Sports
My worst injuries happened with the Black Stars – Essien
Former Ghana international Michael Essien says he holds no grudges against the country, even though he sustained his worst injuries while playing for the Black Stars.
Essien represented Ghana at two World Cups, including the country’s maiden appearance in 2006, and led Ghana to a third-place finish at the AFCON on home soil in 2008.
It is widely believed the former Chelsea midfielder could have done more for his country but for injuries.
The first of such injuries was against Senegal in London, in August 2007.
Essien would sustain another, and perhaps the most significant of the injuries he suffered while playing for Ghana.
Then, as a 25-year-old, Essien felt a pop in his knee during the international friendly played in September 2008.
Further tests showed he had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of action for the duration of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
”(I suffered) my first injury while I was playing for the Black Stars, agianst Libya. That was when I damaged my knee badly. I mean, it happens. If there are no injuries, maybe others will not get opportunities so it is part of it,” Essien told Joy Sports editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo in an exclusive chat at the Nordsjaelland training base.
Two years after the career threatening injury, Essien would suffer another one, this time, at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Essien suffered what was initially thought to be the latest in recurring hamstring problem, in training.
Scans on Essien’s left leg in Luanda later indicated that he had suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his knee and damage to his meniscus.
”Most of my bad injuries happened when I was playing for the Black Stars but who cares, it happens. I do not hold any grudges or anything. I was just unlucky and injuries are part of the game so we just have to deal with it. You know, I have no regrets. I think I had quite a decent career and I always look into the positive side of every situation.” he said.
Essien scored nine times in fifty-nine appearances for Ghana between 2002 and 2014.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
