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Barcelona VS Real Madrid Statistics And Head To Head Record Ahead Of El Classico

Barcelona VS Real Madrid Statistics And Head To Head Record Ahead Of El Classico

The latest El Clasico will be played at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys(Barcelona’s current home stadium because of renovations at the old Camp Nou) on Saturday afternoon, with the reigning La Liga champions Barcelona hosting their major rivals Real Madrid. Let’s check out some Barcelona VS Real Madrid statistics and head to head record ahead of … Read more

England book Euro 2024 trip, but hopes remain alive for Italy

England booked their places at Euro 2024 in style with a resounding win at Wembley over Italy, the very team that broke English hearts at the same venue in the final of Euro 2020. England have confirmed their place as group winners – Ukraine cannot claim first place due to England’s far superior goal difference – Italy are still one of the best teams in Europe, and they have a world-class squad. They are also the defending champions, so they will be determined to qualify for and win Euro 2024.

 

Table of Contents

  • Teams already assured of their place
  • What the bookmakers say

Italy’s path to Euro 2024 is still not assured. Indeed, with Luciano Spalletti’s team soon set to play second-place Ukraine, the team’s prospects still lie in their own hands. However, even defeat in that game – scheduled to be played in Leverkusen, Germany, on 20th November – will see the Italians secure a place in the playoff path, which will result in a further three teams joining the 20 first- and second-place finishers in the ten qualifying groups.

Read Also: 2024 BECE Home Mock Registration Underway (1st Mock in November)

Teams already assured of their place

England have joined plenty of European heavyweights in already securing their place and booked Euro 2024. Spain, France, Belgium, Austria and Portugal, as well as hosts Germany, are guaranteed their spots. Scotland have qualified, meaning they will feature for a second consecutive time at a European Championships.  Turkey somewhat surprisingly topped Group D, meaning either Croatia or Wales will need to navigate the playoffs.

Many other places remain up for grabs, while only a few countries are completely eliminated, among them Sweden, who have a fine calibre in European Championship history.

But the fact remains that plenty of big names may need to navigate the tricky road of the playoffs to secure a spot at Germany 2024, and Italy are firmly among them.

What the bookmakers say

So who will win Euro 2024? Well, unsurprisingly, England book Euro 2024, and are among the favourites with the sports betting sites, while Italy, despite having failed to secure qualification as yet, remain among those with an outside shot.

That’s again unsurprising  considering the Azzurri’s pedigree – they are the holders no less, and coach Luciano Spalleti still has time to build an effective team, despite the troubles in qualification.

Currently it’s World Cup finalists France who just about lead the bookies’ lists, coming in at an average of around 9/2. France were also the beaten finalists at Euro 2016, winning the World Cup in between in 2018, so it’s no surprise to see Les Bleus topping this list, especially after cruising through qualifying.

England, then, come next, with some of the bookies also tipping Gareth Southgate’s men at 9/2. However, the more commonly found price is 4/1 for the Three Lions, and this seems about right considering England were beaten by France in the World Cup quarter final just last year. These two are out in front.

Third on the current list of bookmakers’ odds are hosts Germany, which is perhaps slightly generous considering Die Manschaft have been on a horrendous run of form of late that culminated in the sacking of coach Hansi Flick in September.

However, the situation seems slightly more optimistic under new coach Julian Nagelsmann, and the Germans will be surely be difficult to beat on home soil. Having said that, they remain a long way behind France and England in the betting, coming in at around 7/1.

Perhaps a more realistic option is Spain, available at around 8/1, or Portugal, further back on 9/1. Spain haven’t had things all their own way in qualifying, losing to Scotland in the process, but Portugal have romped home, failing to lose a game so far. Both of these teams possess an array of talent that would be the envy of many other big nations, and are able to effectively blend youth and experience.

MORE STORIES FOR YOU:  magic of 2020

The same came be said for the Netherlands, next up at around 14/1. Italy come next at an average of 16/1, suggesting the bookmakers don’t see much chance of this current iteration of the side recreating the magic of 2020. England will certainly hope that their victory at Wembley has vanquished an old foe that caused so many English hearts to break not so long ago, but surely England book Euro 2024.

Thursday’s Europa League Matches Predictions

Thursday's Europa League Matches Predictions

On Thursday, 26th October, 2023, several Europa League Matches will be played. We have analysed some matches and here are our predictions.

Thursday’s Europa League Matches Predictions

Brighton vs Ajax – Brighton win

Union Saint Gilloise vs LASK Linz – Union Saint Gilloise or LASK win

Liverpool vs Toulouse – Liverpool win

Villarreal vs Maccabi Haifa – Villarreal win

Panathinaikos vs Rennes – Draw

Roma vs Slavia Prague – Roma win or draw

Sheriff Tiraspol vs Servette – Sheriff Tiraspol win or draw

Bayer Leverkusen vs FK Qarabag – Bayer Leverkusen win

Olympiakos vs West Ham – West Ham win

FK Backa Topola vs SC Freiburg – SC Freiburg win

Marseille vs AEK Athens – Marseille win or draw

Sparta Prague vs Rangers – Sparta Prague or Rangers win

Aris Limassol vs Real Betis – Real Betis win or draw

SK Sturm Graz vs Atalanta – Atalanta win or draw

Rakow Czestochowa vs Sporting -Sporting win or draw

Molde vs BK Hacken – Molde win or draw

Thursday’s Europa League Matches Predictions

READ ALSO; FIFA Rankings: African National Teams That Are ‘Better’ Than Black Stars

The UEFA Europa League is an annual football club competition organised since 1971 by the Union of European Football Associations for eligible European football clubs. It is the second-tier competition of European club football, ranking below the UEFA Champions League and above the UEFA Europa Conference League

READ ALSO: Debunking All False Information About BECE Results

Current Europa League Table

WHU
2
2
0
0
5
2
3
6
SCF
2
1
0
1
4
4
0
3
OLY
2
0
1
1
4
5
-1
1
TSC
2
0
1
1
3
5
-2
1
AEK
2
1
1
0
4
3
1
4
OM
2
0
2
0
5
5
0
2
AJX
2
0
2
0
4
4
0
2
BHA
2
0
1
1
4
5
-1
1
SPA
2
1
0
1
4
4
0
3
ARI
2
1
0
1
4
4
0
3
RAN
2
1
0
1
2
2
0
3
BET
2
1
0
1
2
2
0
3
ATA
2
2
0
0
4
1
3
6
SCP
2
1
0
1
3
3
0
3
STU
2
1
0
1
2
2
0
3
RAK
2
0
0
2
0
3
-3
0
LIV
2
2
0
0
5
1
4
6
TFC
2
1
1
0
2
1
1
4
STG
2
0
1
1
1
3
-2
1
LAS
2
0
0
2
1
4
-3
0
PAO
2
1
1
0
2
0
2
4
VIL
2
1
0
1
1
2
-1
3
REN
2
1
0
1
3
1
2
3
MHA
2
0
1
1
0
3
-3
1
SLA
2
2
0
0
8
0
8
6
ROM
2
2
0
0
6
1
5
6
SFC
2
0
0
2
0
6
-6
0
SHE
2
0
0
2
1
8
-7
0
LEV
2
2
0
0
6
1
5
6
QAR
2
2
0
0
2
0
2
6
MOL
2
0
0
2
1
3
-2
0
BKH
2
0
0
2
0
5
-5
0

Big Win: Sadio Mane buys French club Bourges Foot 18

Sadio Mane, the Senegalese football sensation, has made headlines with his recent acquisition of a majority stake in the French club Bourges Foot 18, marking a significant step in his off-field ventures. This exciting development was announced via a Twitter post by Ghanaian sports marketer Jon Boafo.

At 31 years old, Mane has expressed a long-standing desire to invest in a football club, and his close relationship with former Bourges Foot 18 president Cheikh Sylla played a pivotal role in his decision to take the leap. Significantly, Sylla will continue to serve as the club’s president, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.

ALSO READ: Freezy Macbones to Seek Redemption in Rematch with Seidu Konate (ghanaeducation.org)

Mane’s involvement in the club is seen as an opportunity to foster talent from Senegal, providing young players with a path to reach top-level football. In fact, it is reported that Mane offered financial support to the club during the previous summer transfer window, assisting them in recruiting promising players.

Bourges Foot 18, located approximately 250 kilometers from Paris in central France, has historically competed in the lower tiers of French football and has never ascended beyond the French second division. Currently, they find themselves in the second bottom position in Group B of the Championnat National.

Sadio Mane, renowned for his illustrious career with Liverpool, has clinched numerous titles during his time at Anfield, including the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the English Premier League in 2020.

Mane is currently showcasing his talents with Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabia Pro League, having joined the Riyadh-based team in August 2023. In just ten games, he has already netted an impressive six goals, reaffirming his prowess as one of the game’s premier forwards.

Sadio Mane’s foray into club ownership is a testament to his commitment to nurturing the next generation of football stars while contributing to the development of Bourges Foot 18. This venture stands as a remarkable addition to his already illustrious career both on and off the field.

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This young Ghanaian man walked from Brazil to the USA

An incredible story has emerged from a young Ghanaian man living in Brazil, who shared his astonishing journey of walking from Brazil to the USA. Darkito1, a YouTuber, narrated his remarkable adventure to fellow content creator, Wode Maya, revealing that he embarked on this extraordinary journey with the goal of reaching the USA, considering it an achievable feat.

 

An incredible story has emerged from a young Ghanaian man living in Brazil, who shared his astonishing journey of walking from Brazil to the USA. Darkito1, a YouTuber, narrated his remarkable adventure to fellow content creator, Wode Maya, revealing that he embarked on this extraordinary journey with the goal of reaching the USA, considering it an achievable feat.

In his own words, Darkito1 stated, “Here, it’s easy for you to go to the United States, and there are a lot of places that you can pass through to get there because here, a lot of the countries are so close. So, you can pass through these places easily to reach the United States.”

During his astonishing trek, he covered approximately 15 countries, traversing varied landscapes. Some parts of the journey required him to take short bus rides, while others compelled him to embark on lengthy walking expeditions. Darkito1 shared that in some regions, buses were used for only 30 minutes to a couple of hours, and the remainder of the distance had to be covered on foot.

ALSO READ: Crick Africa Network Career Acceleration Fellowships for Early-Career Scientists 2024 (ghanaeducation.org)

Darkito1 managed to spend nine months in the United States before eventually returning to Brazil.

His expedition was not only a quest to fulfill his curiosity but also a journey to explore the unconventional routes that some Brazilians use to travel to the USA. Some of these routes cut through dense forests, such as the Columbia Forest, Panama Forest, and Peru Forest. By experiencing these routes firsthand, Darkito1 gained a deep understanding of the challenges and adventures involved in the journey.

His remarkable story serves as a testament to human determination, curiosity, and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in pursuit of their goals. As Darkito1’s journey exemplifies, the human spirit knows no bounds and can lead to extraordinary and inspiring experiences that capture the imagination of people worldwide.

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Freezy Macbones to Seek Redemption in Rematch with Seidu Konate

Freezy Macbones to Seek Redemption in Rematch with Seidu Konate

Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, popularly known as Freezy Macbones, is gearing up for a highly-anticipated rematch with Senegalese boxer Seidu Konate. The rematch comes after Freezy Macbones suffered a defeat at the hands of Konate during the 2024 Paris Olympics games qualifiers in Dakar in September. The bout, eagerly awaited by boxing enthusiasts, is scheduled to take place at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday, December 23, 2023, according to an announcement by Code Micky.

Freezy Macbones, who is currently based in the United Kingdom, was unable to secure an automatic spot in the Olympics after losing to Konate in his amateur debut. While his path to the Olympics was hindered, Freezy Macbones will have another opportunity to qualify through the Asia and Europe play-offs set for 2024.

Despite the setback, Freezy Macbones has shown promise in his professional career, achieving two victories in two bouts since his debut against Christopher Wood in February 2023. His journey as a professional boxer has been marked by resilience and determination, making him a notable figure in the Ghanaian boxing scene.

ALSO READ: Asamoah Gyan Shows Strength After ‘Encounter’ With Freezy Macbones (ghanaeducation.org)

Seidu Konate, on the other hand, will aim to maintain his winning streak against the hard-hitting Ghanaian boxer. With both fighters hungry for success, the upcoming rematch promises an exciting and competitive bout for boxing fans.

As the date of the fight draws nearer, it is expected to draw significant attention and anticipation, not only in Ghana but also among international boxing enthusiasts. The match represents more than just a chance for redemption for Freezy Macbones; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate his prowess and secure his path to the 2024 Olympics through the upcoming play-offs.

For Freezy Macbones, this rematch signifies a critical juncture in his career, and he will be leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the highly-anticipated showdown. Boxing fans will be eager to witness this exciting bout and the potential for redemption and glory that it holds.

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Kumasi Asante Kotoko ‘s Interest in Dede Ayew Sparks Speculation

Kumasi Asante Kotoko 's Interest in Dede Ayew Sparks Speculation

 

Reports have surfaced in recent days suggesting that Kumasi Asante Kotoko, a prominent Ghana Premier League club, is showing interest in securing the services of Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew. The rumors have sparked speculation about a potential move for the talented footballer.

According to these reports, the Kotoko board has been considering the possibility of signing Ayew, whose rich footballing pedigree is well-acknowledged.

However, Obed Acheampong, the club’s former spokesperson, has shed light on the situation. He stated that, as far as he knows from his sources, there has been no official contact between Asante Kotoko and Ayew regarding a potential move to the club.

Acheampong further commented on the situation, revealing that, at present, the prospects of this deal becoming a reality seem rather bleak. The proximity of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is just a few weeks away, poses a significant hurdle to any potential move for Ayew.

ALSO READ: Come For Your Passports, They Are Ready – Foreign Affairs Ministry Tells Ghanaian Passport Applicants (ghanaeducation.org)

Notably, Ayew has been without a club since being released by Nottingham Forest following a brief loan spell during the 2022/2023 season. Despite his club situation, Ayew remains a respected figure in Ghanaian and international football.

His last appearance for the Ghana national team was in a 3-0 victory over Liberia, where he played a 15-minute role. His last club appearance dates back to May 28, 2023, during a game that ended in a 1-1 draw.

While there has been interest from Asante Kotoko in securing the services of Dede Ayew, it appears that the complexities of the football calendar, particularly the impending Africa Cup of Nations, may pose challenges to the realization of such a move. Further developments on this matter will be closely monitored as the footballing world awaits Ayew’s next career move.

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Redemption for Maguire and Onana in United’s Champions League win

Manchester

Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday in the Champions League, sparking the team’s hopes for qualification. Despite jeers at half-time, United persevered in the second half, with a crucial goal from Harry Maguire, who scored his first goal since February 2022.

This moment of redemption for Maguire was followed by a penalty save from goalkeeper Andre Onana in the final seconds of the game, which allowed United to preserve their lead.

The win was a crucial moment for United in Group A, where they had previously suffered two losses.

The win also marks significant moments for both Maguire and Onana, who have both faced criticism this season.

Maguire was stripped of his captaincy in the offseason and was rumored to be moving to West Ham before staying with United. Onana had also faced pressure for his style of play and distribution from the back.

The game took place at Old Trafford, which was the first match at the stadium since the death of club great Bobby Charlton on Saturday.

Beer truck crashes into NPP office at La, killinghttps://ghanaeducation.org/beer-truck-crashes-into-npp-office-at-la-killing-one/ one

The evening began and ended with chants of “There’s only one Bobby Charlton” swirling around Old Trafford as fans paid their respects to one of England’s World Cup winners from 1966 who is widely considered United’s greatest player.

There were pre-match tributes to Charlton, including Ten Hag laying a wreath in the center circle before an impeccably observed minute’s silence.

Maguire spoke about the impact of Charlton’s death on the club and the dressing room, saying, “Losing someone like Sir Bobby, it affects the club and the dressing room. But really pleased we could get the win tonight”.

Maguire’s goal was a crucial moment of redemption for him, and he spoke about wanting to help the team and “get the club back to where it should be.” Similarly, Onana’s penalty save in the final seconds of the game was a moment of redemption for the goalkeeper, showing that he is capable of performing well under pressure.

The win was crucial for United’s hopes for qualification in the Champions League.

It was also a memorable night of remembrance for Charlton, turning into a night of redemption for Maguire and Onana. As the team moves forward in the competition, their newfound confidence and resilience could carry them far.

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what players in Ghana told us about handling their finances

money players Ghana finances

Football and big money –  what professional players in Ghana told us about handling their finances; Professional footballers often enjoy high incomes during their playing careers, but their transition into retirement can be fraught with financial difficulties. This issue is not unique to Ghana; it’s a global concern in the world of sports. In a recent study conducted by a team of researchers, we delved into the financial literacy and behaviors of Ghanaian professional footballers who competed in the 2020 Ghana Premier League. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by these athletes, especially as they approach retirement.

One of the main reasons behind the financial struggles of retired footballers is the limited transferability of their skills to non-sporting occupations. This, combined with a scarcity of job opportunities within the world of football, creates a situation where players experience a significant income drop after retirement. Consequently, many footballers endure financial hardships post-retirement, despite their earlier earning potential.

The lifestyle of footballers, both during their playing careers and after retirement, also contributes to these financial challenges. Reports have highlighted cases of excessive spending on luxuries, lavish parties, and an overall expensive and unsustainable lifestyle. Financial mismanagement, often linked to a lack of financial knowledge, is a common thread in these stories.

also read: Juventus Football Academy Kicks Off in Ghana (ghanaeducation.org)

Our study focused on the financial literacy and behavior of Ghanaian professional footballers and found that financial literacy levels were generally low. The surveyed players displayed limited interest in seeking financial knowledge, despite ranking the setting of long-term financial goals as a priority. Consequently, many footballers expressed uncertainty regarding their spending habits and financial management.

In terms of financial behavior, the footballers did not exhibit responsible practices. Few of them demonstrated interest in financial products such as bonds, stocks, mutual funds, or insurance policies. However, they were diligent when it came to comparing prices while making everyday purchases.

Interestingly, the surveyed footballers expressed optimism about their financial well-being. They generally believed they could meet their current financial needs, had a positive outlook regarding their future financial requirements, and often made choices that enhanced their quality of life. This optimism is largely attributed to their expectations of securing lucrative contracts in the future.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to focus on improving the financial literacy of professional footballers. Investing in training programs that equip them with financial knowledge should be a priority. Additionally, football clubs can engage financial coaches to provide practical guidance to players during their active careers, helping shape their financial behavior.

Improving the financial well-being of footballers goes hand in hand with enhancing their psychological well-being, ultimately benefiting their on-field performance. By addressing these issues, we can work towards ensuring that the financial struggles faced by retired footballers become a thing of the past.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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I wanted to commit suicide – Femi Opabunmi

How football is played

Femi Opabunmi, a former football star for the Super Eagles, has shared his courageous story of battling sight loss while pursuing a career in football. His journey, marked by triumphs and adversity, serves as an inspiration to many.

Opabunmi rose to prominence when he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2001 African U-17 Championship. His goal contributed to a resounding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago. His scoring prowess continued with a remarkable hattrick against Australia in the quarter-finals. Opabunmi ended the tournament with the Silver Boot as the second-highest goal scorer and the Bronze Ball as the third-best player.

His youth exploits earned him a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he made his debut against England. While Nigeria didn’t advance out of the group stages, Opabunmi’s future in Nigerian football seemed bright.

However, his promising career took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he was diagnosed with glaucoma. Playing for the French Ligue 2 side, Chamois Niortais Football Club, he encountered significant vision problems on the field, which prompted him to seek medical advice.

also read: 2023 GES Physical Education & Sports Calendar For Basic Schools (ghanaeducation.org)

Opabunmi’s determination to address his condition led him on a medical journey across the globe. He sought treatment in Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. After thorough examinations, he was informed that he needed immediate surgery, or he would lose his sight completely. The operation was a last resort, and he faced the harrowing experience of being blind for 17 days.

Realizing the gravity of his condition and the limitations of medical intervention, Opabunmi decided to return to Nigeria in search of a solution. He turned to faith, recognizing that sometimes the answer is beyond the realm of medicine.

Opabunmi’s ordeal eventually led to his retirement from active football, a decision he described as painful. He found it challenging to watch Nigeria’s matches as he yearned to be on the field with his peers.

Today, Femi Opabunmi is the Head Coach of Alamu Football Academy, the first free football academy that aspires to participate in the Nigerian Premier League. His journey from the heights of international football to a career in coaching serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. Opabunmi’s story is a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities, offering hope to aspiring young football talents in Nigeria and beyond.

watch video below:

(4) Video | Facebook

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