Ghanaian Players Abroad: Weekend Wrap-Up
The weekend was filled with exciting performances from Ghanaian players across European leagues and beyond. From vital goals to key contributions, here’s a roundup of how some selected players fared for their clubs.
ENGLAND
Jordan Ayew was in action for Leicester City as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup. Ayew played 79 minutes, contributing with one successful clearance and creating a big chance for his side, though it wasn’t enough to prevent an early exit.
Antoine Semenyo, who came on as a substitute, helped Manchester City secure a 2-0 victory over Salford to progress to the FA Cup 5th round. In his 25 minutes on the pitch, Semenyo completed one successful dribble and won two out of four duels contested, showing his impact in limited time.
Osman Ibrahim made a brief 15-minute cameo for Birmingham City in their FA Cup exit to Leeds United on penalties. In his limited time, Ibrahim completed three out of seven dribbles and made one interception.
GERMANY
In the German Bundesliga, Ransford Konigsdoffer continued his fine form, scoring a brace for Hamburg SV in their thrilling 3-2 win over Union Berlin.
Konigsdoffer played 87 minutes, contributing defensively with three clearances and also completing one successful dribble.
Meanwhile, Derrick Kohn had a tough outing for Union Berlin, playing the full 90 minutes in the same match, as his team lost narrowly. Kohn won two out of three tackles and made two clearances in a solid defensive display.
ITALY
Kamaldeen Sulemana, at Atalanta, came on as a second-half substitute, playing the last 20 minutes in their 2-0 win over Lazio in the Serie A. His contribution helped his team hold onto the lead, keeping them competitive in the league.
DENMARK
Prince Amoako, an 18-year-old rising star, impressed in the Danish Super Lig for FC Nordsjælland. He played a full 90 minutes, scoring his sixth goal of the season in their 2-1 victory over Copenhagen. Amoako’s performance further solidified his status as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, making an immediate impact for his team.
Also, Caleb Yirenkyi also played 90 minutes for FC Nordsjælland against Copenhagen. He had an all-around solid game, making one interception, two clearances, and winning six out of eight duels contested, showing his defensive versatility.
SWITZERLAND
Lawrence Ati Zigi, the Ghanaian goalkeeper, retained his place for St. Gallen in the Swiss Super League. He kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Grasshoppers, making two crucial saves to help his side secure a point.
NETHERLANDS
Andre Ayew started his first game for NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie, playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Heracles Almelo. He contributed defensively with four clearances and completed three successful dribbles, showing his leadership and skill.
Kamal Sowah, his teammate at Breda, also played the entire match, making three clearances and two successful dribbles, ensuring the team’s dominance.
Sadiq Ibrahim featured for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, coming on as a second-half substitute to help his team secure a late 2-1 win over Excelsior. Sadiq’s presence in the game added energy to the side, playing a key role in the turnaround.
POLAND
In Poland, Osman Bukari featured for Widzew Lodz in their 2-0 victory over Wisla Plock. Bukari completed two out of six dribbles and contributed defensively with one clearance and one interception, continuing to make his mark in the Polish league.
SAUDI ARABIA
Christopher Bonsu Baah played 89 minutes for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional League, helping his side to a 1-0 win over Neom SC. He was involved in the attacking play, attempting three dribbles and completing two of them.
BELGIUM
Fuseini Mohammed played 65 minutes for Royal Union Saint Gilloise in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Standard Liege. His contribution in midfield included solid defensive work, though his side couldn’t grab the win.
Joseph Opoku bagged a brace for Waregem in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, though his side lost 3-2 to St. Truiden. Opoku’s two goals now bring his tally to five league goals and three assists this season, continuing his strong performances in Belgium.
Jerry Afriyie completed 90 minutes for RAAL La Louvière in the Belgian Pro League, playing out a goalless draw against Anderlecht. He played a key role in his side’s defense and midfield, contributing to the team’s solid performance.
AUSTRIA
In Austria, Edmund Baidoo played 66 minutes for FC Salzburg in their 1-1 draw against Grazer AK in the Austrian Bundesliga. Baidoo’s performance was solid, showing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively in a hard-fought draw.
GREECE
Abdul Baba Rahman played 90 minutes for PAOK Thessaloniki in their goalless draw against AEK Athens in the Greek Super League, helping his team to a hard-earned point with a strong defensive showing.
FRANCE
Elisha Owusu played the full 90 minutes for Auxerre in the French Ligue 1 as they secured a 3-1 win over Metz. Owusu was instrumental in the middle of the park, completing two clearances and two interceptions, while maintaining a perfect 100% tackle success rate (3/3).
TURKEY
Jerome Opoku played 86 minutes for Istanbul Basaksehir in a 3-2 home defeat to Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig, with a solid but ultimately unsuccessful performance as his side fell short.