The Ghanaian international scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 comeback victory over Serbian side TSC Backa Topola.

After winning the Europa Conference League last season, the West London club returned to Europa League play on Thursday night, with the former Ajax offensive midfielder scoring his first goal for the Hummers.

Below is Kudus’ post-match interview:

https://x.com/sportworldghana/status/1704994333353468177?s=20

Former West Ham and Chelsea player Joe Cole praised Mohammed Kudus after the summer signing scored his first goal for the club in the team’s 3-1 Europa League victory against Backa Topola.

Kudus, who joined the Hammers for £38 million from Dutch giants Ajax, made his debut appearance for the club. The Ghanaian international was instrumental in West Ham’s comeback after Petar Stanic handed the Serbian visitors an unexpected lead.

Kudus applied pressure at the back post, which resulted in Nemanja Petrovic turning Said Benrahma’s cross into his own net in the 66th minute. Kudus sealed the comeback four minutes later with a headed goal from a James Ward-Prowse corner.

Joe Cole, appearing on TNT Sports, praised Kudus’ performance and believes the attacker will become a useful asset to David Moyes’ West Ham club.

“He [Kudus] looked like he was happy and settled,” Cole remarked. “He is another weapon for David Moyes. I look at this team and I see goals everywhere; it was a great night for West Ham.

Kudus’ first goal for West Ham brings his season total to five goals in six games, following his five goals for Ajax before entering the London Stadium.

To far, the 23-year-old has scored nine goals in 18 appearances in the Champions League and Europa League.

Kudus will now look to make his Premier League debut against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Former Black Stars custodian George Owu has pleaded with Ghanaians not to be judgmental of Andre Ayew’s selection in Ghana teams, despite his uneven club activities in recent months.

The Ghana captain is now without a club after leaving Premier League team Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.

He was, however, included in Chris Hughton’s latest squad for Ghana’s matches against the Central African Republic in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, as well as an international friendly against Liberia, which Ghana won 3-1.

Despite many Ghanaians’ reservations over the inclusion of the 33-year-old, George Owu agrees with Hughton’s reasoning, emphasising experience as a major aspect in the player’s invitation.

The club will require Ayew more at this level, according to the former Hasaacas shot-stopper, because the existing players are not properly grounded.

“This is a young team with only a few seasoned players. The only experienced players are Andre Ayew and Jordan. Kudus, for example, are suddenly finding their feet,” George Owu told Onua Sports.

“Andre Ayew has made significant contributions to Ghana football, winning the U-20 World Cup in 2009, but he appears unhappy whenever he plays for Ghana due to the way fans treat him.”

“We must be patient with [Andre Ayew].” He will undoubtedly declare his retirement at some point, but for the time being, he is still required.

“There are players who lack motivation to play because they are afraid of being criticised, and it will take people like Ayew to boost their morale.”

“The insults and criticisms are unnecessary, and they will not aid the new player’s adjustment,” he continued.