Latest news with #Randers
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Abdul Hakim Sulemana: Ghana's rising star steps out of his brother's shadow
At the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, Ghana's Abdul Hakim Sulemana emerged as one of the tournament's breakout stars, showing the continent—and the world—that footballing brilliance runs deep in the Sulemana family. The 20-year-old winger not only captured hearts with his dazzling displays for the Black Satellites, but also proved he's no longer just 'Kamaldeen's younger brother.' With a Man of the Match performance in Ghana's opening game and a clutch penalty in the quarter-finals, Hakim's star is rising fast. Forged in Techiman, Sharpened in Dreams Born in Techiman in Ghana's Bono East region, Sulemana grew up in a household where football was more than just a pastime—it was a calling. His older brother, Kamaldeen Sulemana, now at English Premier League side Southampton, paved the path. Another brother, Abdul-Rauf, also played professionally. But Hakim has never been content with living in the shadows. 'We all played football in the compound, in the streets—Kamaldeen always pushed me,' he told 'He set the standard, but I want to go higher.' His journey began at Ghana's prestigious Right to Dream Academy, the same institution that developed stars like Mohammed Kudus, Majeed Waris, Ernest Nuamah and David Accam. The academy's holistic approach—focused on education, discipline, and football—shaped Hakim into a complete player and young man. From Ghana to Lyon to Randers Hakim's potential was clear. After excelling at Right to Dream, he joined Olympique Lyon's youth setup in France before sealing a move to Danish top-flight side Randers FC in 2024. The switch was seamless, aided by a familiar face—Fatah Abdirahman, a former Right to Dream coach, now assistant at Randers. 'Having someone who already knows your game makes a big difference,' Hakim said. 'It helped me settle quickly in Europe.' Although still breaking into the Randers first team, his experience at the U20 AFCON has enhanced his reputation. His performances in Egypt—including a late penalty equalizer against hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals—demonstrated maturity well beyond his years. Tournament Recognition and Global Buzz Ghana's U20 run may have ended in heartbreak, losing 5-4 on penalties to Egypt after a 2-2 draw, but Sulemana's stock soared. U20 head coach Desmond Ofei praised the youngster's mindset and impact. 'Hakim is fearless,' Ofei said. 'His size might fool you, but his courage, technical ability, and tactical intelligence make him indispensable.' CAF's Technical Study Group lauded his creativity, balance, and relentless work ethic—attributes reminiscent of Kamaldeen in his early days. And while comparisons are inevitable, Hakim welcomes them with confidence. 'I admire what Kamal has achieved, but I want to be known for my own journey,' he said. Carving His Own Legacy Kamaldeen has already played in the UEFA Champions League and represented Ghana at the World Cup. But Hakim insists the weight of expectation fuels his ambition rather than hinders it. 'Kamal always says, 'Work harder than everyone else.' That's what I live by,' he explained. Following Hakim's Man of the Match accolade against DR Congo, Kamaldeen tweeted: 'Proud of you, little bro. This is just the beginning.' Footballing dynasties are not uncommon in Africa—think the Ayews in Ghana, the Tourés in Côte d'Ivoire, or the Eto'os in Cameroon. But Hakim's rise feels uniquely personal: the shy younger sibling stepping into the arena, ready to be the headline act. The Road Ahead With Ghana missing out on a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Hakim's next chapter returns to Europe, where scouts are watching. He's determined to earn more minutes at Randers and continue improving. 'My dream is to reach the Premier League, just like Kamal,' he said. 'But first, I want to become a regular at Randers and prove I can make a difference.' If his performances in Egypt are anything to go by, Hakim Sulemana won't be in anyone's shadow
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Toure fuelled by group chat rev-up and trainer promise
A WhatsApp group connecting some of Australia's most-gifted exports and the promise of a pair of trainers has helped Young Socceroos striker Musa Toure hit top form en route to the U20 Asian Cup final. Toure has been on fire for Australia, who meet Saudi Arabia in Saturday's final (10.30pm AEDT) in Shenzhen, China. The 20-year-old scored the opening goal in a 2-0 semi-final win over Japan and played a key role in the lead-up to Jaylan Pearman's winner. It represents Australia's first shot at lifting an Asian trophy at any age group since Socceroos won the senior tournament in 2015. MUSA TOURE OPENS THE SCORING! 🔓WHAT ABOUT THE BUILD-UP! 🔥🎥 @10FootballAU#YoungSocceroos #AFCU20 #AUSvJPN — Football Australia (@FootballAUS) February 26, 2025 With three goals to his name in the tournament so far, Toure has played a key role in the Young Socceroos' fortunes in qualifying for this year's World Cup in Chile. And he has been able to keep pushing himself further courtesy of a group chat where a litany of Australia's future stars offer each other words of encouragement. "In there, there's Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol, Tete Yengi, Rhys Youlley, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Yaya Dukuly, Ariath Piol," Toure told AAP. "(After the Japan win) I went back into the changing room and saw my phone and everyone was jumping in (with comments) saying how happy they were. "To have everyone watching and having those boys supporting me is amazing. "We are always pushing each other and will say, 'Oh, you won't do this'. It gives us the belief to go do new things in the game." Toure has found belief hard to come by in recent months. A move to French side Clermont didn't pan out the way he would have liked but he is hopeful reuniting with older brother Mohamed at Danish top-flight club Randers can bring the best out of him. Mohamed has been following the Young Socceroos' fortunes, promising his younger brother a pair of trainers if he moves ahead of South Korea's Tae-won Kim (four goals) and lands the competition's golden boot award. Musa Toure doesn't make defenders comfortable! #AFCU20 | #AUSvKGZ — #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) February 12, 2025 "Mohamed told me if I become the top goalscorer he'd buy me any trainers I want," said the younger Toure, who has already eyed off a pair of Louis Vuitton sneakers. "I'm one goal off it and I think it can happen. "The win comes first and if the goals come it comes. Mohamed is doing well, his (goal) bonus is crazy." Toure's move to Randers happened while he was away in Young Socceroos camp in China. After Saturday's final, he will have to return to France, empty his apartment, and then relocate to Denmark where he hopes he and his brother can become a devastating duo. "I didn't play with him in the A-League but from juniors and NPL we've been together our whole life," Toure said. "I know what we can do with each other … it's going to be fun to play with him again."
