Ghana’s soccer breakout stars of 2024
2024 was a yr to neglect for the Black Stars – an Africa Cup of Nations group stage exit and failing to even qualify or the following version of the competitors.
Despite the tough yr, there have been some brilliant sparks with Ghana profitable gold within the African Games and a few skills displaying immense potential domestically and overseas.
Here are a number of the most promising soccer breakout stars from Ghana this yr.
Forson Amankwah (21) – Norwich City
Forson Amankwah took a giant step becoming a member of Norwich City within the EFL Championship from RB Salzburg. He made a powerful begin in England offering two assists in his first six appearances for the Canaries.
He was rewarded with a debut for Ghana’s nationwide workforce on March 22, 2024, throughout a pleasant match towards Nigeria. Despite the workforce’s loss, Amankwah’s efficiency was notable, as Otto Addo was fast to reward the midfielder.
His inclusion within the nationwide workforce for latest Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers towards Angola and Niger additional highlighted his rising significance to the workforce.
Mohammed Fuseini (22) – Union Saint-Gilloise
Mohammed Fuseini began out the yr on mortgage at Randers FC in Denmark the place he scored 9 objectives and supplied 1 help in 16 video games. Though the Danish facet have been keen to maintain him, Fuseini joined Belgian membership Union Saint-Gilloise.
The diminutive winger has been in explosive kind scoring 6 objectives and offering 3 assists within the first half of the season. The 22-year-old’s high pace of 37.58 km/h is the quickest within the Belgian league this season.
Fuseini is but to obtain a call-up to the Black Stars however in his present kind it gained’t be shocking to see him break that barrier in 2025.
Jerry Afriyie (19) – Thought FC
Jerry Afriyie moved from uncharted territory to being touted as the following massive factor. With Ghana’s steady seek for a dependable striker to exchange the retired Asamoah Gyan, Afriyie appears to be like like he may probably fill these boots.
He made historical past by turning into the primary participant from Division 2 to obtain a Black Stars call-up. On his debut towards Niger, Afriyie scored a effectively taken objective and obtained a hug from head coach Addo. Several achievements this yr preceded that second, the most important of them being the African Games which he led Ghana to victory as high scorer of the competitors.
Further solidifying his standing as a rising star, Afriyie additionally excelled on the WAFU Zone B Championship, the place he was named each the Best Player and high scorer after netting 5 objectives in 5 matches. His contributions have been essential in serving to the Ghana U20 workforce safe qualification for the upcoming U20 AFCON. The striker ended the yr as a part of Ghana’s Black Galaxy squad.
Abdul Aziz Issah (19) – Barcelona B
Abdul Aziz Issah performed a vital function in Ghana’s success on the African Games, contributing considerably to the workforce’s gold medal victory. His potential to attain and create alternatives was instrumental in guiding the Black Satellites by the match.
Issah’s membership profession has additionally seen exceptional achievements, significantly with Dreams FC, the place he helped the workforce attain the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup of their debut marketing campaign. During this marketing campaign, he netted 4 objectives and supplied 2 assists in simply 10 matches. His breathtaking long-distance strike from the centre of the pitch towards APC Lobito was nominated as CAF Goal of the Year.
His spectacular performances earned him a mortgage transfer to Barcelona B, the place he continues to develop his expertise in one in every of Europe’s high soccer environments. With his mix of technical potential, imaginative and prescient, and goal-scoring prowess, Issah is undoubtedly a participant to look at as he embarks on what guarantees to be an thrilling profession forward.
Prince Kwabena Adu (21) – FC Viktoria Plzen
Prince Adu Kwabena has firmly established himself becoming a member of Viktoria Plzeň in the summertime. The 21-year-old ahead, who beforehand performed for Kryvbas FC in Ukraine, has made a major impression since becoming a member of Plzeň, scoring 10 objectives and offering 2 assists in 21 appearances throughout all competitions.
Two of these objectives got here within the Europa League as he continues to showcase his potential. Adu Kwabena’s journey is especially inspiring on condition that he was as soon as featured in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” checklist.
After overcoming a critical damage that threatened to derail his profession, he has efficiently revived his kind and is now making waves in European soccer.
Maxwell Woledzi (23) – Fredrikstad
Maxwell Woledzi was ever-present on the again in Fredrikstad’s historic marketing campaign, which culminated in profitable the Norwegian Cup and securing a spot within the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. His contributions have been instrumental within the workforce’s success, as he made 29 appearances all through the season, showcasing his defensive prowess with a powerful tally of 54 interceptions, rating second within the league.
Woledzi’s excellent performances didn’t go unnoticed, incomes him a spot in Norway’s prestigious Eliteserien Team of the Year. His commanding presence on the again and skill to learn the sport have made him a standout participant.
Kwame Poku (23) – Peterborough United
Kwame Poku has had an unimaginable 2024 season, establishing himself as the highest scorer for Peterborough United and making vital contributions to the workforce’s efficiency. As of mid-December, Poku has netted 10 objectives and supplied 5 assists in 20 appearances throughout all competitions
His standout performances earned him the EFL League One Player of the Month award for each September and October, reflecting his constant impression on the pitch. Poku’s robust begin to the season has been a driving pressure behind Peterborough’s ambitions within the league, and his potential to ship in essential moments has made him a fan favourite.
Though Poku ended the yr on a foul observe after sustaining a hamstring damage that can see him miss three months, the attacking midfielder can be longing for a greater 2025. Poku obtained his first call-up to the Ghana nationwide workforce two years in the past towards. He made his debut approaching as an alternative within the 79th minute for Mohammed Kudus throughout a 3–1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe on the Accra Sports Stadium.
Edmund Baidoo (18) – Red Bull Salzburg
Edmund Baidoo’s ascension in European soccer has been speedy. The 18-year-old winger, who lately made the leap from the youth workforce to the senior squad, has already begun to make his mark by scoring for the primary workforce shortly after becoming a member of.
His transition from Sogndal in Norway, the place he showcased his potential, to one in every of Austria’s high golf equipment highlights his immense expertise. Baidoo’s potential to adapt shortly to a better stage of competitors speaks volumes about his talent set and work ethic.
