2024-12-22

Football

Yamal and Lewandowski help Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

Lamine Yamal scored his first La Liga goal of the season as Barcelona battled to a narrow win over Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium.

The 17-year-old Spain winger put Hansi Flick’s side in front in the 24th minute with a curling shot from outside the box which deflected off the head of Athletic defender Inigo Lekue.

Athletic got themselves back on level terms when they were awarded a penalty a minute before half-time, after Pau Cubarsi felled Alex Berenguer inside the box.

Oihan Sancet confidently sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick.

Robert Lewandowski, who scored both goals in the Catalan club’s 2-1 win over Valencia on the opening weekend, got the winner with 15 minutes to go.

The Poland striker had twice hit the post from good positions earlier in the game but secured the points with a classic poacher’s goal.

Pedri’s low cross was parried by visiting goalkeeper Alex Padilla and Lewandowski pounced on the loose ball to hook home from close range.

Barca’s victory maintained their 100% start to the season in La Liga, with champions Real Madrid hosting Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu at 16:00 BST on Sunday.

Fulham vs Leicester: Alex Iwobi’s winner helps Cottagers triumph over Ndidi’s Foxes

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi scored the all-important goal as Fulham bounced back from the defeat against Manchester United with a victory over Leicester City.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is back in goalscoring form, as his 70th-minute strike turned out to be the winning goal in Fulham’s victory over newly promoted Leicester City.

Having suffered a disappointing defeat at Old Trafford to a late Joshua Zirkzee strike last week, Marco Silva’s men were determined to get their first point(s) on the board in their first game of the season at Craven’s Cottage as they faced a Leicester City team buoyed by an important draw at the Kings Power.

Emile Smith Rowe’s goal helped Fulham race to the lead, but Wout Faes restored parity before Iwobi’s 70th-minute strike sealed the tie in the home side’s favour.

Key match details 

The game took a bit to get going, but the hosts soon assumed a position of dominance and consequently created a bucketload of chances. They were unable to capitalise on the early wave, however, before Leicester found their footing. 

Ironically, Fulham got the opener in Leicester’s period of dominance, thanks to a sweeping counterattacking move. 

Adama Traore dribbled through the central areas of the pitch before releasing Smith-Rowe. The former Arsenal man took the ball in his stride before completing an emphatic weak-foot finish past Mads Hermansen.

Twenty minutes after the opener, Leicester found parity. Centre-back Faes was left unattended in the box. He rose highest to connect with Facundo Buonanotte’s delivery from the corner flank before sending the ball home with a thumping downward header. 

Upon resumption from the first-half break, Silva’s side, buoyed by the home crowd, created chance after chance in their bid to restore their lead. They had to wait until the 70th minute, however, when Iwobi fired them 2-1 ahead. 

Baba Yara Stadium will be ready for Ghana vs. Angola AFCON qualifier, assures NSA chairman

The Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Seth Panwum, has assured the public that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi will be ready for Ghana’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola.

The match is scheduled to take place in just 13 days, but the stadium’s current condition has raised concerns.

The playing surface at the stadium deteriorated significantly after hosting a large church event, putting the Black Stars’ opening qualifier for next year’s tournament at risk.

However, Panwum is confident that the necessary repairs will be completed in time.

“The place was given out for a program. I had to review their recovery plan, you know, and I think they are right on track.” he told GTV Sports Plus.”

He continued, “I had an update yesterday and this morning from Kumasi, and I think all hands are on deck to meet the deadline. I think in a few days’ time, the pitch should be in 200% perfect condition for the game.”

Panwum also mentioned that the contractor responsible for the stadium’s upkeep was present to address additional issues, including final touches on the media and press centers. “It’s one point that CAF doesn’t compromise on,” he added, emphasising the importance of meeting the Confederation of African Football’s standards.

Ghanaian football fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as efforts intensify to ensure that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will be ready to host the Black Stars’ crucial qualifier against Angola.

Ghanaian midfielder Joshua Tenkorang joins FC Lumezzane on loan

Ghanaian midfielder Joshua Tenkorang has completed a loan move to Italian Serie C side FC Lumezzane from US Cremonese, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm 

The loan deal will keep Tenkorang at Lumezzane until June 2025.

Tenkorang, who has previously played for Calcio Lecco, expressed his excitement about joining Lumezzane and contributing to the team’s success.

He made six appearances for Lecco in the Serie B before joining Calcio Foggia for the remainder of last season, making 9 appearances.

He praised the club’s positive atmosphere and the ambitious project that was presented to him.

Lumezzane’s sporting director, Simone Pesce, highlighted Tenkorang’s physical attributes, dynamism, and ability to contribute offensively.

He also emphasized Tenkorang’s experience playing in Serie C and his strong desire to join the club.

Tenkorang’s loan move to Lumezzane comes as he continues to develop his career and potentially seek international recognition for Ghana.

With his Ghanaian parentage, the 24-year-old is eligible to represent the Black Stars internationally internationally.

Hearts of Oak release goalkeeper Richmond Ayi after six years

Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak have released goalkeeper Richmond Ayi after six years of service.

The shot-stopper joined the Accra-based side in November 2018 following his stints with Techiman City FC and WAFA.

Following his release, Ayi took the club to the Players Status for the settlement of his salary.

The 27-year-old leaves the Phobians with a six-month salary compensation.

The club shared a goodbye message to the player on their social media pages, thanking him for his services while at the club.

Ayi was a key figure in Hearts’ treble-winning squad in 2021.

In the last few seasons, he’s dropped down the pecking order at the club leading to his departure ahead of the new campaign.

Ghanaian striker Terry Ablade leaves Fulham to join Partick Thistle on loan

Ghanaian striker Terry Ablade has left Fulham to join Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle on a season-long loan, pending Scottish FA approval and international clearance.

Ablade, who was born in Finland, began his football journey with FC Jazz in Finland, where he made his first-team debut at just 16 years old.

His talent soon attracted Fulham, who signed him for their under-18 squad, and he later progressed to the under-23s, earning a new contract along the way.

The 22-year-old striker has also gained valuable experience through loan spells at AFC Wimbledon and Carlisle United in EFL League One, making a total of 28 appearances. He is now set to continue his development at Partick Thistle, a club with a rich history in Scottish football.

Partick Thistle FC are currently a competitive force in the Scottish Championship, and Ablade is expected to bolster their attacking options as they push for success this season.

Ablade is likely to make his debut in Partick Thistle’s upcoming match against Falkirk.

I didn’t join Leicester City to hang around – Jordan Ayew

ordan Ayew has shared his enthusiasm and determination to play an important role in Leicester City’s return to the Premier League.

After initial discussions with manager Steve Cooper, Ayew is ready to embrace the challenge and contribute to the Foxes’ success in the 2024/25 season.

In his first interview after joining the club, Ayew revealed that Cooper had outlined his vision for the team and how he plans to utilise Ayew’s experience and skills.

The Ghanaian forward was impressed by the manager’s plans and is eager to work under his guidance.

“He just explained to me how he wants to use me and as a player you don’t really demand much. But when you hear that the Manager wants you, you just want to work under him and improve as well,” Ayew said.

Despite being 32 years old, Ayew remains focused on self-improvement and is determined to enhance both his game and his contributions to the team.

According to him, he is not just joining the club to coast through the season but is committed to working hard and helping Leicester City achieve their targets.

“I’m not just coming to hang around, I’m here to work hard and make sure that I help the team to reach the targets. Hopefully, we have a great season all together with the fans and I’m really confident that this will be a good year,” he added.

He could make his Leicester City debut on Saturday afternoon against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Edo Queens crowned WAFU B champions after dominant win over Ainonvi FC

Edo Queens of Nigeria have emerged as the champions of the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers following a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin’s Ainonvi FC in the final held on Friday.

The Nigerian champions secured their spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League later this year with an impressive display at the Stade de La Paix de Bouaké.

Suliat Abideen set the tone for Edo Queens with a crucial goal just before halftime, taking advantage of their dominance in midfield to penetrate the Benin defense.

Edo Queens extended their lead in the 59th minute through Emem Essien, who has been one of the tournament’s standout players. Essien’s solo effort saw her skillfully bypass Ainonvi FC’s goalkeeper, Alassane Sauratou, to double their advantage.

The victory was sealed in the 76th minute when Ainonvi FC’s Elizabeth Ukandu, under pressure from Edo Queens’ relentless attack, inadvertently headed the ball into her own net.

Despite creating several chances, Ainonvi FC were unable to breach Edo Queens’ resolute defense, which held firm to maintain a clean sheet.

With this triumph, Edo Queens succeed Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa Ladies as WAFU B champions and will represent the region in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League, where they will aim to continue their impressive form on the continental stage.

Nsoatreman FC advances in CAF Confederation Cup with back-to-back wins over TP Elect Sport

Nsoatreman FC have secured a significant milestone in their CAF Confederations Cup journey, advancing to the next round of the qualifying stage with a dominant 2-0 victory over TP Elect Sport in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Having already established a strong lead with a 3-0 win in the first leg in Accra, the Ghanaian side showcased their consistency and determination by completing a back-to-back triumph.

The match at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo saw Nsoatreman assert control from the outset, reflecting their intent to leave no room for complacency.

The team broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, thanks to a well-taken goal by Walid Fuseini Neymar.

Their tactical discipline and cohesive play were on full display throughout the game, culminating in a second goal by Stephen Diyou in the 86th minute, effectively sealing their progression.

Under the guidance of coach Yaw Preko, Nsoatreman has exceeded expectations in their debut continental campaign.

Their performance not only demonstrates the team’s quality but also raises hopes for further success as they prepare to face the winner of the match between CS Constantine of Algeria and Rwanda’s Police FC in the second preliminary round.

The Green and Yellows are now setting their sights on reaching the money zone of the competition, with the belief that they can defy the odds and make a deep run in the tournament.

Mohammed Kudus shines in West Ham’s victory over Crystal Palace

Mohammed Kudus shines in West Ham's victory over Crystal Palace

Ghana star Mohammed Kudus delivered an impressive performance on Saturday as West Ham United secured a 2-0 away win against Crystal Palace in their second Premier League match of the 2024/25 season.

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in their opening game, West Ham were determined to bounce back.

Manager Julen Lopetegui named the 24-year-old Kudus in the starting lineup for the clash at Selhurst Park.

The first half ended goalless, but West Ham took control in the second half with goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, securing the victory.

Kudus played a crucial role in the match, featuring for 88 minutes before being substituted by Jean-Clair Todibo.

During his time on the pitch, Kudus had 35 touches, made two crosses (one successful), and completed six of eight attempted dribbles. He also won nine out of 14 ground duels, although he lost possession nine times.

Kudus will be aiming to open his goal account for the season when West Ham face Bournemouth in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday at the London Stadium, followed by a challenging Premier League fixture against Manchester City next weekend.

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