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“Thomas Partey isn’t injured as speculated,” GFA spokesperson Henry Asante explains his absence

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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“Thomas Partey isn’t injured as speculated,” GFA spokesperson Henry Asante explains his absence

Ghana FA head of communications, Henry Asante Twum has rubbished claims that Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey did not join the Black Stars ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Sudan on Thursday due to injury worries.

According to Asante, Partey did not pick any injury in the Gunners win over Southampton last weekend but rather fell ill afterwards.

Although, a section of Ghanaians believe Partey has feigned injury to avoid backlash following a series of uninspiring performances for Ghana, Asante is adamant to their claims.

“Partey isn’t injured but rather illness. He is sick and not injured as speculations say. It isn’t malaria and I can’t disclose the kind of illness he is suffering from at the moment,” Asante told Asempa FM as quoted by AshesGyamera.com.

“It is not everything we can put in the public domain and of course, if it is not an illness that everyone [around] him knows, I wouldn’t say he is sick. I can’t, however, bring out his medical record.

“Obviously, Partey’s absence will have some impact on the team but in situations like this you need to work out a plan. It is a bit difficult because obviously he is one of the experience and influential players of the team. He has also been the leader of the team in the last four games we’ve played [without Andre Ayew]. Therefore, you would expect that in all times he would be available in order to play but it is what it is. Unfortunately, he is not coming so what we have to do is find new ways to approach the matches without him.

“At this moment, Otto Addo is focused on identifying the best option to replace him ahead of the game.

Otto Addo ignores local players to call Baidoo & three others to replace Partey & co

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Otto Addo ignores local players to call Baidoo & three others to replace Partey & co

Ghana coach Otto Addo has opted to call four foreign-based players to join the Black Stars squad following series of injuries in camp ahead of the game against Sudan in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite the limited time available to call for replacements, Addo showed yet no faith in local players as always believed and handed four youngsters in Europe a chance to join the senior national team.


Michael Baidoo, Abu Francis, Jonas Adjetey and Ibrahim Sadick have been called up for Ghana’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan. They come in to replace Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Kingsley Schindler and Ibrahim Osman who have been ruled out due to injury. The four players are expected in Accra to join the squad ahead of the Group F qualifiers.

Michael Baidoo is a 25-year old who plays for IF Elfsborg in the Swedish top flight. He began his career at Vision FC in Ghana before moving abroad to join FC Midtjylland in Denmark. He previously played for Fredericia, Jerv and Sandnes Ulf. The midfielder is one of the standout performers for Elfsborg having made regular appearances for the club in the Swedish topflight and the UEFA Europa League.

Abu Francis plays for Cercle Brugge in Belgium having excelled at Right To Dream Academy and FC Nordsjaelland. Abu made his Ghana debut in an international friendly against Uganda in March this year and has been a regular figure in the Black Stars in recent months. He was part of the team that lost to Angola and drew with Niger in last months 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Jonas Adjetey:  The 20-year-old defender, who was recently invited in place of Alexander Djiku, has been making a name for himself in the Swiss Super League. He previously played for Teshie Football Academy, Accra Great Olympics and Berekum Chelsea before joining FC Basel.

Ibrahim Sadick: He is a product of the Right To Dream Soccer Academy and a former player of FC Nordsjaelland who plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch League.

The Black Stars are set to face Sudan on Thursday, October 10 and Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in two very important Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Thomas Partey and other players pull out of Ghana game against Sudan

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Thomas Partey and other players pull out of Ghana game against Sudan

Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Kingsley Schindler, and Osman Ibrahim have been ruled out of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan due to injuries they picked up over the weekend. The four players were initially part of Coach Otto Addo’s 25-man squad for the double header.

Below is an update on the four players:

Thomas Partey

Thomas is unable to join the Black stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days.

Joseph Paintsil

He experienced some pain in his hamstrings during their last game on Saturday, October 5. His club doctors have scheduled him for an MRI on Monday, 7th October. He is therefore unavailable to join the Black stars.

Osman Ibrahim

Experienced pain in his calf muscles during their last game and was substituted in the 65th minute. His club has since communicated his unavailability to the Ghana Football Association.

Kingsley Schindler

The player is unable to join the Black Stars due to a medical emergency he’s currently receiving treatment for.

The Black Stars are set to face Sudan on Thursday, October 10 and Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in two very important Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Breaking News: CAF orders Kwesi Appiah to step down as Ghana FA Executive Council member

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Breaking News: CAF orders Kwesi Appiah to step down as Ghana FA Executive Council member

Confederation of African Football has instructed Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah to step down as an executive council member of Ghana Football Association ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Ghana and Sudan on October 11 at the Accra Sports Stadium and return leg on October 14 in Libya.

Appiah was elected into office on the ticket of his former club Asante Kotoko on October 5, 2023 after amassing ten votes to join Dr. Ransford Abbey (12), Frederick Acheampong (11), Nana Sarfo Oduro (10) and Kingsley Osei Bonsu as Premier League representatives on the Executive Council.

However, Appiah got an appointment as head coach of Sudan few months later which has since raised concerns about his commitments. Although, he has been adamant to public opposition to see him stepping down from the executive committee role of Ghana FA, Caf has ordered him to resign by the close of Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

“Conflict of Interest regarding your dual roles as Ghana Football Association Executive Council Member and Sudan football team Head Coach. It has come to our attention that you are currently holding two significant positions:

  1. Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council Head coach of Sudan’s national football team,” a CAF statement read.

“As you already know, Ghana and Sudan are in the same pool for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers (the “Competition”). The two teams are set to face each other on 11th and 14th October 2024, and your dual roles create an apparent conflict of interest.

“This situation is contrary to the CAF Statutes and the FIFA Code of Ethics. For that reason and to preserve the integrity of the AFCON qualifiers, I urge you to take immediate action to resolve this conflict of interest, including, at a minimum, temporarily stepping down from one of the two roles until the conclusion of the Competition.

“I kindly request you to provide CAF with written confirmation and proof that you have taken the necessary steps to remedy the situation on or before Tuesday 8 October 2024. Failure to do so will result in this matter being referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board,” the statement concluded.

Appiah’s Sudan are second in the group with three points, two points above Ghana who lost their opening game to Angola at home and shared the spoils 1-1 with Nigeria in Morocco last month.

Partey shines in defence as Arsenal defeat Southampton

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Partey shines in defence as Arsenal defeat Southampton

Ghana 🇬🇭 deputy captain Thomas Teye Partey played 84 minutes when Arsenal came from a goal down to defeat Southampton 3-1 in Premier League on Saturday.

The box-to-box midfielder was made a makeshift right-back by Mikel Arteta following injury concerns to Ben White and Jurrien Timber ruled them out of the game.

Although, Partey didn’t play at his favourite position, he was ranked as the third best player in the game with 7.7 rankings behind Bukayo Saka (9.6) and Kai Havertz (7.9).

Partey had 95 touches of the ball and completed 92 per cent of passes as 69 of his 75 passes ended up successfully. Also, he made four tackles and won two interceptions, as well as winning all five ground duels he went into in the game.

However, he lost ten possessions but compensated that with one clearance, one block and one shot on target.

”It’s normal for Kudus to be angry,” Lopetegui explains clash with Kudus

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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”It’s normal for Kudus to be angry,” Lopetegui explains clash with Kudus

The Hammers boss is unfazed by widespread speculation that he has fallen out with the midfielder and possibly lost the dressing room

West Ham United coach Julen Lopetegui has denied reports that there was a serious clash of emotions between himself and Ghana international Mohammed Kudus resulting into altercations.

With West Ham trailing 1-0 at half time against Brentford in the Premier League last weekend, the Spaniard coach surprisingly substituted Kudus – who was one of his top performers on the day. Although, initial rumours were that the former Ajax star had picked up an injury, Lopetegui later insisted that he made that tactical decision because some of his players were not playing according to his plan.

Since then, reports have been circulating that some members of the West Ham technical staff had to separate Lopetegui and Kudus because the midfielder was not happy with the decision since he even believe the coach is always playing him out of position to expose his weaknesses.

Before the arrival of Lopetegui, Kudus was played on the right wing or as an auxiliary striker and was allowed space in the midfield to operate freely but things have changed dramatically this season.

“It’s normal for a player to be unhappy when substituted, but the priority is always the team,” Lopetegui said ahead of Saturday’s home game against Ipswich Town in London.

“It was a tactical change [to save the team], nothing more. It wasn’t just him; Emerson was also substituted. With five substitutions allowed, you aim to improve the team in the second half, especially if you’re trailing.”

He added, “I don’t dwell on individual reactions or substitutions; for me, it was all part of the game,” he concluded.

Kudus will be joining Ghana teammates after the weekend games as the Black Stars face Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Arteta heaps praise on Thomas Partey ahead of Southampton clash

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Arteta heaps praise on Thomas Partey ahead of Southampton clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey after a perfect start to the season.

The box-to-box midfielder has hit a fine form for the Gunners in their ambition to at least win the Premier League title having come very close in the past two seasons.

With Arsenal preparing to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday, Arteta admits that Partey was for the first time in the right condition when he returned from Ghana after last season.

“He’s a key player for us, he’s massive player and we can see that week in week out,” Arteta said.

“They way he came back post-holidays was probably the best condition that he’s been. Now it’s about managing him,”he added.

Partey will leave London after the weekend game and join his teammates for international duties as Black Stars face Sudan in a double header in Group E of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Michael Baidoo on target as Elfsborg shock A.S Roma in UEFA Europa League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Michael Baidoo on target as Elfsborg shock A.S Roma in UEFA Europa League

Ghanaian forward Michael Baidoo scored the only goal when Swedish club Elfsborg inflicted a 1-0 win over Serie A side AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League group stage game at the Boraas Arena on Thursday night.

Baidoo scored from the spot by the 44th minute after referee Kristo Tohver from Estonia awarded the hosts a penalty. The goal meant that Elfsborg picked their first win at this stage of competition since 2013.

Before the game, Baidoo had netted three times and provided three assists in the Europa League qualifiers

The former Vision FC player rose from the ranks of Ghana U17 and even played two games for Ghana U20 eight years ago together with Black Stars midfielder Majeed Ashimeru, who was then at WAFA.

Unlike the duo, some talented teammates at the U20 like Sampson Boampong Wireko of Aduana FC, Mohammed Dauda – Kotoko, Lawrence Ofori – WAFA, Isaac Twum – Inter Allies, Patrick Arthur – Heart of Lions, Francis Cann – Charity Stars and Kingsley Fobi – Right to Dream could not reach the very top level that many Ghanaians expected them to be in their careers.

Baidoo started his career with the Ghanaian club Vision before he moved to Danish club Midtjylland in 2018. He finally made his debut with Midtjylland in a 1–1 stalemate in the Danish Superliga against FC Nordsjælland on 11 March 2018.

Ati-zigi concedes six goals in St. Gallen defeat in UEFA Conference League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ati-zigi concedes six goals in St. Gallen defeat in UEFA Conference League

Ghana’s safest pair of hands Lawrence Ati-Zigi conceded six goals as St. Gallen suffered a 6-2 humiliating defeat against Cercle Brugge in UEFA Conference League at the Jan Breydel Stadion on Thursday night.

It didn’t take Brugge enough time to score the first goal against Ato-Zigi as Alan Minda fired past the Ghanaian goalkeeper on third minute and the flood gate was opened.

Meanwhile, another Ghanaian midfielder Abu Francis was in the midfield of Brugge and lasted the entire duration, stringing passes all over the field for the hosts.

Ato-Zigi, just like Abu, is expected to be named in Ghana’s squad by Otto Addo for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan on October 11 and 14 at Accra Sports Stadium and Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca respectively.

Otto Addo to name Ghana squad to face Sudan at Press briefing on Friday

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Otto Addo to name Ghana squad to face Sudan at Press briefing on Friday

Ghana coach Otto Addo is expected to unveil the players he has selected for the double header against Sudan in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday, 4th October 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Ghana Football Association Conference Room.

Addo is expected to ring some few changes in the squad he named last month that failed to defeat both Angola and Niger, picking only a point in the process.

With Ghana in a dire need of victory to breathe life back into the qualifiers, players like Kudus Mohammed, Jordan Ayew, Partey and goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi as well as Frederick Asare of Asante Kotoko fame will definitely make the cut.

Others expected are Inaki Williams, Fatawu Issahaku and defender Abdul Mumin whose mistake led to the defeat to Angola.

However, reports suggest that some new faces could emerge in the squad with a possibility of one or two Ghana Premier League stars.

Ghana will face Sudan on Friday October 11 at the Accra Sports Stadium following a late approval of the venue by CAF. The return fixture is slated for Casablanca three days later.

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