Africa Sport News — Page 65
World Cup 2026: Bellingham to Take Over Kane’s Captaincy – Agbonlahor
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Jude Bellingham to replace Harry Kane as the next England captain, dismissing Declan Rice as the natural successor. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor described Bellingham’s leadership as a “no-brainer” and compared his influence on the pitch to Zinedine Zidane. Read Also:World Cup 2026: England Must Not Focus Only [...]
Hearts of Oak are seeking a manager who will instill a 'hunger for goals' in the players, according to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe.
Hearts of Oak board member Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has explained the club's decision to part ways with former head coach Didi Dramani at the end of the 2025/26 season.According to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, the club's board was not satisfied with the team's overall performances under Dramani, particularly their lack of cutting edge in attack.Speaking to Akoma FM, the veteran football administrator said Hearts are already working to appoint a new coach capable of instilling a more attacking mentality in the squad.âThe Board of Directors has decided to let the former coach go, and they are making preparations for a new coach to come. We want a coach who will teach the boys how to be hungry for goals.âMost of our so-called wins were minimal. Apart from that, we either drew or lost,â the Hearts of Oak board member said.Hearts of Oak finished third in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign under Dramani, matching their third-place finish from the previous season.Despite remaining among the league's top sides, the club ultimately fell short of mounting a successful title challenge. As a result, the board is seeking a new direction ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
FIFA officials from Egypt and Tunisia will conduct a premier refereeing program in Ghana.
Ghana will host top FIFA refereeing instructors later this month when the FIFA Member Association (MA) Young Talent Refereeing Course takes place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.The six-day programme, scheduled for July 23 to 28, will be led by experienced FIFA Technical Instructor Essameldin Abdelfattah Hassan Abdelhamid of Egypt and FIFA Physical Instructor Boubakar Hannachi of Tunisia.The course forms part of FIFA's global referee development programme aimed at preparing promising young officials for the highest levels of the game.Participants selected from the Ghana Football Association's Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme will receive specialised training in modern officiating, including interpretations of the Laws of the Game, positioning and movement, match management, decision-making and physical conditioning.The programme combines theoretical lessons with practical sessions, fitness assessments and match analysis to ensure young referees gain the knowledge and confidence required to officiate at elite level.The GFA has made referee development a key priority in recent years, working closely with FIFA and CAF to improve officiating standards and create pathways for Ghanaian referees to earn international appointments.Officials believe the Young Talent Course will further enhance those efforts by providing participants with direct exposure to FIFA's...
GFA announces a selection of talented young officials for the FIFA Young Talent Course
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has selected a group of promising young referees from its Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme to participate in the FIFA Member Association (MA) Young Talent Refereeing Course later this month.The six-day programme will run from July 23 to 28 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram and forms part of FIFA's drive to develop the next generation of elite match officials across its member associations.The course is designed to identify and prepare talented referees for higher levels of officiating, with the long-term goal of producing officials capable of earning CAF and FIFA international badges.Participants will undergo intensive training covering the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of modern refereeing. The programme will include classroom sessions, practical exercises, fitness tests, match analysis and on-field training.The selected referees represent some of the brightest officiating prospects in Ghana and their inclusion reflects the GFA's continued investment in developing a sustainable pipeline of match officials.The Association believes the programme will expose participants to FIFA's latest refereeing standards while equipping them with the skills needed to progress both domestically and internationally.The FIFA MA Young Talent Course is expected to further strengthen Ghana's...
World Cup 2026: Asamoah Gyan believes Spain has demonstrated their capability to secure the championship following their victory over France.
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Spain have demonstrated their credentials to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their impressive semi-final victory over France.The African football legend praised Spainâs performance following their 2-0 triumph on Tuesday night.According to Gyan, La Roja deserved their place in the final after producing a complete team display.Speaking to SuperSport after the match, Gyan highlighted Spainâs ability to overcome a strong French side that had been considered among the favourites to lift the trophy.âQuite deserving. They [Spain] did everything right. They played as a team, and for me they did everything right. They were able to outplay the French, who were the favourites. Spain have proven that they are capable of winning this competition,â the Black Stars striker said.Spain secured their place in Sunday's final after goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro ended Franceâs hopes of reaching another World Cup final.The victory continued Spainâs impressive tournament run and strengthened their bid to claim a second World Cup crown after their historic success in 2010.
Montenegrin coach Predrag Jaredic has landed in Ghana to take the helm at Vision FC.
Montenegrin coach Predrag Jaredic has arrived to take charge of Vision FC, joining the club as head coach ahead of the upcoming campaign.The experienced tactician will take over the reins at the Ghana Premier League side, tasked with leading the team into the new season.Jaredic's appointment signals Vision FC's ambition to strengthen their technical team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.Jaredic brings with him a wealth of coaching experience, having managed several clubs across Europe. His arrival in Ghana marks a new chapter in his career as he looks to make his mark in African football.Vision FC will be hoping JarediÄ's expertise will help the club improve on their previous campaign and compete at a higher level in the Ghana Premier League.The Montenegrin coach is expected to begin work immediately as the club gears up for the new season.
World Cup 2026: Deschamps Expresses Regret Over 'Subpar Officiating' In France's Loss To Spain
France coach Didier Deschamps questioned the officiating following France’s 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday. While he admitted that his team was technically inferior and outplayed, Deschamps berated referee Iván Barton, asking reporters, “Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final?”. Deschamps’ frustrations stemmed from a few [...]
Dreams FC and Nations FC vie for RTU striker Wisdom Jonas Manyina.
Dreams FC and Nations FC are both in the race to secure the signature of Real Tamale United forward Wisdom Jonas Manyina, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.The 2025/26 Access Bank Division One League Player of the Month for January has attracted significant interest following his prolific form for the Tamale-based club.Manyina scored 15 league goals during the campaign, forming a formidable attacking trio that helped RTU reach the promotion playoff final. His performances in Zone One earned him two NASCO Player of the Match awards.The forward was part of a group of five RTU players who travelled to Germany for trials earlier this year, facilitated by club CEO Zakaria Safianu. Speaking before their departure, Manyina described the opportunity as a âdream come trueâ.Dreams FC and Nations FC are both keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. Nations FC, who secured CAF Confederation Cup qualification after winning the FA Cup, are rebuilding following a disappointing league campaign that ended in relegation.Dreams FC, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their squad after a mid-table finish.With both clubs now in the race for his signature, Manyina faces a decision on his next move as the...
World Cup 2026: Spain advances to the final following a commanding 2-0 victory against France.
Spain have reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in a commanding semi-final performance on Tuesday night.The European champions produced a mature display at the semi-final stage, with Mikel Oyarzabal's first-half penalty and Pedro Porro's second-half strike enough to send Luis de la Fuente's side into Sunday's showpiece event.Spain will now face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina in the final on 19 July.Spain are one step closer to glory 🇪🇸#FIFAWorldCup— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026Oyarzabal penalty gives Spain early advantageSpain were handed the perfect opportunity to take control of the match in the 20th minute after they were awarded a penalty following Lucas Digne's foul inside the box.Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up for La Roja and showed composure from 12 yards, firing an unstoppable shot into the top right corner.France struggled to create clear chances before the break, while Spain continued to threaten. Fabián Ruiz came close to extending their lead in the 38th minute, but his effort from inside the penalty area was brilliantly blocked, with Spain earning a corner.Porro strike seals Spain's place in finalSpain doubled their advantage...
We witnessed indications of progress – Samuel Brew-Butler supports Queiroz
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Chairman Samuel Brew-Butler believes Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz should be given more time to build the national team despite Ghana's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Queiroz took charge of the Black Stars in April 2026 following the departure of Otto Addo and had only a limited period to prepare the team before the tournament.The experienced Portuguese tactician, who has managed Iran, Portugal, Colombia, Egypt, and Qatar, guided Ghana through the World Cup after inheriting the squad just weeks before the competition.Speaking on Asempa FM, Brew-Butler said the former Real Madrid boss had already shown encouraging signs despite the lack of preparation time."Although Carlos Queiroz did not have enough time to prepare the team, we still saw signs of improvement. I believe he deserves the chance to continue," Brew-Butler said.The former GFA chairman, who led Ghana football between 1993 and 1997, argued that stability on the technical bench is crucial if the Black Stars are to build on their recent performances and challenge consistently at major tournaments.Queiroz arrived with one of the most accomplished coaching résumés in international football, having led Iran to three FIFA World Cups...
Spain Dominates France to Secure Spot in Second FIFA World Cup Final
Spain put up a masterclass performance to overcome France 2-0 in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. Goals in each half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, earned Spain a first World Cup final appearance since 2010 which they won. It is the second time Spain and France will clash at [...]
Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer establishes himself at Mainz 05
Ghanaian attacker Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer is already making a positive impression at Mainz 05.Early pre-season tests are only a first indicator, but they suggest he fits the teamâs style well and could become an important option in attack.Against Sportfreunde Eisbachtal, Mainz used him alongside centre-forward Phillip Tietz in a two-man front line, and the pairing worked smoothly. Together, they were involved in four of the first five goals in the 10-0 win, which showed how dangerous the duo can be when given space and support.Mainz coach Urs Fischer and sporting director Niko Bungert reportedly see clear value in that setup. Bungert said Konigsdorffer benefits when he has a strong striker like Tietz next to him, because that helps him play to his strengths and enjoy the role more naturally. The club also feels the two attackers are already developing good chemistry.Konigsdorfferâs pace adds another layer to Mainzâs attack. In that regard, he has even edged past Sheraldo Beckerâs top speed from last season. With Benedict Hollerbach and Silas both sidelined by serious injuries, Mainz now have reason to believe they have found a flexible and reliable attacking alternative.
Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is undergoing individual training at Paderborn as a result of knee problems.
German-Ghanaian defender Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant is currently easing off at SC Paderbornâs training camp, following knee issues that surfaced in a recent friendly.The 25-year-old centre-back completed only an individual training session on Monday as the team began their camp in Bad Haring.According to local outlet Neue Westfalische, Awortwie-Grant developed tendon problems in his knee during the 3-2 test match win over Hannover 96.Head coach Ralf Kettemann explained that the complaints did not result from a challenge or collision, which has left the staff cautious about the exact cause. âWe donât know exactly where it comes from. It didnât happen in a duel. So weâre just being careful now,â said the 39-year-old.Kettemann stressed that Paderborn have no intention of taking risks so early in pre-season. With a long summer ahead, he underlined that availability at the start of the campaign is more important than pushing too hard now. For that reason, the club prefers to rest him for a day rather than aggravate the issue. Whether Awortwie-Grant can rejoin full team training in the coming days remains open.
Ghana's youngest scorer in World Cup history, Caleb Yirenkyi, resumes his club responsibilities.
Caleb Yirenkyi has linked up with his FC Nordsjælland teammates at the club's pre-season camp in Austria, joining the squad after Ghana's World Cup campaign.The 20-year-old was not part of the initial group that travelled to the training camp. His late arrival follows a breakout tournament in North America, where he became Ghana's youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer with a stoppage-time winner against Panama.Yirenkyi's winner in the 95th minute against Panama was a moment that defined Ghana's tournament. Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered a perfect pass into the box, and Yirenkyi turned and fired past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.The goal made him the 10th different Ghanaian to score at a World Cup, pushing the Black Stars to 19 overall goals in the competition. At 20 years and 153 days, he broke a record held by Asamoah Gyan for two decades. He also became Ghana's youngest-ever World Cup debutant.Yirenkyi's World Cup heroics have intensified interest from several top European clubs. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all stepped up their interest, with scouts attending his matches.Brighton, Tottenham, Newcastle, and clubs from France and Germany are also monitoring the midfielder. Nordsjælland reportedly rejected a £15 million bid in January and value...
Carolina Core FC reveals the acquisition of Ghanaian defender Rashid Tetteh.
Ghanaian defender Rashid Tetteh has joined MLS Next Pro side Carolina Core FC. The centre-back, who turned 31 today, signed a deal till the end of the year to join Carolina Core from USL side Westchester."Carolina Core FC announced the signing of defender Rashid Tetteh, bringing an experienced center back with nearly a decade of professional experience in the United States to the Foxes' back line," wrote the club after completing the move.Tetteh has rich experience playing in the United States, having spent close to a decade playing in the lower divisions.He began his professional journey in USL League Two with Carolina Dynamo and Des Moines Menace before signing his first professional contract with New Mexico United in 2019.Tetteh then spent four seasons with New Mexico United, where he made 83 USL Championship appearances before joining FC Tulsa for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Across two years with Tulsa, he made 49 league appearances and established himself as a reliable presence in the defensive unit.He most recently played for Westchester SC during the club's inaugural 2025 USL League One season, appearing in 22 league matches, maintaining a consistent presence for the defense.
Tielemans Signs Five-Year Contract with Manchester United
Manchester United have completed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £36m, Sky Sports reports. The 29-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford and now becomes the second midfielder signed in the summer window, after the club already confirmed the £50m arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Speaking in a statement [...]
World Cup 2026: Messi Is Unconcerned with Personal Achievements – Aguero
Former Argentina striker Sergio Agüero has disclosed that Lionel Messi is not driven by individual awards ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. According to him, Messi prioritizes team success over personal accolades like the Golden Boot or the Ballon d’Or, and his primary motivation is simply to win and constantly improve his [...]
Senegal's team physician responds to the president of the Football Association.
Senegal's national team doctor, Abdourahmane Fedior, has hit back at claims made by Football Federation President Abdoulaye Fall, who suggested the medic was better qualified as a gynaecologist than a sports medicine expert.Fall made the remarks during a press conference reviewing Senegal's disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium in the round of 32 after throwing away a 2-0 lead.The federation president admitted he had discovered "late" that Fedior was "a gynaecologist by training" and claimed some players lacked confidence in the medical support available.Fedior responded with outrage, accusing Fall of spreading falsehoods."I was truly outraged by the statement of the president of the Senegalese Football Federation," Fedior said."All the falsehoods he put forward deeply surprised me. When a person is not sure of what they are saying, they should first go and find out for themselves."The doctor defended his qualifications, revealing he obtained his specialist diploma in sports medicine in 2008."I obtained my medical degree, specialising in sports medicine, in 2008. We were part of the very first graduating class of this program," he stated.Fedior also detailed his extensive experience, haprogramme,"ed as President of...
Anton Donkor drawing attention from the Greek club OFI Crete
German-Ghanaian defender Anton Donkor could be on the move this summer after attracting attention from Greek top-flight side OFI Crete.Reports say talks have already taken place between the clubs, and the final decision now rests with the player.Schalke 04 appear open to a separation, especially with Donkor no longer playing a major role in the teamâs plans. The 28-year-old left-back made only two brief appearances in the 2. Bundesliga last season, so a transfer would make sense for both sides.For Schalke, an exit would also free up room in the squad and ease the wage bill. The report suggests the club could let him leave on a free transfer, saving more than 800,000 euros in salary costs.Donkor arrived in Gelsenkirchen on a free transfer from Eintracht Braunschweig in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has made 31 competitive appearances for the Royal Blues and provided two assists. A move to Greece would make him Schalkeâs next outgoing player of the summer after several other departures.
Aduana FC kicks off their pre-season preparations in anticipation of the 2026/27 football campaign.
Ghana Premier League side Aduana Football Club have officially commenced pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 football season.The club held their first pre-season training on Tuesday, with players showing signs of readiness for what is ahead.Last season, the club based in Dormaa enjoyed a good campaign and mounted a spirited challenge for the Ghana Premier League title.Unfortunately, a dip in form in the final stages of the campaign saw the side settle for a sixth-place finish.As part of efforts to battle for titles in the upcoming season, the club has appointed former Hearts of Oak head coach Samuel Boadu as their new head coach.The club is now focused on recruiting players to augment their squad and have already signed talented midfielder Shawkan Mohammed on a long-term contract.Heâs here. âï¸ð¢ð¡Congratulations, Shaw! ð¥ð|| #Ogya || #AduanaFC ð¥ð pic.twitter.com/v6fizbNYyQâ Aduana Football Club (@Aduana_fc) July 13, 2026In the coming weeks, the club will be playing a number of friendly matches as part of their pre-season campaign.