Africa Sport News — Page 55
Black Stars: Sports Minister Kofi Adams believes Otto Addo should have been dismissed much sooner.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has revealed that he would have relieved Otto Addo of his duties as Black Stars head coach much earlier had the decision rested solely with him.Addo returned as Ghana coach in March 2024 after signing a three-year contract with an option for a further two years.However, his second spell in charge came under intense scrutiny following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sparking widespread calls for his dismissal.Despite the criticism, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) retained faith in the 50-year-old, who subsequently guided the national team to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.His tenure eventually came to an end just months before the tournament after Ghana failed to win any of their four pre-World Cup friendly matches, including successive defeats to Austria and Germany.The GFA appointed experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as Addo's replacement on a short-term contract ahead of the World Cup.Speaking in an interview with TV3, Adams admitted he would have acted sooner."If the decision were mine alone, I would have sacked Otto Addo much earlier during...
Discipline is set to enhance – Maxwell Konadu supports Carlos Queiroz's continued role with the Black Stars.
Ghanaian tactician Maxwell Konadu is backing Carlos Queiroz to continue as head coach of the Black Stars after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran Portuguese coach was hired to take charge of the Black Stars on a short stint for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the sacking of former coach Otto Addo.With Ghana suffering elimination at the Round of 32 stage, Carlos Queiroz was expected to leave his role.However, reports in the last few days indicate that the 73-year-old has been offered a two-year deal to continue as Black Stars head coach.Speaking to TV3 on the development, Maxwell Konadu has thrown his support behind Carlos Queiroz, arguing that the coach will improve the discipline in the Black Stars if he stays.The former Kotoko coach believes this is key for the Black Stars to become better.âWe have seen what he can do. Maybe if he stays around for some time, our team will improve. For me, discipline will improve in the team, and that is what we need in Black Stars currently. When discipline is there, the team will play well,â Maxwell Konadu said.Meanwhile, sources have indicated that Carlos Queiroz will be tasked...
Daniel Opare encourages officials to allocate resources towards enhancing sports infrastructure.
Former Ghana defender Daniel Opare has issued a stark warning, calling on authorities to make massive investments in sports infrastructure to prevent the decline of Ghanaian football.Speaking on TV3's Mundial live, the 2009 U-20 World Cup winner did not hold back in his assessment of the country's sporting infrastructure."When it comes to these kinds of things [hosting of tournaments], we have to invest big to improve facilities. And truth be spoken, our facilities are poor. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like, because I'm a Ghanaian, I wouldn't tell the truth. Our facilities are poor. The teams don't have good facilities," Opare said.He argued that the lack of quality pitches, modern training equipment, and proper academy structures is actively harming young players."I think that we are not taking football seriously. And it's killing the younger generations because that is where we all developed from," he added.Opare also criticised the current system of youth football, describing it as "a joke" and urging the Ghana Football Association to completely rethink its approach.According to the former Real Madrid Castilla defender, reviving Ghanaian football starts with a deliberate financial commitment to the foundational levels of the...
Sudanese powerhouses Al Hilal SC reveal the acquisition of Ghanaian midfielder Salim Adams.
Sudanese giants Al Hilal SC have announced the signing of Ghana midfielder Salim Adams to bolster their squad.The club confirmed the acquisition of the midfielder from Ghana Premier League champions Medeama Sporting Club on Wednesday.This comes after GHANAsoccernet exclusively reported in the last 24 hours that Adams was on the move and would join Al Hilal SC as a next step in his career.EXCLUSIVE: Medeama SC star Salim Adams flies out to Sudan to complete Al Hilal moveAccording to an official club statement, Al Hilal SC have signed Salim Adams on a four-year contract.âGhanaian midfielder Salem Adams, 24, has joined the ranks of Sudanâs giant on a four-year contract.âEveryone at our club welcomes you, Adams, and wishes you every success,â the Sudanese club said in a statement on Facebook.Adams leaves the shores of Ghana on the back of an exceptional campaign with Medeama SC. He was the teamâs star man in the 2025/26 season, leading the side to claim the Ghana Premier League title at the end of the season.The former Hearts of Oak man is now set to begin a new chapter of his career with Al Hilal SC.
Mohammed Kudus is back in full training following an extended injury absence.
Ghana star Mohammed Kudus has returned to full training with Tottenham Hotspur, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a lengthy injury layoff.The 25-year-old was spotted back on the grass with the Spurs squad during pre-season preparations, having missed Ghana's 2026 World Cup campaign after suffering a quad injury setback in January.Kudus had returned to team training earlier this year but suffered a relapse that required further specialist review and potentially surgery, ruling him out of the tournament in North America.Kudus had been sidelined since January after sustaining a significant quad injury during a Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The setback was a major blow for both Tottenham and Ghana, with the Black Stars counting on him to be a key figure at the World Cup.His recovery has been carefully managed, and his return to full training offers a major boost to Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who will be looking to integrate the Ghanaian back into his plans for the 2026/27 season.Kudus will be aiming to build his match fitness during pre-season and be ready for the start of the Premier League campaign. His return will also be a major boost for the Black...
World Cup 2026: Rooney Reflects on England's Semifinal Defeat to Argentina — "We Were Uncertain After Gaining the Advantage"
Wayne Rooney said England did not know what to do after taking the lead against Argentina, in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. England had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who slotted home a cross from Morgan Rodgers. But Thomas Tuchel side struggled to regain control as Argentina, led by [...]
Corey Addai has signed on loan with Burton Albion.
Burton Albion have added Jamaican-Ghanaian goalkeeper Corey Addai on a season-long loan from Stockport County.The 28-year-old arrives with strong League One experience and is expected to bring both reliability and quality to the Brewersâ back line.Addai made 68 appearances for Stockport over the past two seasons, helping the club reach the League One play-offs in both campaigns. He also earned recognition for his performances, including a Player of the Month award in March. Burton believe that level of consistency will make him an important part of their squad next season.Head coach Gary Bowyer welcomed the move, praising Addaiâs desire to join and highlighting his ability with the ball at his feet. Sporting director Richard Dorman also pointed to his shot-stopping, box presence and willingness to keep improving as key reasons for the signing.Addaiâs career path has taken him from Arsenalâs Hale End academy to Coventry City, several non-league loan spells, a spell in Denmark with Esbjerg fB, and then back to England with Crawley Town. He made 79 appearances for Crawley and helped them win promotion through the 2023/24 League Two play-offs.
Saudi club Damac FC rekindles interest in Hearts of Oak's goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Saudi Pro League side Damac FC have officially expressed renewed interest in Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, following his standout performances for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.According to reports, Damac submitted a first offer for the 33-year-old shot-stopper last year and have since returned with an improved bid. Talks between the two clubs are understood to be ongoing.The interest has led to widespread speculation about a potential transfer fee. Reports had suggested that Hearts of Oak were demanding a fee in excess of $200,000 for the goalkeeper. However, the club has since moved to dismiss these claims.In a statement released on Wednesday, July 15, Hearts of Oak described reports of a set valuation as "false and without factual basis"."Hearts of Oak has not placed any valuation on Benjamin Asare and has not authorised any individual or media outlet to communicate a transfer fee or asking price on its behalf," the club stated.While denying that a price has been set, the Phobians have indicated they remain open to considering offers that serve the best interests of both the player and the club.Asareâs stock has risen considerably after a stellar World Cup...
Mendy departed to cover his own medical expenses as the turmoil surrounding Senegal's World Cup health issues comes to light.
Edouard Mendy's 2026 World Cup campaign took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a knee injury against Norway â but what followed has raised serious questions about Senegal's treatment of its players.The Al-Ahli goalkeeper was forced to pay for his own MRI scan after the Senegalese Football Federation failed to secure medical insurance for anyone in the delegation. Mendy injured his left knee while attempting a save during Senegal's 3-2 group-stage defeat to Norway and left the pitch in the 63rd minute. He needed an MRI to assess the damage and ended up covering the cost himself â a particularly expensive procedure in the United States.The incident is just one example of wider dysfunction. According to *Sport News Africa*, none of the players, coaches or other members of Senegal's delegation had insurance coverage during the World Cup. Medical staff worked without proper contracts and had not received all salaries and bonuses owed to them.A French doctor who joined ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was never given a contract and had to pay for medical examinations â including MRIs for certain players â out of his own pocket, without reimbursement. Senegal's physiotherapists went unpaid for...
Daniel Opare expresses frustration over the challenges faced by Ghanaian football.
Former Ghana defender Daniel Opare has issued a stern warning about the future of the senior national team, declaring that the Black Stars are doomed to years of struggle if football administrators do not immediately shift their focus and resources to grassroots development.Speaking on TV3's Mundial Daily on Tuesday night, the 2009 U-20 World Cup winner expressed deep anger over how youth football is being managed in the country, calling the current system "a joke"."I think we are playing a lot. It's a joke. And when I say things like this, it really makes me angry to talk about it. And when you speak, they say you talk too much. But this is the truth. I'm telling them the Federation needs to do better," Opare said.The former Real Madrid Castilla defender criticised the saturation of meaningless fixtures and the lack of support for developmental leagues, urging the Ghana Football Association to completely rethink its approach.According to Opare, reviving Ghanaian football starts with a deliberate financial commitment to the foundational levels of the game, specifically targeting local colts (youth) teams."They need to encourage the Colts teams. They need to push the money there. They need to...
Asante Kotoko is poised to name South African coach Eric Tinkler as their new manager.
Asante Kotoko are set to appoint experienced South African coach Eric Tinkler as the club's new head coach, bringing an end to their search for a permanent manager.The Porcupine Warriors have been without a substantive head coach since the departure of Karim Zito, with interim coaches Prince Yaw Owusu and later Hamza Obeng overseeing the team.The club recently appointed Dutchman Stanley Menzo as Director of Football, tasked with overseeing the technical direction, and the search for a new head coach has been a key priority.Tinkler brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several clubs in the South African Premier Soccer League. He has previously been in charge of Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, SuperSport United, Chippa United, and Maritzburg United. Most recently, he led Sekhukhune United.The 55-year-old former Bafana Bafana midfielder, who earned 45 caps for South Africa, has won three trophies during his coaching career: the League Cup with Cape Town City FC (2016), the Nedbank Cup with Orlando Pirates (2013/2014), and the South Africa 8 Cup with SuperSport United FC (2017/2018).Tinkler's appointment is expected to bring stability and experience to Kotoko as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.
Ex-Ghana defender Daniel Opare expresses disappointment over inadequate facilities.
Former Black Stars defender Daniel Opare has issued a brutal assessment of Ghana's sports infrastructure, warning that the country's subpar facilities are actively "killing" the development of the next generation of football talent.Speaking on TV3's Mundial live, the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner voiced his deep frustration over the current state of youth football development and the nation's readiness to host major tournaments, such as the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations."When it comes to these kinds of things [hosting of tournaments], we have to invest big to improve facilities. And truth to be spoken, our facilities are poor. I'm not going to sit here and pretend like, because I'm a Ghanaian, I wouldn't tell the truth. Our facilities are poor. The teams don't have good facilities. I think that we are not taking football seriously. And it's killing the younger generations because that is where we all developed from," Opare said.Opare, who rose to prominence during Ghana's historic youth runs, emphasized that the grassroots level is being severely neglected. He argued that without high-quality pitches, modern training gear, and proper academy structures, young players are denied the foundation that once allowed stars of his generation to...
Yamal’s Residence Attacked by Masked Intruders
Burglars attempted to break into the Barcelona residence of Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal in the early hours of July 15, 2026. The attempt was thwarted by his private security team, who spotted the masked intruders on perimeter walls via surveillance cameras and forced them to flee. Read Also:World Cup 2026: Argentina, Not England Is Under [...]
World Cup 2026: Messi Fuels Argentina's Thrilling 2-1 Comeback Victory Over England
Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain, France 24 reports. England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time [...]
World Cup 2026: Argentina stages a remarkable turnaround against England to secure a place in the final against Spain.
Argentina have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter.The reigning champions showed their resilience after falling behind, scoring twice in the closing stages to overturn Englandâs advantage and set up a mouth-watering final clash against Spain.The semi-final remained goalless for most of the opening period, with both sides creating opportunities without finding the breakthrough.Argentina came close in the 39th minute when Enzo Fernandez unleashed a powerful long-range effort, but his strike narrowly missed the target and went over the crossbar.After the restart, Julian Alvarez tested England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 47th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area. However, Pickford stayed composed and made a comfortable save.England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Morgan Rogers delivered a precise lofted cross into the box, allowing Anthony Gordon to finish with a quick strike into the bottom-left corner to give England a 1-0 lead.Argentina continued pushing for an equaliser and nearly levelled the score in the 69th minute, but Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Nicolas Gonzalezâs low header after...
World Cup 2026: Superior Side Triumphed – Shearer Praises Argentina’s Victory Over England
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has praised Argentina’s comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Recall that Argentina produced another stunning comeback as the defending champions broke English hearts to reach a second successive World Cup final after a 2-1 victory. Read Also:World Cup 2026: Messi Inspires Argentina To Dramatic 2-1 Comeback [...]
Sports Minister Kofi Adams supports a two-year agreement for Carlos Queiroz.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has thrown his weight behind a two-year contract extension for Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, describing the reported decision as "appropriate" following Ghana's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Queiroz was appointed in April on a four-month deal, just weeks before the World Cup. Despite the limited preparation time, the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician guided Ghana past the group stage for the first time since 2010, reaching the Round of 32 before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia ended their run.Speaking in an interview with 3FM, Adams made his position clear."It's appropriate if we have to give him a new contract. I would also join those who are calling for two years, so it would take you through to the 2027 AFCON so there can be some level of stability, he can focus very well, prepare the team," Adams said.The minister emphasised that continuity is key after years of frequent coaching changes. He noted that Queiroz had proven his worth despite the short preparation time, describing Ghana's World Cup campaign as "a fair success" given the circumstances."He has proved that a coach matters," Adams said.The new deal...
Nyamekye Awortwie Grant sidelined for multiple weeks at Paderborn.
SC Paderborn will have to do without Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant for the time being after the 25-year-old centre-back suffered a ligament injury in his ankle.The club says the German-Ghanaian defender is expected to miss around six weeks, a setback that arrives just as pre-season is gathering pace.The problem first became noticeable after Paderbornâs friendly against Hannover 96 on Saturday, when Awortwie-Grant was already forced to cut back his workload and train separately at the start of the week. The latest diagnosis now confirms that the issue is more serious than first hoped.For Paderborn, the timing is unfortunate because the defender only joined the club this summer and was supposed to quickly settle into the new defensive setup. Instead, he now faces a spell on the sidelines and will need time to recover before he can fight for a place again.The injury is a frustrating early obstacle for both player and club, but Paderborn are likely to take a cautious approach to avoid any further damage.
Agreement Reached: Swedish Team IFK Göteborg Acquires Nigerian Talent
Swedish club IFK Göteborg have completed the signing of Nigerian youngster Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku from Tripple 44 Football Academy, Completesports.com reports. Olowoporoku penned a three-year contract with the 18-time Allsvenskan champions. IFK Göteborg football director Jesper Jansson expressed delight with the midfielder’s arrival at the club. “A young and developable player who we see being able [...]
Medeama secures Eleven Wonders midfielder Emmanuel Boateng on a long-term contract.
Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC have reportedly completed the signing of midfielder Emmanuel Boateng. The Eleven Wonders star joins the Tarkwa-based club on a three-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 season.Boateng is seen as replacement for the departing Salim Adams, who is headed to Sudan to seal a move with Al Hilal.The highly-rated midfielder joins Etse Dogli and Dominic Amponsah as the new arrivals as Medeama beef up their squad for the upcoming campaign. Also joining the Ghanaian giants is Monged El Neel of Sudan.Meanwhile, Derrick Fordjour has left the Mauve and Yellow to join Asante Kotoko.The Premier League champions will represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League next season.Meanwhile, coach Ibrahim Tanko is expected to open camp in the coming days.The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season begins in September.