Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has raised concerns about the scheduling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, highlighting the challenges it presents for African players.
The tournament's new dates, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026, were announced following a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Council meeting last Friday.
Agyemang-Badu expressed the difficulty faced by top African players based in Europe, who must juggle club commitments and miss the festive season with their families. He shared his thoughts with Joy Sports, saying, "It's a very difficult situation but this is our job. This is the kind of job we want to do."
"You need to be there and represent your country, you need to make yourself proud, your country proud so whenever you get the call-up whether it's Christmas time, whether the European club will worry us, you just need to come and do the job for your country."
Originally planned for June/July 2025, the AFCON rescheduling was due to Morocco hosting the expanded Club World Cup during that period. An alternative early 2026 schedule was deemed impractical due to conflicts with the FIFA World Cup calendar.
Badu also urged CAF to avoid future scheduling conflicts, stating, "It's just unfortunate but we need to abide with it and just go with it. I hope it will not repeat itself because it will bring a lot of chaos for the players."
The Ivory Coast currently holds the title of African champions, having won the delayed 2023 tournament on home soil in February 2024.
Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak returned to training earlier today at the Kpobiman training grounds ahead of their penultimate clash against sworn and eternal rivals Asante Kotoko in the maiden Democracy Cup game coming up.
Asante Kotoko will resume training on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Adako Jachie training grounds as they prepare for the highly anticipated Democracy Cup match against Accra Hearts of Oak on July 5, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Bayern Munich legend Samuel Osei Kuffour believes Vincent Kompany has the potential to bring success to the German club following his appointment as coach.
The former Manchester City captain replaces Thomas Tuchel, who departed after a trophyless season with the European giants.
Although Kompany arrives after guiding Burnley back to the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League, Kuffour insists the Belgian has the right attributes to thrive in Germany.
"When he was coming we had a debate on our legends platform. It was a huge debate and I was in support. Why not give somebody the benefit of the doubt? Because I think he understands. From his team, if he had the quality like Man City, he can do better," Kuffour told Angel TV's Saddick Adams.
"So if he has the quality to be in this great club and the kind of our quality he has. I think he will cause a big surprise in Europe," he added.
While Bayern Munich will prioritize winning the Bundesliga, Kuffour is confident that Kompany can also excel in European competitions.
"Yes of course. Did we deserve to lose against Real Madrid? Absolutely no. I mean this is how football is but I believe if you have the opportunity to coach a team like Bayern Munich. This is a great thing you have to do to protect your image," he said.
Bofoakwa Tano coach John Eduafo is fully convinced that Nsoatreman FC deserved the 2023-24 Ghana FA Cup title.
Nsoatreman FC coach Maxwell Konadu has expressed his delight after leading the club to their first major trophy with a victory in the FA Cup final against Bofoakwa Tano FC.
The Ghana Premier League side triumphed 5-4 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time.
Bofoakwa Tano, who were relegated at the end of the Ghana Premier League season, initially took the lead with a goal from Richard Dzikoe at the University of Ghana Stadium. Nsoatreman FC equalized in the second half when Bofoakwa's goalkeeper failed to secure a long-range strike from Sadat Mohammed.
"We are so excited. I am happy for myself, the team, the management, and everyone. Thank you Ghana football," Konadu said after the match.
As FA Cup winners, Nsoatreman FC will now represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup next season. The club also concluded the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season in fourth place.
General Manager of current MTN FA champions, Eric Alagidede, has stated they will make some additions to enhance their squad as they get the nod to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederations Cup next season.
Nsoatreman FC dolls-out back-to-back mystery to Bofoakwa Tano after pulling off a 5-4 penalty shootout win in the FA Cup final at University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday evening.
Nsoatreman FC general manager, Eric Alagidede has stated that they were aware their FA Cup final game against Bofoakwa Tano would be a tough match.
Nsoatreman FC snatch the nod to represent Ghana in the 2024/25 CAF Confederations Cup after emerging as champions of the FA Cup.
Nsoatreman FC after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, edged Bofoakwa Tano FC by 5-4 on penalties to emerge champions of the MTN FA Cup in an epic final at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The talking has been done and it is time to walk the talk as the third edition of the Ashanti Region Inter Tribe Football Gala comes our way.
