Badu Explains Why He Likes Udinese

Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has explained why he has ernomous love for Italia Serie A side, Udinese.

The Italian club has been a home for most Ghanaian players abroad, and Agyemang Badu says their contribution to horning talents is ernomous.

“I like Udinese very much because they’ve impacted immensely on Ghanaians. It is a blessing to Ghanaians because players like Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Kwadwo Asamoah and Asamoah Gyan played there, while the likes of Rabui Mohammed also had stint with them.

“Even Fobi of the Black Satellites is the latest addition of Ghanaians to Udinese and they have spoken to me about other Ghanaian talents they would want to bring on board” he told Happy FM.

Badu Explains Why He Likes Udinese

We Are Ready To Pass Mauritius Test - Agyemang Badu

Ghana Black Stars combative midfielder, Agyemang Badu has promised Ghanaians nothing short of victory when they face Mauritius in CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The Black Stars will seal qualification to the next AFCON cup in Gabon should they avoid defeat against the Eastern Africa side on Sunday June 5.

Badu who will be making his fifth nations cup tournament appearance should Ghana qualify spoke to the media after training on day 1 at the Accra Sports Stadium of the mood in camp and the players readiness to do battle for the country.

Agyemang Badu (middle) trained with the rest of the team at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of the AFCON Qualifier

“it is going to be a difficult game considering their home form (no defeat at home) and that stands them in a good position as favourites for this game but we have quality to beat them come Sunday.”

 

He added, “the training session was good today though was not a full house but the arrival of the rest of the players will make us even stronger and ready for battle.We are poised for action, we don’t need a draw but a win so that we can seal qualification to Gabon 2017 with a huge statement to the rest of Africa and make the nation proud.”

We Are Ready To Pass Mauritius Test - Agyemang Badu

Agyemang Badu Escapes Relegation In Italy

Italy based Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu escaped relegation from the Serie A on a dramatic final day showdown.

The Udinese midfield anchor man suffered a 1-2 home reverse at the hands of relegated Carpi but sustained their top flight status by just a point.

Agyemang Badu enjoyed his second most prolific campaign from the middle of the pitch despite the warbling form of his side with four goals in his 34 appearances.

His struggling Serie A side however ended the season with two wins in the last 14 league matches in a miserable campaign for Luigi De Canio and the Zebratas.

The Stade Fruili outfit skipped the drop by just one point with 18 defeats across the league campaign.

Agyemang Badu reportedly courted interest from a number of domestic rivals which forced Udinese to place a 10m USD valuable on their Ghanaian import.

Agyemang Badu Escapes Relegation In Italy

Agyemang Badu Impresses In Udinese Defeat

Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu maintained his impressive form for his struggling Udinese in a 3-1 heavy defeat at Inter.

The talented midfielder shone at the middle of the pitch for the Zebratas headlined by his delicious assist to Cyril Theareu at the Guiseppe Meazza.

The Stade Fruili crowd favourite again illuminated his ailing side before late strikes from the Nerrazuris overturned the score line for Roberto Mancini’s men.

Agyemang Badu, who is enjoying his most prolific season as a professional, sumptuously teed up Cyril for the opening strike just 9 minutes into the game to put Udinese ahead.

The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko midfielder then resorted to his usual end to end runs in the opening half of the pitch until Stephanie Jovetic pulled parity for the host with 10 minutes to recess.

The Montegro hitman however doubled his personal tally on the 75th minutes after been put through by the workaholic Jonathan Biabiany.

Agyemang Badu then came close to levelling matters for Udinese with his trade mark pile drivers but for the army of defenders shielding Samir Handanovic in post for Inter Milan.

Substitute Edder Martins then clipped the wings of the visitors with the third for his side on the stroke of full time to win the clash on 3-1 score.

Badu has since returned an impressive 4 goals in his 31 appearances for Udinese amidst their indifferent form in the Serie A.

Agyemang Badu Impresses In Udinese Defeat

Agyemang Badu Hints At Udinese Exit

Udinese’s Ghanaian midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has hinted that he could be heading for exit at the Estadio Friuli at the end of this season, if a favourable offer comes.

The25-year old midfield enforcer has spent 6 seasons with Italian side.

But despite scoring four goals in his 26 appearances this season Udinese are still lying 16th on the league log with the season entering the final stretch.

Badu has been courted in the past by clubs in England including Stoke City and Watford United which is also owned by the Pozzo family- owners of Udinese.

Following his move to the Italian side after the 2009 FIFA Youth Championship, Badu has grown in stature over the year to become a key figure in the Udinese set up.

The former Berekum Arsenals and Asante Kotoko man in an interview with Citi FM in Accra admitted that he has contributed his quota to the club and feels its time to seek a new conquest.

“I have been at this club for a long time, I respect the team and I admire their respect for African players especially Ghanaians.

“The legacy that the likes of Stephen Appiah, Gago Mohammed, Rabiu Mohammed and also Kwadwo Asamoah left has made this possible.

“I have a contract with the club and I respect that contract. I am very happy here and I am with a great family now but I think I need a new challenge.

“I have done what I have to for this club but our position on the league log puts us in a very difficult position.

“I want to just focus on the remaining eight games so we attain a respectable position. In June we will see what happens but on the back of what I have done here I think I need a new challenge,”

Agyemang Badu Hints At Udinese Exit

Back Stars Can Improve - Badu

Ghana Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu says the senior national team can still improve to achieve their targets.

The four-time Africa champions were held to zero-all stalemate in Maputo on Sunday in a game they created the most glorious goal scoring chances.

The result keeps them in control of Group H to the upcoming Afcon in Gabon, but Agyemang Badu reckon they can improve.

He praised the OS Mambas approach to the gamend saying “They were very tactically disciplined. They didn’t give us the spaces to play our own game and they attacked a bit,” the Udinese midfielder noted in a post-match press conference.

“We got a couple of chances which we should have won the game, but we couldn’t. We got 1 point and we are keeping everything ahead of us.

“We have one game at home game and one away; if we can win the one, we will qualify to Afcon 2017. It is not bad, but there  is more room for improvement.” He said.

Back Stars Can Improve - Badu

Video: Watch Agyemang Badu"s Interview Ghana"s 3-1 Win

iIisGhana Black Stars midfielder and stand-in captain, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu was presented along with coach Avram Grant at the post match interview after Ghana defeated the OS Mambas of Mozambique by 3-goals to one.

Badu who was a second half substitute admitted the scoreline was a bit deceptive considering how well their opponents played.

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https://youtu.be/DLux56pai_Q

Video: Watch Agyemang Badu"s Interview Ghana"s 3-1 Win

Evans Mensah Is A Talent - Agyemang Badu

Black Stars and Udinese midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has admitted Inter Allies creative midfielder, Evans Mensah is one of the finest and talented young players he has come across.

Mensah received a late national team call-up after Chicago Fire striker, David Accam was ruled out due to injury.

 

The left-footed midfielder has been in impressive form for his club side and was named man-of-the-match for the third time in five games since the commencement of the 2015/16 Ghana premier league (GPL) season.

Badu, a second half substitute in Ghana’s 3-1 victory over Mozambique spoke to the press after the game and acknowledged how impressed he was with the 18-year-old winger.

 

He said, “Samuel Tetteh and Richard Ofori have been with the team for a while now and we know how talented they are; the new addition,  Evans Mensah is one of the finest and most talented young footballers I’ve seen with a bright future and will be a valuable asset for Ghana in the not too distant future.”

Evans Mensah Is A Talent - Agyemang Badu

Agyemang Badu Hopeful Of A Win In Maputo

The Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu is hopeful the team will secure win in Maputo on Sunday in the second leg of the 2017 AFCON qualifier.

Ghana defeated Mozambique 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium, the first a twin Afcon 2017 qualifier, but the OS Mambas were never a walk over.

Agyemang Badu believes the team struggled in the first half due to the poor condition of the pitch, but recovered well to see off the game.

“I think the first half was a bit difficult and we were having problems with the pitch too but we managed to control the game,” the udinese midfielder said in a post-match press conference.

“In the second half we just continued with what we had to do and we managed to win, so congratulations to my colleagues and the fans who came to stadium and helped us to win,” he said.

The former U-20 World Cup winner reckon the second encounter scheduled for Sunday in Maputo will be difficult, but they have enough quality to to win.

“I know the second leg will be difficult as you can see from the game, they showed here today that they are a good side but with the quality and commitment that we have in camp, we will kill the game there and qualify the nation to Afcon 2017, ” he said.

Ghana sit top of GroupH with 9 points.

Agyemang Badu Hopeful Of A Win In Maputo

Agyemang Badu To Captain Black Stars Against Mozambique

Udinese midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu will lead the Black Stars of Ghana on Thursday afternoon against Mozambique.

The former U-20 world cup winner is stepping in for the leadership role of the team after incumbent captain, Asamoah Gyan was ruled out with a thigh strain.

Deputy captain Andre Ayew absent too, and Agyemang Badu has been tasked with the leadership responsibility.

The game scheduled for 15:30 GMT at the Accra sports stadium is the first  of double header for the upcoming Afcon in Gabon.

Ghana sit top of Group H with six points out of six after annihilating Mauritius in the opening qualifying match,  and recorded a hard fought victory over Rwanda in Kigali

Agyemang Badu To Captain Black Stars Against Mozambique

Aduana Stars Part Ways With Assistant Trainer

The managerial departures at Aduana Stars have been extended after assistant trainer left the Dormaa based premier league champions.

This follows the sudden resignation of head coach Amadu Nurudeen, who tendered in his resignation after suffering two successive defeats in the opening rounds of the season.

The 2009/10 GPL champions mutually ended their relationship with the vice trainer just a day after his boss pulled the trigger on his deal with the Brong Ahafo based top flight campaigners.

Abdul Rahman Ameyaw, who was the assistant trainer to the departed Nurudeen Amadu followed the exit door at the Nana Agyemang Badu II Park, ahead of their crunch trip to Techiman for the regional derby with premier league newbies Techiman City.

Goal keepers’ trainer of the club, Akwasi Ankamah, look set to lead Aduana Stars to the Nana Ameyaw Park for Sunday’s block buster in the GPL.

Communication director of Aduana Stars Appiah Kubi Whiteman confirmed the news to sports crusader.

“We have given him(Abdul Rahman Ameyaw) a letter to step aside until we get a new coach in the coming days. Akwasi Ankamah is taking over until a new coach is confirmed”, Appiah Kubi told sports crusader.

Aduana Stars surprised many fans and pundits alike on the local scene with two straight defeats in the opening fixtures of the domestic league after been tipped as the clear favourite for the championship.

Aduana Stars Part Ways With Assistant Trainer

Ghanaian Players Play In Mid-week European Football

England

Watford vs Chelsea

Baba Rahman will hope his impressive performance in Chelsea’s FA cup thrashing of championship side, MK Dons was enough prove to warrant a start in the English premier league game against Watford.

Chelsea travel to the Vicarage stadium with 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a previous London derby and will be in buoyant mood facing a Watford side that is struggling for form but will be wary of what the Hornets attacking duo of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney can offer during defensive lapses.

Italy

Empoli vs Udinese

Prior to their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, Empoli had lost three games in a row in Serie A against Udinese.

The Tuscans have won only two of their nine games at home against Udinese (D4 L3).

Empoli have won only one of their last five league fixtures (D2 L2).

Agyemang Badu will hope to lead the side to finally put a halt to 4-games winless streak.

Inter Milan vs Chievo

Inter Milan will look to immediately put behind him a devastating 3-0 Milan derby defeat as they welcome Chievo Verona to the San Siro stadium.

Inter have kept a clean sheet in their last three league games against Chievo (W2 D1).

Chievo haven’t won away at Inter in Serie A since their first visit in December 2001, drawing four and losing eight since then. Inter and Chievo have collected the same number of points over the last six Serie A matches (5).

Palermo vs Ac Milan

The Rossoneri are in a happy mood as victory over city rivals Inter gave them a chance of returning to Europe should they find consistency in their results and form.

 

The Stadio Renzo Barbera will host AC Milan who travel to face Palermo who have won just 2-matches of their last 5-games.AC Milan have won five of their last seven games against Palermo in Serie A (D1 L1), including the last two. The Rossoneri have scored eight goals in their last three visits to Palermo (2.7 per game).

 

Palermo have taken four points from their last two league games – the last time they went three games without defeat was in September.

Ghanaian midfielder, Kevin Prince who played just 2-minutes of AC Milan’s derby game against Inter will pray for more playing time from mamnager, Sinisa Mihajlovic.

 

Sampdoria vs Torino

Torino have won their last two Serie A meetings against Sampdoria, scoring seven goals in the process.

However, Torino’s last win at Sampdoria’s ground was in March 1993, with the hosts recording five wins and four draws since then.

The Blucerchiati have lost eight of their last 11 league games (W2 D1), including each of their last four.

Afriyie Acquah played 58-minutes in Torino’s goalless drawn game against Hellas Verona and will hope to play full throttle when his side travel to the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris.

 

Fiorentina vs Carpi

Fiorentina’s 1-0 win in the reverse fixture is the only previous meeting between these two sides in Serie A.

Carpi are unbeaten in their last five games (W2 D3) – their best ever run in the top-flight.

Fabrizio Castori’s side have scored and conceded goals in each of their last four league fixtures.

Ghanaian versatile midfielder, Isaac Cofie will look for better fortunes after he was substituted at half time in the one all draw against Palermo on Sunday.

Ghanaian Players Play In Mid-week European Football

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Ghanaian Players abroad

sportscrusader.com reviews how Ghanaian players fared with their various European clubs.

England

Jordan Ayew Aston Villa were 4-0 losers to 2012 FA cup champions, Manchester city. The Ghanaian forward played the entire duration of the game but as has been the norm the Villains can’t stop draining goals.

 

Baba Rahman got his first game and start under new interim manager Guus Hiddink as the blues left the home of Milton Keynes Dons-MK Dons as 5-1 victors. Rahman whose performance was very impressive through the full duration of the game will hope for at least some game time in their midweek premier league clash against.

 

Spain

Las Palmas defeated in their la liga clash. Ghanaian combative Midfielder Mubarak Wakaso was instrumental in the 2-1 victory over Celta de Vigo but his performance won’t be complete without his trademark – been booked before his substitution in the 87th minute.

 

New Malaga loan signing from English premier league side, Chelsea, Christian Atsu warmed the bench as the side won 2-0 away from home against  Eibar.

 

Alex Partey came on in the second half for nine man Atletico Madrid but couldn’t help prevent a 2-1 defeat to world club champions and 2014/15 UEFA champions league winners, Barcelona.

 

Italy

Kwadwo Asamoah sat out injured as Juventus continued with their winning streak after defeating Chievo Verona by 4-goals. Ghanaian Midfielder Yussif Rahman played minutes for the home team – Chievo Verona.

 

Kevin prince Boateng played just 2-minutes as AC Milan thrashed city rivals inter in the Milan derby. Goals from heaped more pressure on under-fire inter Milan manager, Roberto Mancini. The Biaconneri’s have won just in their last games.

 

Agyemang Badu played the full 90-minutes as Udinese drew goalless as the Zebra’s continued their search for a first Serie a win in their last 4-games recording three defeats.

 

Afriyie  Acquah played just 58-minutes in Torino’s goalless drawn game against bottom place, Hellas Verona.

 

Yussif Rahman Chibsah played 76-minutes in Frosinone 3-1 defeat away to 5th placed AS Roma. The newly promoted, Frosinone have to start picking up maximum points as the season looks gloomy for a chance to stay in the league beyond this season.

 

Carpi drew one all against Palermo in their Serie A clash. Ghanaian versatile player, Isaac Cofie only lasted 45-minutes of the first half as for tactical reasons from coach Fabrizio Castori Cofie sat out the second half of the match.

 

Greece

Ghanaian veteran midfielder, Michael Essien continued his consistent stay with his Greek club Panathinaikos. The former Chelsea combative midfield dynamo scored his first goal against Levadiakos. Essien lasted the entire duration in his sides 1-2 away victory against Platainas.

 

France

Majeed Waris returned from injury and helped his Lorient side win maximum points against Reims in the French Ligue 1. Two Goals from Zargo Toure in either halves of the games ensured Lorient stayed in 13th place and above the relegation zone.

Review: Ghanaian Players abroad England

Preview: Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

As the year has began Ghanaian players are well informed of the opportunity available to represent the senior national team – the Black Stars in African cup of Nations and FIFA world cup qualifiers later this year as such their club performance will be a yard stick to measure their preparedness to play for Ghana.

 

In this weekend round of games, English premier league will be hold sa the world’s oldest cup competition, The FA cup takes centre stage.

The city of Milan will be the venue for Europe’s biggest game of the weekend as Inter Milan face Ac Milan in the Milan derby.

The Spanish la liga will see a top of the log clash between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

 

England

Dede Ayew and his Swansea city team mates will have the weekend off as the Welsh club will not be copetiting in the Emirates FA cup after losing lower league side, Oxford united in the third round. The Swans won their first game away in a long while against Everton in week 23 of the English premier and will be next in action when the premier league returns in mid-week against, West Brom.

 

Aston Villa – Manchester City

Meanwhile Dede’s younger brother, Jordan Ayew will hope to continue with his consistent first team selection under manager, Remi Garde when 2012 FA cup champions, Manchester City travel to Villa park. Aston Villa have won just twice in their last five competitive matches and Manchester City’s three wins in 5-games isn’t too convincing and considering the citizens’s calibre and crop of players available.

Italy

AC Milan – Inter Milan

Ghanaian midfielder, Kevin-Prince Boateng will hope he makes manager, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s team for the Milan derby on Sunday. The Rossoneri go into the game as the in-form team with three wins and two draws in their last 5-games whilst their city rivals boast of a win, two draws and two defeats in their last 5-games. Inter Milan are placed 4th on the table and with 8-points separating them from 6th place AC Milan a defeat in the game will the 7-times UEFA champions league winners move to 5th place and also reduce the points difference to 5.

Carpi – Palermo

Isaac Cofie’s Carpi will play host to 14th place Palermo and with the away side recording two defeats in a row in their last two matches the home side should be in confident mood to annex all three points and salvage what is gradually looking like relegation sealed fate. The versatile Ghanaian midfielder missed Carpi’s one-all trip to Inter Milan last week and will hope to put in a similar and stellar performance at home.

 

Atalanta – Sassuolo

Yussif Chibsah played 87 minutes when his Sassuolo side hosted Atalanta last weekend in the coppa Italia and will hope his performance on the day will guarantee him a starting berth when they travel to the same opponent but this time in Serie A action. Sassuolo are just 9-points off a champions place and will be motivated to focus on grabbing all the three points.

Chievo Verona – Juventus

Isaac Cofie missed Chievo’s last game against empoli which ended one-all and will hope to be in manager, plans. Chievo have not won against the old ladies of Italian football, Juventus.Kwadwo Asamoah missed Juve’s 1-0 victory over AS Roma and have an enviable record of six wins in a row. The ghanaian midfielder is rumoured to have raptured his knee injury and might miss the game. Juventus edge Chievo in the head-to-head meeting with four wins and two draws in their last five meetings.

Udinese – Lazio

Agyemang Badu played in Udinese’s 1-4 defeat away to Palermo and saw yellow in the game but the memory of been the captain on that night during the thrashing can be cast back when Udinese defeat Lazio in this weekends Serie A clash at the Stadio Fruili. Udinese are on a bad run of form with three defeats in a row and will have to start picking up maximum points.

Bologna – Sampdoria

Godfred Donsah played 72-minutes in Bologna’s 0-2 victory away to Sassuolo las week and will look forward to kick odd from there when they host 17th placed, Sampdoria at the Renato Dall Ara stadium.

Greece

Platanias – Panathinaikos

Michael Essien will hope to inspire his Panathinakos side in this weekends clash against Platanias after scoring his first goal for the club in the Greece super league against, Levadiakos. Panathinakos lie 3rd with 35-points after 19-matches played in the 2015/16 league season.

Preview: Ghanaian Players In European Action This Weekend

Preview: Ghanaian Players Involved In European Football Action

Kwadwo Asamoah’s Juventus Travel To Badu’s Udinese In Top Liner Of Ghanaian Players In Abroad

Ghanaian players will be involved in weekend action with the respective European clubs.  Jordan and Andre Ayew will hope to have a better luck with Aston Villa and Swansea City respectively during this weekend.

In Italy Kevin Prince Boateng will hope to start his first Serie A game after returning to the club for a second stint.

England

Jordan Ayew will be leading the attack for Aston Villa when the Villians host premier league surprise package and joint top of the table, Leicester City in the Midlands derby on Saturday.

Aston Villa forward, Jordan Ayew

Leicester city have won 34 matches to Vlla’s 27 wins in 87 matches played in all competitions. The home side, Aston Villa cant afford to lose this game as time is running out for any chance of a premier league revival.

 

Dede Ayew like his younger brother, Jordan will lead the attack for Swansea City who have lost as many games since parting ways with Garry Monk. The Swans have flattered to deceive after starting the league on top of the top and with some interest results notably a draw at Stamford bridge against Chelsea and victory over Manchester united.

Dede Ayew in Swansea colours

Swansea lost their last premier league game at home by 2-goals to 4 against fellow relegation threatened, Sunderland. The two teams have met 10 times and each have won 5 games at home so there’s a battle for supremacy when the face each other.

Watford had a disappointing result at Southampton but will start as favourite in the Monday night game away at the Liberty stadium. The Hornets won the first encounter of the season by a goal to nil.

Ghanaian internationals, Christan Atsu and Baba Rahman will hope for some game time when their English premier league side, Chelsea play host to in-form Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea’s left back, Baba Rahman

Many tipped the Blues to defend their title but are currently struggling to break away from the shackles of relegation and the draw against West Bromwich Albion in mid-week all but sealed any chance of making top 4.

Chelsea have won their last three home games against Everton and will hope that run of form continues however the form the 5-times premier league champions find themselves in makes it a daunting task.

Spain

Las Palmas will welcome in-form Atletico Madrid on Sundeay in the Spanish Primera la liga. Mubarak Wakaso will hope to get one over his compatriot and fellow midfielder, Alex Partey who will hope to be a part of manager, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side that will travel to the Gran Canaria stadium.

Mubarak Wakaso during his unveiling in the summer of 2015

The two clubs have defeted each other ones at home and away respectively in two previous encounters. The battle for supremacy is now drawn though the Madrid based club starts as favourite as they have lost once and drawn one in their last 4 away games.

Italy

Napoli will play host to Alfred Duncan’s Sassuolo in this weekends Serie A encounter at the San Paolo stadium.

Isaac Cofie’s Carpi will play host to Sampdoria at the Alberto Braglia stadium. Carpi lost last year’s encounter by 5 – goals to 2 and will hope not to repeat same results as they lie 19th on the league log.

Agyemang Badu celebrates scoring against Bologna

Agyemang Badu’s Udinese will host Kwadwo Asamoah’s Juventus in the top liner in Serie A ths weekend. Juventus are on a ten game unbeaten run and will hope to continue with that fine vain of form in their quest to catch up with top of the log, Internationale Milan.

Juventus midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah

Udinese lie 12th and are 10 points awy from 19th place Carpi. The Zebras need some consistency of results to get their season back on track. Kwadwo Asamoah played his first game in 2016 and will hope his late cameo afford him more game time from manager Massimo Allegri.

Rahman Chidbsah’s Frosinone will go away to 14th place, Torino on Saturday.

Preview: Ghanaian Players Involved In European Football Action