Otto Addo Aims High with Ghana’s “Young Squad”

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Otto Addo

Otto Addo, who returned as Ghana’s national football team coach in March, has expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the potential of its young players. After leading Ghana to their first FIFA World Cup™ in eight years, despite a disappointing performance, Addo was appointed to replace Chris Hughton following a challenging AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaign.

In an interview with FIFA, Addo discussed his return to coaching, the team’s recent successes, and the exciting new talent emerging in Ghanaian football.

Reflecting on His Return: “It’s a good feeling! I knew most of the boys from the last World Cup, but it’s also good to see new Ghanaian talents coming up. It’s very interesting to work with them, so it’s been good seeing them,” said Otto Addo.

Challenges and Opportunities: Comparing the current squad to the one that competed in Qatar, Addo noted the youthfulness of the team and the potential for growth. “We have a lot of young guys that need to get experience. This squad can get there, but they’re not there yet, and I’m trying to help them to get there,” he explained.

Recent Performances: Ghana started their recent qualifiers with victories against Mali and the Central African Republic. “It’s always difficult at the national level because the boys come from all parts of the world, from different cultures with different philosophies and ideas,” Addo commented on their performance.

Looking Ahead: With upcoming qualifiers against Chad and Comoros in March 2025, Addo emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. “We have to develop because it’s going to be very tough again. I’m hoping that we can use the upcoming matches to connect and get even better,” he said.

Balancing Goals: “I told the players that we do have a big goal, but it’s very, very important for us to think about each match,” Addo emphasized the importance of focusing on immediate challenges while aiming for long-term success.

Favorite World Cup Memory: For Addo, his fondest World Cup memory dates back to 1986 when he witnessed Diego Maradona’s iconic performances. “To see Maradona play on TV, the way he played, and that one man can be so decisive was unbelievable,” he reminisced.

Otto Addo’s return has sparked optimism among Ghanaian football fans, who hope to see their team reach new heights under his guidanceSou

Source: FIFA.com

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Qualifying Groups Announced

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifiers was held in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Forty-eight African countries will vie for a spot in the 35th edition of the biennial African showpiece, aiming to dethrone coach Emerse Faé’s Côte d’Ivoire as continental kings. Faé, alongside Moroccan legend Marouane Chamakh, assisted with the draw and saw his side placed in a challenging group as they bid to defend their title.

Côte d’Ivoire, the defending champions after their 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan earlier this year, were placed in Group G alongside former champions Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Chad

Hosts Morocco were placed in Group B, set to face Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Lesotho. With the assurance of participating as hosts, Morocco will approach this qualifying campaign with less pressure.

The qualifiers will commence in September 2024 and conclude in November 2024. The top two teams from each of the eleven groups, excluding the hosts’ group, will qualify for the competition.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON is Africa’s premier sporting event, and the next championship will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

Groups:

Group A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, Gambia
Group B: Morocco, Gabon, Central African Republic, Lesotho
Group C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana
Group D: Nigeria, Benin, Libya, Rwanda
Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia
Group F: Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger
Group G: Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad
Group H: DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Group I: Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini
Group J: Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe
Group K: South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan
Group L: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi

UEFA Euro 2024 Quarterfinals: Teams, Schedule, and Key Matches

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Credit: Behance

Euro 2024 has reached the exciting quarterfinal stage after a thrilling round of 16 that saw top teams like Italy and Belgium exit the competition. Here’s a roundup of what to expect in the upcoming matches:

Qualified Teams:

Germany
Spain
England
France
Portugal
Turkey
Switzerland
Netherlands

Teams to Watch:
Spain enters the quarterfinals with a perfect record, having scored nine goals in four matches. Hosts Germany have been dominant, scoring 10 goals and remaining unbeaten. Turkey emerges as the dark horse after eliminating Austria in the round of 16.

Quarterfinal Matches Schedule:

Spain vs Germany: Friday, 6pm (16:00 GMT) at Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart
Portugal vs France: Friday, 9pm (19:00 GMT) at Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
England vs Switzerland: Saturday, 6pm (16:00 GMT) at Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf
Netherlands vs Turkey: Saturday, 9pm (19:00 GMT) at Olympiastadion, Berlin

Knockout Stage Dates:                         Semifinal 1: July 9 in Munich
Semifinal 2: July 10 in Dortmund
Final: July 14 in Berlin

Jamal Musiala from Germany
Morata from spain

Tournament Format:
In case of a draw after regular time, matches will proceed to extra time and potentially penalties to determine the winner.

Top Scorers:
Leading goal scorers include Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Jamal Musiala (Germany), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), and Ivan Schranz (Slovakia), each with three goals.

Suspended Players:
Marc Guehi (England), Adrien Rabiot (France), Orkun Kokcu, and Ismail Yuksek (Turkey) will miss the quarterfinals due to suspensions.

Head-to-Head Records:

Spain vs Germany: 8 wins for Spain, 9 wins for Germany, 9 draws
Portugal vs France: 6 wins for Portugal, 19 wins for France, 3 draws
England vs Switzerland: 18 wins for England, 3 wins for Switzerland, 6 draws
Netherlands vs Turkey: 6 wins for the Netherlands, 4 wins for Turkey, 4 draws
Team Paths to Quarterfinals:
Each team’s journey through the group stages and round of 16 is detailed, highlighting their key matches and performances.

Euro 2024 continues to captivate football fans across Europe with high-stakes matches and intense competition as teams vie for continental glory.

Plymouth Argyle Secure Season-Long Loans for Gyabi and Tijani

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Plymouth Argyle has bolstered its squad with the signings of midfielder Darko Gyabi and forward Muhamed Tijani on season-long loan deals.

Darko Gyabi, 20, returns to Argyle for a second loan spell after impressing during his initial stint from Leeds United earlier this year. The midfielder made a significant impact with 10 appearances before a groin injury in March cut short his season, requiring him to return to Leeds.

Manager Wayne Rooney expressed his satisfaction with Gyabi’s return, citing his strong attributes on the ball, athleticism, and suitability for the team’s playing style.

“I heard really good reports about Darko from his time with Argyle last season,” Rooney commented. “He fits the profile of midfielder I like to have within the squad.”

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Muhamed Tijani joins from Czech side Slavia Prague, with the possibility of a permanent move at the end of his loan spell. Rooney highlighted Tijani’s versatility and ability to enhance Plymouth’s attacking options.

“Muhamed joining further strengthens our forward line,” Rooney said. “He is big, athletic, and brings experience from playing and scoring in the Europa League. He’s young and eager to develop, which aligns well with our ambitions.”

Both players are set to play integral roles as Plymouth prepares for the upcoming season under Rooney’s leadership, aiming to make significant strides in their campaign.

Standard de Liège Signs Grejohn Kyei to a 3-Year Contract

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Grejohn Kyei

Standard de Liège has secured the services of Grejohn Kyei, with the French striker signing a lucrative 3-year deal with the Belgian club. Born on August 12, 1995, in Gonesse, Kyei brings a wealth of experience from his career across various European leagues.

Kyei began his professional journey in 2015 with Stade de Reims, where he showcased his talent over 84 matches, scoring 18 goals and providing 5 assists. His promising performances led to a loan spell at Racing Club de Lens during the 2018-2019 season, where he contributed 5 goals and 2 assists in 24 appearances.

In 2019, Kyei made a move to Switzerland’s Servette FC, where he continued to impress over 82 matches, scoring 25 goals and assisting 12 times. His success in Switzerland earned him a transfer back to France in 2022, joining Clermont Foot, where he made 79 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists.

Now, at 28 years old, Kyei embarks on a new chapter with Standard de Liège, aiming to contribute significantly to the club’s ambitions in the upcoming seasons. His versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him a valuable addition to Standard’s squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead in both domestic and European competitions.

Juca Antonello dismisses the search for culprits at Athletico but admits Léo Linck’s “Mistake.”

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Interim coach Juca Antonello of Athletico disapproved of the team’s performance on Wednesday night against São Paulo at Ligga Arena. The coach admitted that the performance was below par and avoided pointing fingers in the team’s 2-1 defeat.

Athletico fell behind and sought the equalizer. In the second half, Calleri scored the winning goal for the São Paulo team. In the interim coach’s assessment, the team improved after the break, but the accumulation of games hindered the performance—players like Mastriani, Nikão, and Cuello are out due to medical orders.

“We had some difficulties in the first half, they controlled well, but after the break, we managed to be a bit more aggressive, we improved. We lacked clarity in some moments of our actions. The accumulation of games disrupts a lot; the fatigue doesn’t allow you to take actions with as much energy as if you were well-rested. Several players were fatigued; today, we couldn’t count on some due to injuries. The idea is to have everyone with energy in every game, but some problems are getting in the way. But we have to focus on solutions starting tomorrow,” he said.

Police Ladies Advance in Women’s FA Cup After Victory Against Ampem Darkoa Ladies

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Police Ladies continued their impressive journey in the Women’s FA Cup by defeating holders Ampem Darkoa Ladies 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final match on Sunday, March 31st.

The match began with Juanita Aguadze giving Police Ladies an early lead, finding the net in the eighth minute. However, Ampem Darkoa Ladies responded with determination, equalizing through Latifa Abesik in the 52nd minute.

Despite the momentum shift, Police Ladies demonstrated resilience, reclaiming the lead with a goal from substitute Sophia Mabena Agyaakwa in the 57th minute. Ampem Darkoa Ladies were awarded a late penalty opportunity to level the score, but they failed to capitalize, securing Police Ladies’ well-deserved victory.

Police Ladies will now face Supreme Ladies in the semi-finals, who secured their spot after a penalty shootout victory against Nasara Ladies following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

In another compelling match at the Auntie Aku AstroTurf, Division One League side Epiphany Warriors emerged victorious against Jonina FC with a 2-1 win. Sonia Opoku opened the scoring for the Warriors in the 61st minute, followed by Leticia Adjei’s dramatic goal in the 112th minute of extra time. Jonina FC managed to pull one back through Eunice Kpentey’s penalty in the 85th minute, but it was not enough.

The Epiphany Warriors, the only Division One League team remaining in the tournament, now face the formidable challenge of Army Ladies in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.

MultiChoice SuperSport Reverses Decision, Secures AFCON 2023 Broadcasting Rights

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

In a surprising turn of events, MultiChoice SuperSport has reversed its decision and will now broadcast all 52 matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) live. Just a week ago, SuperSport had sent shockwaves through the continent by announcing it wouldn’t be broadcasting the prestigious tournament scheduled for January 13th to February 11th, 2024, in Ivory Coast.

In a U-turn, MultiChoice, the parent company of SuperSport, secured the broadcasting rights in collaboration with New World TV (NWTV), ensuring that football fanatics across Africa can enjoy every electrifying moment of the tournament.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, expressed delight, stating, “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of African football live to our viewers.” Nimonka Kolani, Managing Director of NWTV, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing happiness to African fans during the continent’s premier football competition.

DStv and GOtv subscribers across Africa can now cheer for their favorite teams, and Ghanaian fans can also enjoy the action on free-to-air channels such as GTV, GTV Sports Plus, and pay television broadcaster Startimes. The reversal ensures that football enthusiasts will have access to comprehensive coverage of AFCON 2023, adding excitement and anticipation to the upcoming tournament.

TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

As the much-anticipated TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 approaches, football enthusiasts are gearing up for a month-long spectacle of intense competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the 34th edition of Africa’s premier sporting event:

Hosts and Opening Match:

– Host Country: Côte d’Ivoire

– Opening Match: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau

– Date and Venue: Saturday, 13 January, Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

Historic Context:

– Côte d’Ivoire is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1984.

Venue Overview:

– Matches will be held in six stadiums across five host cities: Abidjan, Bouake, Korogho, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.

Official Mascot:

– Named “Akwaba,” meaning “Welcome” in the Baoulé language.

– Represented by an elephant, Akwaba’s attire reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s home colors.

Official Match Ball:

– Named “Pokou” in honor of Ivorian football legend Laurent Pokou.

– Pokou achieved historic fame by scoring five goals in the 1970 tournament.

Official Song Celebration:

– The official song, “Akwaba,” features Yemi Alade, Mohamed Ramadan, and Ivorian band Magic System.

– A blend of afrobeat, rap, and zouglou captures the tournament’s musical essence.

Group Structure:

– 24 teams divided into six groups.

– Intriguing match-ups like Egypt vs. Ghana in Group B and Senegal vs. Cameroon in Group C.

Tournament Format:

– Top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams advance to the last 16.

– Followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, a match for third place, and the grand finale.

Kick-off Times:

– Group stages feature at least two games each day at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 (all times GMT).

– Similar timings continue in the knockout stages starting on Saturday, 27 January.

Opening Weekend Highlights:

– Record seven-time champions Egypt vs. Mozambique in Group B.

– Defending champions Senegal kick off against The Gambia in Group C on Monday, 15 January.

Key Fixtures:

– Second Round: Commences on Saturday, 27 January, with intriguing matchups.

– Quarter-Finals: Friday, 2 February, featuring winners from the second round.

– Semi-Finals: Wednesday, 7 February, at Bouake and Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

– Third-Place Play-Off: Saturday, 10 February, at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.

– Grand Finale: Sunday, 11 February, at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Tournament Favorites:

– Senegal, the current champions, considered favorites despite key player movements.

– Other strong contenders include Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Key Matches:

– Côte d’Ivoire vs. Nigeria: Group A clash on 18 January at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

– Senegal vs. Cameroon: Group C heavyweight encounter on 20 January at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

As the countdown to the kickoff continues, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023, promises a month-long celebration of African football excellence, filled with drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Get ready for a footballing spectacle!

José Mourinho Addresses Future Amid Brazil National Team Speculation

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Roma’s head coach, José Mourinho, shed light on his future at the club following his team’s comeback victory against Cremonese in a Coppa Italia Last-16 clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Despite a shaky start with Cremonese taking the lead through Frank Tsadjout, Roma secured the win with Romelu Lukaku’s equalizer and a late goal from Paulo Dybala.

In the post-match press conference, Mourinho discussed various topics, including the Giallorossi’s performance and his own future with the club.

The question of Mourinho’s plans beyond the summer has been a prominent topic in the Italian headlines as his contract expiration approaches. In response, Mourinho indicated that a resolution remains uncertain, stating, “I haven’t signed yet.”

Addressing recent rumors linking him with the Brazil national team coaching position, Mourinho dismissed the speculation: “About Brazil, I don’t know if it’s true or not. They didn’t talk to me. I told my agent that until we know that a club is interested, he shouldn’t talk to anyone while I’m here.”

The Portuguese coach emphasized trust in the honesty of Roma’s ownership but acknowledged that his future with the club is yet to be finalized. The comments leave room for speculation about Mourinho’s next move, keeping fans and pundits alike eagerly awaiting further developments.