Agyemang Badu signs for Udinese

A great chap with bags of energy and with an excellent box-to-box expertise in the sport. The emerging star has on doubtless occasions amazed his critics with his excellent passing game and an eye for long range shots.Excellent decision by Udinese manager to field him for their crucial encounter with Adiyiah's AC Milan. Guess is, the coach wants to help him adjust faster to the first team and keep his momentum afloat. He's indeed a first class material; the bench cannot contain Badu, he's worth than that.


Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has become the first Ghanaian local player to walk into the first team of a club in the major leagues of Europe.

Badu has been named in Udinese's squad to face AC Milan in the Italian top-flight this weekend just TWO DAYS after joining the club.

Ghana local players normally go through the youth system of a team or are made to adapt to the European style by playing with the second team before they are promoted.

But Badu overly impressed officials of Udinese in his first day of training on Wednesday that they have named his in their 20-man squad for the game.

The fact that he has been considered for the clash against giants AC Milan on Friday means he is highly rated.

This is an indication that Badu has cemented his reputation as an influential player and one to be taken seriously for the future.

Badu secured the work permit to play in the Itlaian top-flight on Monday and Udinese's decision has placed him in the Ghanaian history books.

The 19-year-old arrived in Italy on Wednesday morning to begin his career with Udinese following an excellent showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last month.

His agent Goran ‘Super Agent’ Milovanovic secured the lucrative deal with Udinese after the youngster helped Ghana win the U20 World Cup in Egypt late last year.

The Super Agent is credited for securing lucrative and big clubs for Ghanaian players, ensuring that they will get regular playing time.

With Udinese exhausting their quota clubs across Europe including Paris St Germain and German side Hanover contacted the Serie A side for a loan deal for Badu.



But another foreign player was dropped from their list to make way for the Ghanaian enforcer.


His performance at the Africa Cup of Nations further attracted interest which prompted the loan offer from the two clubs to boost their squad before the winter transfer window shuts.

But Udinese, who are struggling this season, say they want to keep Badu to boost their chances in league - affirming the 19-year-old as one of the best young midfielders in the world.

Badu will join his Ghanaian colleague Kwadwo Asamoah in the Udinese camp for the AC Milan game.



Udinese squad for Milan-Udinese game

Goalkeepers: Belardi, Handanovic, Romo

Defenders: Coda, Cuadrado, Lukovic, Pasquale, Zapata

Midfielders: Asamoah, Badu, Inler, Isla, Lodi, Sammarco, Zimling

Forwards: Di Natale, Floro Flores, Geijo, Pepe Sanchez.

Tagoe hits form again!

Repairing his lost glory in the best of pages. Scoring in the German Cup and establishing his true credentials and footballing skills not only lifts some weight over is shoulders after a long stay on the sidelines but cements his status as one of the potential frontmen for us at the World Cup.

Wish him all the best!

Ghana striker Prince Tagoe established his credentials and silenced German football on Tuesday night after scoring in his only second appearance in the country's top competition, seven months after being told his career was over.


The 23-year-old scored for his first goal in German football even though his club Hoffenheim were defeated 2-1 by defending champions Werder Bremen in the German FA Cup game.

The attacker joined the Sinsheim outfit from Al Ettifaq last summer, but a dubious medical report from some Hoffenheim officials claimed the Ghanaian had a heart problem making him unfit to play football

Hoffenheim then aborgated his contract but his agents fought the club and had his contract reinstated and further tests showed he was fit to play.

This paved the way for him to make his debut last week, shaming the club officials, particularly sporting director Jan Schendelmeiser, who had pressed for Tagoe's contract to be cancelled.

But the Ghanaian determined to establish his credentials shamed his doubters when he scored his first goal to revive his hopes of playing for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Werder Bremen advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup after beating fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim 2-1 in Bremen.

Naldo opened the scoring for the home side in the 27th minute and substitute Hugo Almeida found the winner in the 76th, after Prince Tagoe had equalised for the visitors in the 73rd minute.

Midway through the first half Bremen took the lead after Luiz Gustavo fouled Marko Marin on the edge of the area and Brazilian defender Naldo scored from the resulting free-kick.

Surprisingly Bremen then allowed Hoffenheim back into the game and the visitors could have drawn level shortly before the break through Sejad Salihovic and Vedad Ibisevic, but both failed to find the target.

Hoffenheim coach Ralf Rangnick brought on Ghanaian striker Tagoe in the 71st minute and the substitute took just 89 seconds to get his name on the score sheet when he headed a Christian Eichner cross past Christian Vander, who had come on for injured goalkeeper Tim Wiese at half-time.

Bremen substitute Hugo Almeida put the home side back ahead just three minutes later though as he ran onto a Pizarro pass before unleashing a powerful long-range effort from just inside the area.

Hoffenheim then threw caution to the wind as they went forward in search of a winner, but the Bremen defence stood firm to see the defending champions through to the semi-final.

The three other semi-finalists will be determined on Wednesday, as three lower division clubs seek to make it into the round of the last four.

Bayern Munich are at home to second division Greuther Fuerth, while Schalke 04 travel to third division club VfL Osnabrueck.

Cologne are away to high-flying second division club Augsburg.

Milan Welcomes Adiyiah

Quick, inventive and with a superb first touch, Adiyiah is starting to hit the headlines in Europe almost as frequently as his goals came in Cairo. With Ronaldinho in blistering form, Pato in his elite standards and Pirlo, showing glimpses of his old self, the emerging chap can only learn in his time at Milan. Earning the Golden Boot and Best Player awards at the Under-20 tournaments was an extra conviction that he is set for a promising start in the Italian Serie A. Wish him all the best!

When Dominic Adiyiah arrived at the U-20 World Cup in Egypt, he was supposed to play second fiddle to proven youth striker Ransford Osei. And why not? Osei described by Fifa.com as an "opportunistic goal machine" had already won the golden boot at the African U-17, silver boot at the world U-17, and golden boot at the African U-20 championships. Adiyiah though, was no slouch coming into Egypt. He had been voted the MVP of the Ghana Premier League in 2007, and the Most Exciting Player in 2008. He also had a few games for the Black Satellites under his belt and a decent goal scoring record. But both had been at the African Youth Championship in Rwanda in January 2009 and Osei had outscored Adiyiah by 7 goals to 1.

The combination of these two bright talents proved too much for the defences in Egypt to handle. Between them they scored 12 goals. This time Adiyiah came out on top with 8 of the goals, a tally that won him the tournament's golden shoe. His scintillating performances also won him the golden boot, and it was inevitable that the big clubs would come calling. In the end Adiyiah penned for Italian giants AC Milan.

The 21-year old had his contract ratified in the January transfer window, but could not join the Rossoneri because of national team commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Now his work permit has been approved by the Italian embassy in Accra, and Adiyiah has arrived in Milan. He is expected to begin training with the 7-time European champions today.

"This is a new journey for me and I am going out there to do my very best for AC Milan," Adiyiah told Ghanasoccernet.com. "I know this will have a bearing on my national team prospects and I know the only solution is hard work. "I am going to work in forceful and full determination to be successful. I am confident I will succeed." In Italy he will come up against Ghanaian opposition - Sulley Muntari in Inter Milan, Stephen Appiah in Bologna, Jonathan Mensah and Kwadwo Asamoah in Udinese.

Africa waits.

Togo's Horrid Punishment Is An Outrage!

Staggering decision -insensitive at best, inhumane at worst. CAF in crisis. Its just absurd! The reason CAF gave for banning Togo was frivolous to say the least. This CAF stomach politicians masquerading as football administrators are Clowns of the highest order. These Clowns failed Togo by first of all awarding the right to Angola, a war torn country to host the AFCON.

That Cabinda, an enclave separated from mainland Angola shouldn't even have been enlisted as one of the cities to host the AFCON, but for cash, the mafias in CAF chose that jungle. They chose money over the welfare and interest of four nations (Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Burkina) and subsequently hosted them in that jungle ignoring all the security risks. Of course what was Togo government to do? Sit idle in Togo and let his citizens be slaughtered in Cabinda? The government of Togo are responsible for the welfare of its citizens so should they have left them in the incapable hands of the mafias in CAF? Did I even hear the also ined them? What a joke! Togo should REFUSE to pay that penalty and big African countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Sud Africa, and the rest should also boycott the next 2 AFCONS!


Issa Hayatou’s actions/decisions to ban Togo is not just spiteful and shameful it is an insult to the Togolese officials who lost their lives in this tragic event. Infact, CAF’s action is the height of insult to the dignity of African life. To wit, the Togolese died for nothring! The timing of the announcement of the ban, at a time the competition has not ended betrays a lack of thoughtful and moral leadership at the secretariat and insensitivity towards families that are still in shock and are mourning their loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty for their country.

Additionally, CAF is sending a very bad message to foreign-based African footballers. The organization’s actions portray some sincere lack of concern about the welfare African fottballers,at a time many foreign-based professionals reluctantly show up for national duty and those who show up are aware of the possibility of injury and loss first-team positions in their clubs.

For other African nations, in future, I won’t be surprised if some countries pull out off CAF competitions to be staged in some war-patched country unless CAF and the host can inequivocally guarantee the security and safety of foreign personnel.

Idiots running CAF!

Rajevac Finds Peace With Muntari

That Rajevac dumped Muntari was hot, but not unexpected news for die-hard Ghanaian soccer fans. The big breaktime topic in Ghana today is most definitely going to be about the consequences of the boy's exclusion if he doesn't make the SA bandwagon. Muntari may not have been a regular starter in Inter Milan this season, but sure is considered a key part of the formidable Black Stars midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah has stepped up to the plate and made good in Muntari's absence but the beleagured chap's experience is invaluable. I am of the opinion that no player is indispensable to the national team but you just cant debunk the role some players play in the team. It could cause a big stir if he is left out of the South Africa squad but looks like his found that humble pie with Rajevac.


Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has resolved his recent rift with Sulley Muntari as he plots the way forward ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Inter Milan midfielder Muntari was axed from last month's CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad due to disciplinary reasons. His absence was barely felt as the Black Stars, who were without several of their other star names through injury, finished runners-up behind Egypt.

However, a lack of experience in Angola was cited by Rajevac as one of the main reason's for the 1-0 loss in the final. And Serbian Rajevac has explained that Muntari's axing may have come about through a miscommunication.

"I was in Milan for two days and I called and sent him messages but he was not responding," Rajevac said. "He didn't get back to me and the decision to leave him out was taken. I spoke to the other players - Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan - who missed the Angola friendly game and asked them if they wanted to play in the Nations Cup and they all said yes.
I was in Milan for two days and I called and sent him messages but he was not responding. He didn't get back to me and the decision to leave him out was taken.
Milovan Rajevic on Sulley Muntari

"That was all I wanted to discuss with Muntari. Maybe there was a miscommunication. After that he called to apologise and we have sorted everything out. He's an option that we have and that's good for the team."

Rajevac also admitted he was especially interested in the discussion with Muntari to see whether the 25-year-old could help to convince Inter team-mate Mario Balotelli to represent the west African country. The striker was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents, but has declined several call-ups by the Black Stars, outlining instead his intentions to play for Italy, who he has already represented at U-21 level.

Rajevac said: "I was in Milan for two days to talk to Muntari and also Balotelli. I also needed him (Muntari) to help with Balotelli because they are in the same side."

Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Australia, the coach pointed out that it will be key to have their best players available. Rajevac added: "We would need all players for the World Cup.

"For such a competition, you need players with experience and we can find that in John Mensah, John Pantsil, [Laryea] Kingston, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari. There are others too. They are very important players for the World Cup but it depends on them. I also require players who are willing to give of their best for Ghana."

Ghana to relaunch Balotelli Bid

The beleaguered chap is not a regular player at Inter Milan and considering the racism that plagues Italy, any chances are slim. He can try to buy their faces but he has less success in the Italian national team. Quick feet, a free-kick specialist, filled with tenacious shots and great aerial prowess but has less than 40% chances of representing the Italians at 2010 World Cup in South Africa and even beyond that time. The sure way to have a to step onto one of any of the pitches lies on the front of Ghana...


Ghana boss Miroslav Rajevac could soon travel to Italy to have talks with Inter star striker Mario Balotelli and enquire after his availability to play with the African side at this summer's World Cup finals, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.

Balotelli was born in Italy to Ghanaian parents and has already featured for the Nazionale at Under-21 level.

But Fifa rules would not prevent him from defecting to another national side at senior level and Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari and Rajevac's Serbian compatriot Dejan Stankovic are reportedly trying to convince their team-mate to seize this chance.

"He is a great talent and can become one of the best strikers in the world," said Rajevac, who had already revealed his desire to include Balotelli in his squad last December.

"Ghana are offering him a nice opportunity. He is of Ghanaian origins and he would find plenty of lads like him in our squad.

"Mario has the chance to take part in the World Cup with one of the most interesting teams and his arrival would be welcomed with enthusiasm. It's up to him: we'd be happy to have him at our disposal."

David Addy Joins FC Porto

A talented chap, a left foot thats full of surging runs down the right flanks and with insightful cross-ins, Addy should be a revelation in the Liga Sagres in Portugal. His emminent task would be to work his socks dirty to be the heir to Hans Adu Sarpie for the World Cup mundial in South Africa 2010.


Ghana starlet David Addy has joined Portuguese giants FC Porto from Danish side Randers FC in a deal reported to be in the region of 800,000 euros.

The 19-year-old, a member of Ghana's Fifa Under-20 World Cup winning squad, agreed a three- and-a-half year contract on Monday.

The left-back began his career back home with International Allies before joining Premier League side Wa All Stars where he played for one season.

Addy's performance with the Portuguese side could earn him a place in Ghana's World Cup squad as head coach Milovan Rajevac searches for a natural left-back.