Africa Sport News — Page 61
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...
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 [...]
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...
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.
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 [...]
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...
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 [...]
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...
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
Kun Khalifat Bolsters Team with Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes Midfielders
Kun Khalifat of Owerri have confirmed the arrival of Enyimba of Aba midfielder, Hogan Umoh as well as Chima Deruo, also a midfielder from Niger Tornadoes of Minna, Completesports.com reports. The Pride of Imolites also confirmed they have signed Bendel Insurance of Benin centre-back, Preye Seikrowei from as the club regroup for preparations ahead the [...]
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.
Ghanaian striker Benjamin Nyarko signs with Admira Wacker.
Admira Wacker have strengthened their attack with the signing of Ghanaian forward Benjamin Nyarko from Czech top-flight side Slovan Liberec.The 22-year-old moves to the Sudstadt with the clear expectation that he will add pace, power and directness to the frontline as the club prepares for the new campaign in Austriaâs 2. Liga.Sporting director Ralf Muhr described Nyarko as a robust, quick and already internationally experienced striker, stressing that both the club and the player have high expectations for how his qualities will translate on the pitch. The plan is for Nyarko to bring extra dynamism in the final third and, above all, more goal threat.Nyarko is set to be integrated quickly into the squad and will likely feature in the clubâs upcoming friendly against Donaufeld on July 18, giving fans an early look at their new signing.Competing in the second tier of the Austrian league system, Admira see him as a key piece in their push to climb the table, believing his arrival can significantly boost the teamâs attacking output in the season ahead.
Medeama SC has secured the services of Sudanese international goalkeeper Monged El Neel in preparation for the upcoming season.
Ghana Premier League side Medeama SC have completed the signing of Sudan international goalkeeper Monged El Neel Abuzaid Salman on a free transfer ahead of the 2026/27 season.The experienced shot-stopper arrives in Tarkwa after parting ways with South Sudanese outfit El Merriekh Bentiu, where he spent the 2025/26 campaign following his move to the club in July 2025.El Neel brings a wealth of experience to Medeama's squad, having previously represented Sudanese clubs Hilal Al Sahil and continental heavyweights Al Merrikh SC between 2017 and 2023.The 30-year-old has built an impressive reputation on the African stage, making 18 appearances across the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup during his career.His experience in continental competitions is expected to be a major asset for the Mauve and Yellow as they prepare for the upcoming season.On the international front, El Neel has been one of Sudan's dependable performers in recent years.He was the country's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, featuring in all three group-stage matches as Sudan progressed to the Round of 16.He also played a key role during Sudan's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, making three appearances for...
WAFCON 2026: Ihezuo Details Super Falcons' Objectives for Morocco
Super Falcons forward Chiwendu Ihezuo has reaffirmed the team’s determination to successfully defend their title at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ( in Morocco. Justine Madugu’s side will be chasing a record-extending 11th continental crown when the tournament gets underway later this month, with Morocco hosting the competition for the third successive edition. [...]
EXCLUSIVE: Medeama SC standout Salim Adams departs for Sudan to finalize his transfer to Al Hilal.
Medeama SC midfielder Salim Adams has flown to Sudan to complete a transfer to Sudanese giants Al Hilal, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.The 24-year-old is expected to undergo the final formalities before sealing a move to one of Africa's biggest clubs after an outstanding 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign.Adams leaves Medeama after playing a key role in the club's successful title-winning season.The midfielder was one of the standout performers in the Ghanaian top flight, scoring 12 goals in 28 league appearances to help the Tarkwa-based side secure their second-ever Ghana Premier League title.His impressive performances earned him the Medeama Player of the Season award during the club's coronation celebrations and established him as one of the most influential midfielders in the domestic league.The midfielder joined Medeama from Hearts of Oak in September 2025, with his move proving to be one of the club's most successful transfer decisions in recent years.Interest in Adams had been growing steadily over the past few months.Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC were previously linked with the midfielder before Al Hilal intensified their pursuit and moved quickly to secure his signature.His excellent form also earned him a call-up to the Black...
Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledges that Morocco did not reveal their authentic character during the World Cup quarter-final loss to France.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has admitted that the Atlas Lions were not at their best against France in the quarterfinals.The North African giants saw their impressive World Cup journey come to an end after suffering a 2-0 defeat to France in the last eight, bringing an end to a memorable campaign that had generated huge excitement among Moroccan supporters.Following the teamâs return home, Ouahbi addressed the media and reflected on Moroccoâs tournament performance, highlighting both the positives from their campaign and the disappointment of their final appearance.Despite acknowledging the teamâs overall achievements, the Moroccan manager revealed that he had mixed emotions about the way the tournament ended, particularly because he felt his players were unable to produce their best football when it mattered most.Ouahbi believes Morocco did not fully represent their style and philosophy against the reigning world champions, taking responsibility for the shortcomings in their quarter-final performance.âWe would have liked to have ended this tournament by being more true to ourselves, by showing our true identity. That wasnât the case, and I take responsibility for that as manager,â Ouahbi said.The Atlas Lions had been praised for their organisation, determination, and competitive spirit...
World Cup 2026: ‘I Admire Messi, I Hope Argentina Comes Out on Top’ – Mikel
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi says he is backing Lionel Messi’s Argentina to defeat England in tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. Mikel noted that England’s midfield has struggled to control spaces in the tournament and warned that Messi and Julián Álvarez will expose these gaps. Messi, Alvarez Will Expose England He made [...]