Sports
USA thrash Ghana by four goals in international friendly
The United States defeated Ghana 4-0 in an international friendly in Tennessee, their third straight victory against the Black Stars.
Dortmund midfielder Giovanni Reyna scored a brace, former Chelsea star Christian Pulisic converted a penalty, and Monaco striker Folarin Balogun also scored at the Geodis Park.
The damage was done in the opening 45 minutes of the game, and Ghana couldn’t recover, falling to their second defeat in the October international window. The Black Stars had earlier lost 2-0 to Mexico in North Carolina. Coach Chris Hughton confessed their defensive shortcomings in the Mexico game and pledged not to repeat them against the USA.
However, their defence was much poorer on Tuesday night, as the Americans took advantage of their awful play.
This is Ghana’s third straight defeat against the United States, after winning the previous two games in 2006 and 2010, both at the World Cup. The United States avenged themselves in the 2014 World Cup and have since held the upper hand anytime the two sides have met.
Hughton made changes to the lineup that lost to Mexico, including replacing Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal with Abdul Nurudeen, who is based in Belgium. Despite allowing four goals in the first half, Nurudeen was undoubtedly Ghana’s finest player.
Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams all started the game, but the USA kept them quiet. Williams, in particular, left the field disappointed after 75 minutes, extending his goalless drought with Ghana to 11 games.
The Black Stars will return to play in November, beginning their campaign in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros. Following that, they will focus on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in January 2024. The four-time African champions are in a group with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Sports
Andre Ayew is optimistic in the current Black Stars squad
Andre Ayew has voiced faith in the current Black Stars team.
The Black Stars have recently performed below expectations in important events.
In the previous two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships, the squad failed to go beyond the group stage in their quest to end the country’s trophy drought.
Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage.
Nonetheless, Ayew, the team’s current captain, feels that young stars like Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory.
Ayew reflected on the team’s history, saying, “We dominated for several years.” I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. “Now there is a new generation coming,” Ayew stated on Canal+.
Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana’s future in football.
“There is a lot of pressure.” Even though this generation dominated, we were unable to win. So this adds to the pressure and demands, and the country wants even more,” the Le Havre player revealed. Today’s players lack the experience of those I just highlighted,” he remarked.
Ayew emphasised the gap in experience between the current players and previous stalwarts, but he remained enthusiastic about the team’s prospects.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will reconvene in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
We will overcome present obstacles – Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew affirms
Andre Ayew, Black Stars captain, is confident in his team’s ability to overcome barriers to their advancement.
The four-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions have come under fire in recent tournaments for poor performances, most notably failing to advance beyond the group stages in their previous three major events.
Despite great expectations, the Black Stars were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team’s resiliency.
“The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. “It’s a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders,” the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+.
Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence.
“I know we’ll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it.
Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team’s recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead
Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.
According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.
He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.
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