FOOTBALL: From Ghana’s dusty parks to Europe’s sublime football pitches

Aspiring to be a goalkeeper in Europe is young Michael Acquah Photo: Kent Mensah

The deafening sound of children shouting fills the air. Sounds like a heated bout of fisticuffs. Thumping bare feet vibrate on the arid ground. Dust billows into the hot skies. Fear of an area gangs’ brawl intensifies as one draws closer. The sight of a round but soft leather object bouncing and rolling across the street into a choked gutter deflates the heightened fear.