in the upcoming matches in the absence of first-choice centre-back Lisandro Martinez.


    “I think he’ll play a lot more football now because he’s made the manager realise it’s not all about superstars. Sometimes you need character, heart and personality to play at Old Trafford, and he has all of those. He might not be the greatest, but he’s certainly not the worst,” he said.

    “The fans appreciate and recognise that he wants to be back in action for United. You can always turn things around by showing heart and playing for the badge, and that is exactly what he has shown. All of a sudden, he can turn the fans around and if you do turn them around they’ll never forget that,” he added.


    Maguire will hope to get a start when United host Manchester City in the derby on Sunday at Old Trafford.

  • Man Utd- City clash to take off an hour earlier than initially planned

    Man Utd- City clash to take off an hour earlier than initially planned

    The Manchester derby is scheduled to commence at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, which is an hour earlier than the typical kick-off time. Normally, the later Premier League matches on Sunday start at 4:30 p.m.

    This change in the fixture’s date to October 29 and the adjustment in the start time were the outcomes of discussions with various stakeholders.

    Explaining the reason behind the alteration, United released a statement that read: “The derby with Manchester City will be staged towards the end of the month, with the Old Trafford encounter being moved to October 29, kicking off at 3.30 p.m.


    “The fixture, which we won 2-1 last season with Marcus Rashford netting a memorable winner, is to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.

    “The unusual start time was agreed upon following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”

    Both teams come into the match with a sense of assurance, having claimed victories in the midweek Champions League fixtures.

    Manchester United clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Manchester City emerged triumphant with a 3-1 victory over Young Boys.

    In the league standings, the Red Devils currently trail City by six places and six points, and they are determined to narrow that gap with a victory at Old Trafford.

    In the previous season, they secured a win in this fixture, with Marcus Rashford scoring the crucial goal.

  • Newcastle hasn’t received confirmation of Sandro Tonali ban – Eddie Howe says

    Newcastle hasn’t received confirmation of Sandro Tonali ban – Eddie Howe says


    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, aged 45, expressed that there is a “high chance” that Sandro Tonali, aged 23, could participate in Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolves, despite the 10-month ban imposed by Italian authorities due to gambling.

    The Italian football federation disclosed on Thursday that the international midfielder had received a suspension extending into the next season as a result of an investigation into unlawful betting.

    However, it’s important to note that the ban is still pending formal approval from the governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA.

    Asked for his reaction on Friday, Howe said: “It’s a difficult one because we haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet.

    “We’ve heard the news, the statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re in limbo, really, waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”

    Asked further if there was a chance he could yet play for Wolves, Howe added: “Yes, I think there’s a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see.”

    Tonali’s agent has said his client, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July, has a gambling addiction.

    He came on as a substitute in Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

  • Gary Lineker suggests striking position for ‘versatile’ Jude Bellingham

    Gary Lineker suggests striking position for ‘versatile’ Jude Bellingham

    Jude Bellingham has been in impressive goal-scoring form for Real Madrid, leading Gary Lineker to envision the versatile 20-year-old taking on a striker role in the future.

    Bellingham’s reputation has primarily been built as a midfielder, where he has showcased his work ethic, passing ability, and knack for finding the back of the net while playing in a deep-lying position.

    However, he has also displayed his creativity when deployed as a No. 10, and there are suggestions he could move even further up the field in the coming years.

    With 11 goals in 12 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, Bellingham is making a strong case to be utilised as a forward.

    The Liga giants have occasionally employed him as a ‘false nine,’ and Lineker believes the immensely talented young player can excel in any role he is assigned.

    Ex-England striker Lineker has told The Sun ahead of seeing his former club Barcelona take on Bellingham and Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday: “The way he has started at Real gives Gareth Southgate a great option.

    “If something happens to Harry Kane, or after he is finished because Harry is now 30, Jude could play at centre-forward, as a false nine, if you like.

    “He is now scoring poacher’s goals. He’s even doing the ‘easy’ bits that I used to do! He has been playing as a No. 10 for England in his last few games. He can play in a deeper role as a No. 8; he is probably the most complete English footballer I’ve ever seen and he’s only 20. No one knows what Jude’s best position is because he is so good in several roles but I could see him playing up front for England.”


    Bellingham, with 27     international caps for the England national team, has managed to score just two goals for his country. As England starts preparing for another opportunity to compete for a major championship next summer at Euro 2024, he will likely aim to increase his goal-scoring record.

  • “Very mature” – Trent Arnold eulogises Luke Chambers after impressive debut display

    “Very mature” – Trent Arnold eulogises Luke Chambers after impressive debut display

    Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed admiration for the “amazing” Luke Chambers after the Liverpool academy graduate made his full debut for the Reds in a Europa League match against Toulouse at Anfield.

    In a commanding performance, Liverpool secured a 5-1 victory with goals from five different players.

    Manager Jurgen Klopp opted to rest some regular starters for this European fixture, granting Chambers an opportunity to showcase his skills at left-back.

    The young player seized this chance and delivered an impressive performance, increasing the pressure on Klopp to provide him with more opportunities in the future.

    Alexander-Arnold, himself a product of Liverpool’s youth system, was delighted to witness another academy talent thrive on the grand stage and commended Chambers for his display.

    “I’ve seen it was seven years yesterday since my debut,” Alexander-Arnold told TNT Sports post-match. “And I still know exactly how it feels. That excitement you’ve worked so hard for

    He’s put in all the hard work, he’s shown himself, and he’s been outstanding every time.

    “He’s been in and around the team on and off the pitch, and he plays amazing football. It’s amazing to see him out there, and he’s a really amazing player and he has great potential. I’m sure he and his family will have a great night because it’s one he’ll never forget. He put in an amazing performance out there, was very mature, and contributed to a big win for us.”


    An injury to Andrew Robertson could pave the way for more minutes for Chambers. The defender revealed that it was a dream come true for him, as he has been a lifelong Liverpool fan.

    “I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was six years old,” the 19-year-old said.

    “And a win as well. I’m lost for words. I found out yesterday and had a little bit of time with my family at night and a bit of reality this morning when I woke up. But I loved every minute of it.”


    Chambers will hope to retain his place in the starting XI when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League.

  • Why is Marcus Rashford still untouchable?! Man Utd forward must be dropped from Erik ten Hag’s line-up after abysmal start to the season

    The England international is clearly holding the Red Devils back right now and no longer deserves to be an automatic starter
    Erik ten Hag probably feels a debt of gratitude towards Marcus Rashford, which is understandable.

    The Manchester United forward made sure that the Dutchman’s debut season in the Old Trafford dugout was a successful one by scoring 32 goals across all competitions, as he finally seemed to have come of age.


    With the help of first-team strikers’ coach Benni McCarthy, whom Ten Hag hired a month after his own arrival at United, Rashford added a clinical edge to his game that had previously been lacking due to his erratic decision-making in the final third.

    More often than not, he was taking his chances and playing the right passes, which helped United clinch a top-four finish and their first trophy in five years in the form of the Carabao Cup.

    Rashford earned the right to be the first name on Ten Hag’s teamsheet, and deserved all of the praise that came his way.
    But just 12 games into the 2023–24 campaign, Rashford has used up all of the credit he had in the bank. Ten Hag has started the 25-year-old in all but one of United’s fixtures – the third-round Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace—and he’s only managed to score once.


    Rashford is currently enduring an eight-match barren run in front of goal at club level, with his latest ineffective display coming against Copenhagen in the Champions League. United scraped a 1-0 victory in spite of Rashford’s presence, as he seemed to be doing his best to squander almost every promising attack while shirking his defensive duties.

    Still, Ten Hag kept him on for the full 90 minutes.

    Rashford still enjoys the manager’s full faith because of his exploits last season, but Ten Hag is wrong to blindly trust that his star man will eventually return to form.


    Rashford’s composed finishing was a joy to behold last season, as he scored some brilliant goals from a variety of angles, but he’s regressed dramatically in that department in recent months.

    The United Academy graduate is still taking plenty of shots but has a shooting accuracy of just 38.9 percent in the Premier League, which puts him way behind the top marksmen for 2023–24 so far.

    The fact that Rashford is missing the target so often suggests he is rushing his execution and attempting to score from unrealistic positions. His wastefulness in possession must also be a great source of frustration for his teammates.

    Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has the most reason to complain, having only scored three times since his £72 million ($87 million) switch from Atalanta, despite making a hatful of intelligent runs and getting into great positions. His output would undoubtedly be better if Rashford was playing with his head up and putting a few crosses into the box.

    United have struggled to string passing sequences together in general this term, and Rashford must shoulder most of the responsibility for that. He is misplacing simple passes and running down blind alleys week in, week out.

    Rashford can be anonymous for lengthy periods, too, and he doesn’t do nearly enough to aid the team’s press when out of possession. Supporters have every right to demand a lot more from a man who is now into his ninth year of senior football at Old Trafford.

  • Sandro Tonali stands the chance of featuring in Newcastle-Wolves clash despite 10-month ban

    Sandro Tonali stands the chance of featuring in Newcastle-Wolves clash despite 10-month ban

    Sandro Tonali has been handed a 10-month ban for violating betting regulations in Italy, which would typically rule him out for the rest of the 2023–24 Premier League season and Euro 2024.

    However, the suspension is still pending final approval, keeping Tonali eligible to play until it is officially ratified.

    This approval process might conclude before Newcastle’s match against Wolves on Saturday, and as of now, the 23-year-old midfielder is still part of Eddie Howe’s plans.


    Magpies boss Howe told reporters prior to receiving confirmation of Tonali’s ban: “We’ve not had official confirmation as a football club.

    We’ve not had anything from the Italian authorities so we are waiting for that official confirmation to come through. There’s a high chance he could be available for us. A few things need to happen before the ban is imposed so let’s see. You saw from the Dortmund game he did very well. He’s been bright and he’s trained.

    “The only way I can judge him is on that. He’s been good around the group and the training ground. From how I can see, he’s handling himself in the right way.

    “I think I said in the press conference the other day that I can’t work with hindsight. We didn’t know this was even a possibility. There’s a frustration that we won’t have him now, as I liked him as a footballer.”


    Tonali made a high-profile move to Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer transfer window for a fee of £55 million ($67 million).

    Despite having only played in 12 matches this season, he is now expected to remain unavailable for competitive matches until August 2024.

    However, he will retain the ability to train with his Newcastle teammates and participate in any friendly matches.

  • Virgil van Dijk to get new partner as Liverpool pursues Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio

    Virgil van Dijk to get new partner as Liverpool pursues Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio


    Liverpool is reportedly leading     the race to acquire the services of Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, with a price tag of €49 million (£43 million or $52 million).

    The Portuguese defender has drawn the attention of several Premier League giants due to his consistent performances in the Primeira Liga.

    It was previously reported that Liverpool had inquired about Inacio during the summer, as they are actively seeking long-term replacements for the aging Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.

    Manchester United had also shown interest, but their pursuit was halted as Harry Maguire remained at Old Trafford.

    As per Sport Bild, Manchester United has withdrawn from the competition, making Liverpool the front-runners.

    Jurgen Klopp holds Inacio in high regard and views him as the preferred choice to bolster the defense.

    Inacio, a left-footed player, exhibits composure with the ball at his feet and is seen as a potential successor to Van Dijk, aligning with Liverpool’s long-term plans.

    Liverpool recently dispatched scouts to observe Inacio’s performance while representing Portugal against Bosnia, alongside experienced center-back Ruben Dias.

    The match proved relatively uneventful for Inacio, as his team secured a dominant victory, with all five goals scored in the first half.

    Inacio’s contract with Sporting is valid until 2027, but his €49 million release clause may tempt Liverpool to make a move.

    Liverpool is scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, while Inacio’s Sporting will take on Boavista in a league encounter a day later.

  • Just after 4 months? Saudi side Al-Qadsiah sacks Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler

    Just after 4 months? Saudi side Al-Qadsiah sacks Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler

    Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been unexpectedly dismissed from his position as the head coach of Al-Qadsiah, even though the team was performing well, securing the second spot in the league.

    Fowler’s tenure lasted only four months, during which the team achieved six wins and two draws in the opening eight matches.

    Remarkably, Fowler was honoured with the Manager of the Month award for his team’s impressive performance in September.

    This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the team’s strong showing.

    The team’s sole significant setback came in the King Cup of Champions, when they were defeated 2-0 by Al-Taawoun, a Saudi Pro League team.

    Replacing the Liverpool legend, Al-Qadsiah has brought in former Sevilla manager and Real Madrid great Michel Gonzalez.

    This marks his fourth managerial stint, having previously coached teams like Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar, and East Bengal.

    Al-Qadsiah put out a statement announcing their decision that read: “Al-Qadsiah FC terminates its contractual relationship with coach Robbie Fowler.

    We thank the coach for what he provided during the contractual period with the team.”

  • Black Queens coach remains optimistic in team’s unbeaten nature ahead of Benin game

    Black Queens coach remains optimistic in team’s unbeaten nature ahead of Benin game

    Nora Hauptle, who serves as the head coach of the Black Queens, is underscoring the significance of maintaining the team’s excellent performance during her tenure.

    Since taking on the role in February, the Ghana women’s national team has achieved an impressive record, playing seven games, scoring 26 goals, and not conceding any.

    During a media briefing ahead of the second round of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers against Benin, Hauptle conveyed her determination to sustain this positive momentum when they take the field this Friday.

    She also expressed her contentment with the team’s diligent preparations in anticipation of the upcoming match.

    “We’ve arrived in Benin well for the second Olympic round qualifier, and we are still on our mission, Volta,” Nora said.

    “We are still unbeaten and have not conceded any goals; we want to continue this way.

    “We’ve worked hard this week, first of all on our values. It is all about defending well, our unity and our determination.”


    The initial match is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, October 27, in Benin, while the return fixture will take place in Ghana four days later.

  • Dreams FC’s John Antwi poised for a Black Stars call up

    Dreams FC’s John Antwi poised for a Black Stars call up

    Dreams FC striker John Antwi has expressed his eagerness to respond to any invitation to join the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team.

    After returning to the Ghana Premier League during the last transfer window, Antwi, formerly associated with Al Ahly and Pyramids, has rapidly become a standout performer for Dreams FC.

    His contributions played a crucial role in helping Dreams FC secure a historic qualification to the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup.

    Despite his prior commendable performances, Antwi’s last call-up to the national team was in 2017 and 2020 for World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.

    Since his debut, the seasoned striker has only made two appearances for the Black Stars.

    Nevertheless, at the age of 31, he has openly expressed his willingness to represent his country once more, showing his ongoing commitment to international duty.

    “I will leave that to the technical team. They are monitoring every player around the world and if they deem it fit that I am qualified and fit to join the team and they give me a call-up, why not? I am ever ready to join the team,” he said.

  • Messi’s Chinese fans left disappointed over venue change and ticket sale

    Messi’s Chinese fans left disappointed over venue change and ticket sale

    The eagerly anticipated tour of Inter Miami, featuring the iconic Lionel Messi, to China has already encountered turmoil even before it commences.

    Soccer enthusiasts across Asia were thrilled at the prospect of witnessing the legendary Messi’s presence once again, especially following what is anticipated to be his eighth Ballon d’Or win in 2023.

    The Argentine icon is poised to add another Golden Ball to his collection during the glamorous ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris.

    Shortly after this prestigious event, Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Inter Miami had plans to embark on a tour to China, where they were slated to play a series of friendly matches.

    Originally, their itinerary included a match against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5, followed by a game against Chengdu Rongcheng three days later.

    According to the South China Morning Post, the second of those fixtures has been cancelled, with “various reasons” being cited for the late change in plans.

    Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi expected to be a part of their travel contingent, are still scheduled to compete against Qingdao.

    Nevertheless, there have been adjustments made to the schedule, relocating the match from the initially planned 50,000-seat Qingdao Youth Football Stadium to the 41,500-capacity Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou.

    There have been conflicting statements from event organisers regarding the ticket sale date, and now there is only one game for fans to look forward to.

    This has left disgruntled supporters expressing their discontent on social media, as their initial feelings of joy and anticipation have turned into frustration and bewilderment.

  • Lukaku, Bove balls Roma past Slavia Prague in Europa League roundup

    Lukaku, Bove balls Roma past Slavia Prague in Europa League roundup

    Roma continued their flawless performance in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage, securing a relatively comfortable victory against Slavia Prague with two early goals.

    The atmosphere before the match was charged with the bitter memories of a heart-wrenching extra-time defeat to Jiri Vavra’s goal in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup.

    However, Roma’s current squad wasted no time seeking revenge.

    In the very first minute, Stephan El Shaarawy set up Edoardo Bove, who unleashed a remarkable long-range shot into the far corner of Ales Mandous’ net, making it Bove’s third consecutive opening goal.

    La Lupa’s dream started to improve further in the 17th minute.

    Slavia mistake allowed Roma to initiate an attack from the back.

    El Shaarawy, with his quick thinking, played a clever pass to put Romelu Lukaku through the defensive lines. Lukaku, with his powerful prowess, charged towards the goal and slotted the ball into the net at the near post with his left foot, maintaining his perfect scoring record in the UEL group stage.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln90VtL4YTQ

    Lukaku continued to trouble Slavia throughout the first half, although the Czech team was fortunate to trail only 2-0 at halftime, with a low shot from Mick van Buren narrowly deflected wide by Mile Svilar.

    While the second half didn’t see a repetition of Roma’s explosive start, both teams maintained a consistent passing tempo. El Shaarawy struck the crossbar after a pass from Zeki Celik, while Slavia’s Ivan Schranz missed a chance to score, which was their best opportunity until that point.

    With one eye perhaps focused on their upcoming challenging match against Inter Milan, Roma seemed content to allow Slavia more possession, limiting the Czech team to long-range attempts.

    In reality, there was little doubt about Roma’s third consecutive victory in the UEL group stage, marking their sixth consecutive win overall.

    Their impeccable home record against Czech teams remained unblemished. Despite their early mistakes, Slavia is still comfortably positioned in second place, with a five-point lead, as Servette and Sheriff Tiraspol played to a 1-1 draw in another match.

  • Saudi team intensifies its pursuit of De Bruyne

    Saudi team intensifies its pursuit of De Bruyne

    The future of Kevin De Bruyne continues to be a topic of speculation, as per reports from Football Insider.

    Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly poised to take action.

    Currently, the 32-year-old midfielder has 18 months left on his contract with Manchester City.

    However, his season has been marred by a significant hamstring injury, which has limited his playing time.

    This situation has led to the conjecture that Manchester City might consider parting ways with De Bruyne, and a move to Saudi Arabia appears to be the most financially beneficial option for both the player and the club.

    The report further suggests that there have been preliminary discussions with the Belgian international about a potential move next summer.

  • Sancho likely to exit Man Utd for Saudi, amid Dortmunds financial constraints

    Sancho likely to exit Man Utd for Saudi, amid Dortmunds financial constraints

    The most probable exit route for winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United now appears to be through Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Athletic.

    Borussia Dortmund, the club where Sancho developed before his move to Manchester United, currently faces financial constraints that prevent them from reacquiring the player.

    At just 23 years old, Sancho seems destined to leave Old Trafford in January due to a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, primarily concerning his behaviour during training sessions.

    This dispute has resulted in Sancho’s exclusion from the first-team squad, and he hasn’t made an appearance for Manchester United since August.

    Despite not living up to expectations at United following his £73 million transfer from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has garnered interest from various European clubs.

    However, his high wages pose a significant obstacle.

    Initial sources from ESPN suggested that Dortmund was keen on bringing Sancho back to the club.

    However, they reportedly cannot match his substantial £200,000-a-week salary, making a move to Saudi Arabia the most feasible option for the English international.

    While a move to Saudi Arabia was strongly rumoured at the end of the summer transfer window, it never materialised.

    Nevertheless, it is expected that Saudi clubs will pursue Sancho in January, as such a deal would likely benefit all parties involved.

    Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag faced difficulties in securing several of his desired signings in the summer, largely due to the inability to offload surplus squad players.

    Thus, he is likely motivated to facilitate Sancho’s departure, which would free up funds for Manchester United to pursue their own targets in the upcoming transfer window.

    It’s worth noting that Juventus has also been linked with an interest in the winger.

  • GoldFields gives breakdown of US$16 million T and A Stadium under construction for Medeama SC

    GoldFields gives breakdown of US$16 million T and A Stadium under construction for Medeama SC

    The Goldfields Ghana Foundation has recently unveiled an impressive $13 million investment plan for the development of the T and A Stadium, which is poised to become the new home ground for Medeama SC, a notable football club.

    In a remarkable move, the mining company has taken on the responsibility of constructing this stadium, which is designed to comfortably host a crowd of up to 10,400 enthusiastic spectators.

    This strategic initiative has been spurred by Medeama’s recent achievement in successfully qualifying for the group stage of the prestigious CAF Champions League, showcasing their growing prominence in the African football scene.

    Notably, earlier this month, Medeama publicly acknowledged receiving communication from Goldfields Ghana regarding the finalisation of their sponsorship agreement.

    While the company has not officially refuted this information, they have now offered an update on the ongoing progress of the stadium’s construction, further cementing their commitment to this promising partnership.

    According to a statement from the company, “The Foundation has so far invested over US$13 million in the stadium, out of a budgeted US$16 million, and this has proven to be one of the high-cost ticket items it has funded besides the Tarkwa to Damang asphalted road.”

    Additionally, Goldfields Ghana has allocated an amount of US$100,000 to support the Tarkwa-based club in its advertising efforts.

    “The advertising package, which covers various areas including jersey and bus branding, is for a period of one year, 2023-2024,” the statement further specified.