2024 was a year to forget for the Black Stars – an Africa Cup of Nations group stage exit and failing to even qualify or the next edition of the competition.
Despite the difficult year, there were some bright sparks with Ghana winning gold in the African Games and some talents showing immense potential locally and abroad.
Here are some of the most promising football breakout stars from Ghana this year.
Forson Amankwah (21) – Norwich City
Forson Amankwah took a big step joining Norwich City in the EFL Championship from RB Salzburg. He made an impressive start in England providing two assists in his first six appearances for the Canaries.
He was rewarded with a debut for Ghana’s national team on March 22, 2024, during a friendly match against Nigeria. Despite the team’s loss, Amankwah’s performance was notable, as Otto Addo was quick to praise the midfielder.
His inclusion in the national team for recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger further highlighted his growing importance to the team.
Mohammed Fuseini (22) – Union Saint-Gilloise
Mohammed Fuseini started out the year on loan at Randers FC in Denmark where he scored 9 goals and provided 1 assist in 16 games. Though the Danish side were eager to keep him, Fuseini joined Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
The diminutive winger has been in explosive form scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists in the first half of the season. The 22-year-old’s top speed of 37.58 km/h is the fastest in the Belgian league this season.
Fuseini is yet to receive a call-up to the Black Stars but in his current form it won’t be surprising to see him break that barrier in 2025.
Jerry Afriyie (19) – Thought FC
Jerry Afriyie moved from uncharted territory to being touted as the next big thing. With Ghana’s continuous search for a reliable striker to replace the retired Asamoah Gyan, Afriyie looks like he could potentially fill those boots.
He made history by becoming the first player from Division 2 to receive a Black Stars call-up. On his debut against Niger, Afriyie scored a well taken goal and received a hug from head coach Addo. Several achievements this year preceded that moment, the biggest of them being the African Games which he led Ghana to victory as top scorer of the competition.
Further solidifying his status as a rising star, Afriyie also excelled at the WAFU Zone B Championship, where he was named both the Best Player and top scorer after netting five goals in five matches. His contributions were crucial in helping the Ghana U20 team secure qualification for the upcoming U20 AFCON. The striker ended the year as part of Ghana’s Black Galaxy squad.
Abdul Aziz Issah (19) – Barcelona B
Abdul Aziz Issah played a crucial role in Ghana’s success at the African Games, contributing significantly to the team’s gold medal victory. His ability to score and create opportunities was instrumental in guiding the Black Satellites through the tournament.
Issah’s club career has also seen remarkable achievements, particularly with Dreams FC, where he helped the team reach the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in their debut campaign. During this campaign, he netted 4 goals and provided 2 assists in just 10 matches. His breathtaking long-distance strike from the centre of the pitch against APC Lobito was nominated as CAF Goal of the Year.
His impressive performances earned him a loan move to Barcelona B, where he continues to develop his skills in one of Europe’s top football environments. With his blend of technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Issah is undoubtedly a player to watch as he embarks on what promises to be an exciting career ahead.
Prince Kwabena Adu (21) – FC Viktoria Plzen
Prince Adu Kwabena has firmly established himself joining Viktoria Plze? in the summer. The 21-year-old forward, who previously played for Kryvbas FC in Ukraine, has made a significant impact since joining Plze?, scoring 10 goals and providing 2 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Two of those goals came in the Europa League as he continues to showcase his potential. Adu Kwabena’s journey is particularly inspiring given that he was once featured in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” list.
After overcoming a serious injury that threatened to derail his career, he has successfully revived his form and is now making waves in European football.
Maxwell Woledzi (23) – Fredrikstad
Maxwell Woledzi was ever-present at the back in Fredrikstad’s historic campaign, which culminated in winning the Norwegian Cup and securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, as he made 29 appearances throughout the season, showcasing his defensive prowess with an impressive tally of 54 interceptions, ranking second in the league.
Woledzi’s outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, earning him a place in Norway’s prestigious Eliteserien Team of the Year. His commanding presence at the back and ability to read the game have made him a standout player.
Kwame Poku (23) – Peterborough United
Kwame Poku has had an incredible 2024 season, establishing himself as the top scorer for Peterborough United and making significant contributions to the team’s performance. As of mid-December, Poku has netted 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 20 appearances across all competitions
His standout performances earned him the EFL League One Player of the Month award for both September and October, reflecting his consistent impact on the pitch. Poku’s strong start to the season has been a driving force behind Peterborough’s ambitions in the league, and his ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite.
Though Poku ended the year on a bad note after sustaining a hamstring injury that will see him miss three months, the attacking midfielder will be hopeful for a better 2025. Poku received his first call-up to the Ghana national team two years ago against. He made his debut coming on as a substitute in the 79th minute for Mohammed Kudus during a 3–1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Edmund Baidoo (18) – Red Bull Salzburg
Edmund Baidoo’s ascension in European football has been rapid. The 18-year-old winger, who recently made the leap from the youth team to the senior squad, has already begun to make his mark by scoring for the first team shortly after joining.
His transition from Sogndal in Norway, where he showcased his potential, to one of Austria’s top clubs highlights his immense talent. Baidoo’s ability to adapt quickly to a higher level of competition speaks volumes about his skill set and work ethic.
The post Ghana’s football breakout stars of 2024 first appeared on 3News.
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