Here’s our weekly look at how Ghanaian players abroad are faring. In this first edition of Telescope for the New Year, we are going to take a look at some of the top Ghanaian performers across various leagues.
Jordan Ayew
The Crystal Palace forward has had a week to remember. He scored his first ever Crystal Palace goal against Wolves in the week, in a game his team went on to win by two goals to nil. Though he could not secure a starting spot in the FA Cup, the on-loan Swansea man came off the bench to head in an 86th-minute winner to fire his side to the next round of the competition. He received praise from his manager after the game and will be looking forward to a more goal-filled 2019.
Christian Atsu
The Newcastle winger started his second consecutive game for Newcastle as they welcomed Manchester United. Atsu was one of the bright spots for the Magpies forcing two saves from United keeper David De Gea. The winger was an unused substitute however as his team drew with Blackburn in the FA Cup. He will hope to make his ninth start this season as Newcastle face Chelsea in the Premier League.
Andy Yiadom
The Reading full-back put in a 90 minute shift as his side lost by two goals to nil to Manchester United in the FA Cup. It was an eventful evening for Yiadom as he almost got sent off in the 32nd minute for a rash challenge on United midfielder Fred. Yiadom also had a shot blocked by the United defence early in the first half. He will be hoping for better luck for his team as they sit second from bottom in the Championship and are without a win in six games.
Kwesi Appiah
Kwesi Appiah was the hero for his AFC Wimbledon side as they beat Fleetwood Town by 3 goals to 2. Appiah came off the bench to snatch the winner on the stroke of full-time, a goal that completed a memorable victory for Wimbledon. They now advance to the FA Cup fourth round, a stage they have not reached in the last 16 years.
Emmanuel Boateng
The Levante UD striker was introduced as a 63rd minute substitute as his side looked for a winning goal against Girona. He could only contribute a shot that troubled the fans more than the opposition goalkeeper. Boateng has not found his scoring boots this season after scoring just 1 goal in 15 La Liga appearances.
Thomas Partey
The ever-reliable Thomas Partey was in the thick of the action as Atletico Madrid drew one-all with Sevilla in the Spanish La Liga. Partey won the Man of The Match award after a brilliant display in the Atleti midfield. He has been nominated for the nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year Award.
Raphael Dwamena
Dwamena came on in the 81st minute as his side Levante UD drew 2 – 2 with Girona. The striker had one shot that went over the bar in what was nothing more than a cameo appearance for the former FC Zurich man. He is yet to find the net in La Liga after making five appearances but he has scored in the Copa Del Rey for his new club.
Now we’re off to Turkey and Italy to see how our compatriots there ended 2018 and entered the winter break…..
Andre Ayew
Ayew who is currently on loan from Championship side Swansea, lasted the full 90 minutes as his Fenerbahce side drew goalless with Antalyaspor in the last Turkish Super Lig game before the winter break. Ayew, since joining Antalyaspor has made 15 appearances scoring 4 goals.
Asamoah Gyan
Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan featured in Kayserispor’s last game of 2018, coming on as a 72nd minute sub as his side drew one all with Buyuksehir Belediye. Gyan enjoyed an eventful end to 2018 with reports coming out of England claiming that he is broke. He rubbished the claims and thanked the English media for ‘hyping’ him.
Isaac Sackey
The combative defensive midfielder plays for Alyanspor in Turkey’s top flight. He lasted 46 of their last game against Rizespor, a game that ended in a one-all draw. Sackey is leading the division for red cards. The midfielder has been sent off 2 times for his side, he will be hoping for a more disciplined 2019.
Alfred Duncan
The Sassuolo midfielder ended 2018 on a good note even if it was just a personal one. Duncan scored a brace as his team was crushed by 6 goals to 2 at the hands of Atalanta. The energetic midfield player has been one of Sassuolo’s bright spots this season.
Kevin-Prince Boateng
The former Frankfurt man came on as a 56th minute substitute and assisted Alfred Duncan’s second goal. After making the switch from Germany, Kevin-Prince has made 12 appearances for Sassuolo and has scored 4 goals. Boateng is full of surprises, maybe 2019 will have another song in store for us from the former AC Milan star.
Bernard Tekpetey
The 21-year old ended the year with a big bang scoring a hat-trick as his side SC Paderborn destroyed Darmstadt by 6 goals to 2. Tekpetey is on a season-long loan from Schalke, and the Paderborn management have made it very clear that they want to make the deal permanent. With 7 goals and two assists in 17 games in the Bundesliga 2, Tekpetey is definitely one to watch.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
