Sports

Nottingham Forest Claim First European Away Win in 30 Years Over Utrecht

Published

3 months ago

December 12, 2025

Samuel Kobina Amu

Igor Jesus celebrates his winner for Nottingham Forest against Utrecht in the Europa League

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Nottingham Forest claimed a dramatic 2-1 win against FC Utrecht in the UEFA Europa League league phase at Stadion Galgenwaard, marking their first away victory in European competition in exactly 30 years—since a 2-1 triumph over Austria Vienna in the UEFA Cup on October 26, 1995.

This result boosts Forest to 11 points after six matches, positioning them eighth in the standings and firmly in contention for automatic knockout-phase qualification, with two games remaining.

Match Summary

Sean Dyche’s side, dominated possession and chances early on but had to weather a Utrecht resurgence. The Dutch side, win less in 17 major European games dating back to 2004, showed fight but couldn’t hold firm against Forest’s late push.

First Half: A cagey opener with both teams probing. Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi forced two early saves from Utrecht keeper Vasilios Barkas, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz went close. Utrecht’s Miguel Rodriguez tested stand-in Forest goalkeeper John Victor (replacing the injured Matz Sels) with a long-range stunner, but the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Second Half: Forest struck first in the 52nd minute when Arnaud Kalimuendo bulldozed through two defenders, benefited from a deflection, and rifled home from a tight angle—his second goal in as many European games.
Utrecht leveled in the 75th minute via a set-piece header from substitute Mike van der Hoorn, the former Swansea defender, peeling unmarked at the back post.
Dramatic Winner: Dyche introduced Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus around the hour mark. In the 88th minute, Gibbs-White’s influence paid off: he fed Hudson-Odoi, whose cross found Dan Ndoye for a header parried by Barkas. Jesus, on for just 82 seconds, pounced on the rebound and slotted through the keeper’s legs for his fourth Europa League goal of the season.
Jesus celebrated with his signature Dragon Ball Z-inspired “Kamehameha” gesture, a nod to his childhood fandom.

Forest finished with 19 shots (1.56 xG) to Utrecht’s 10 (0.75 xG), underlining their control despite the nervy finish.

Notably, all five of Forest’s Europa League goals under Dyche this season have come from set pieces.

This win ends a 30-year drought for Forest in European away fixtures, their last being that 1995 UEFA Cup success en route to the final (where they lost to Juventus).

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Andre Ayew’s Header Sparks Ghana World Cup Selection Debate

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Ghana legend Andre Dede Ayew with a powerful header to put Nac Breda 3-2 ahead against Feyenood. This has sparked a social media debate about his inclusion to the senior national team of Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Published

5 days ago

March 9, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

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André Dede Ayew’s recent trademark header goal has reignited intense debate in Ghana about whether the 36-year-old former Black Stars captain should be recalled for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The incident stems from a match on March 8, 2026, where Ayew scored his first goal for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. https://youtube.com/shorts/qC3c-dj0f3k?si=hU1CxQqynjFurEtF

In a thrilling 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, he rose highest to powerfully head in a cross from Lewis Holtby, putting NAC Breda 3-2 ahead at halftime. This was his debut goal after joining the Dutch club on a free transfer in the January 2026 window, ending a 372-day goal drought.

The goal described as a “powerful header” and “trademark” aerial finish has sparked widespread discussion on social media, in Ghanaian sports outlets, and among pundits, as it highlights Ayew’s ongoing form and leadership qualities amid Ghana’s preparations for the expanded 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico).

- Andrew Dede Ayew played a key role in the high-scoring game, with fellow Ghanaian Kamal Sowah also involved (drawing level earlier). The header demonstrated his enduring aerial threat despite his age.

- After a challenging period (limited minutes and no goals prior), this milestone has boosted his confidence and visibility. Ayew has not ruled out a national team return, and his resurgence is seen as timely with World Cup qualification progressing (Ghana in strong contention under coach Otto Addo).

This echoes broader Ghana football discussions on balancing veterans with emerging stars, especially after recent challenges like missing AFCON 2025. Ayew’s header isn’t just a club milestone—it’s fuel for a national conversation on legacy in the lead-up to the 2026 World cup.

Sports

Semenyo Scores 15th Goal but Forest Snatch 2-2 Draw at City

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Manchester City and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season

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Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Manchester City as Nottingham Forest fought back for a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2026.

Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth in January, opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a superb volley. Assisted by Rayan Cherki, he controlled and fired home from the center of the box, giving City a deserved lead after dominating early possession.

This marked his impressive tally—his 15th in the league this campaign—and highlighted his seamless adaptation and goal-scoring prowess since the move. Manchester City looked in control, but Forest equalized in the 56th minute through Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever backheel finish.

Rodri restored City’s advantage just six minutes later, heading in from Rayan Aït-Nouri’s corner to make it 2-1.However, Forest refused to lie down. Elliot Anderson snatched a late equalizer in the 76th minute (some reports note around the 76th-80th mark), drilling home to secure a vital point for the visitors in their relegation battle.

The result left Pep Guardiola’s side frustrated, dropping precious points in the title race—now trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points after the Gunners’ win over Brighton.Semenyo nearly won it for City in stoppage time, forcing a superb save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels on a free-kick, but the draw stood.

The Ghana international was among City’s standout performers, combining threat with creativity. This match underscores Semenyo’s rising stock—he’s been a key attacking force for City since his transfer, contributing goals and assists consistently. For Forest, the resilient comeback was a massive boost in their survival fight.

Sports

Ghana’s Black Queens Thrash Russia 4-0 in Pink Ladies Cup

Published

2 weeks ago

March 3, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

back-to-back 4–0 victories for the Black Queens against Russia and Hong Kong at the Pink Ladies Cup (@GFA)

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The Ghana Black Queens delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Russia 4-0 in their Matchday 2 fixture at the 2026 Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates (held at venues like Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium).

This follows their opening 4-0 win over Hong Kong, making it back-to-back clean-sheet victories with 8 goals scored and none conceded so far. The result positions Ghana at the top of the four-nation tournament table involving Ghana, Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as they prepare for the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.

Match Highlights

- Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring early in the 8th minute with a well-taken finish.

- Doris Boaduwaa added a brace (goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes, including one described as a super finish).
- Patience Ajegipina Zakaria (Ampem Darkoa Ladies striker, on debut form from the first game too) sealed it with the fourth in the 88th minute.

The Black Queens showed strong composure, high pressing, and clinical attacking under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who reportedly called this one of the best performances he’s seen from the team since taking charge.

This comes amid some reported tensions in the region (mentioned in Dubai context), but the team stayed focused and impressed. The Queens will take on Tanzania on Friday, March 6, 2026, in their final group game.