Africa Sport News — Page 70
No athlete has secured a definite position in the Black Maidens lineup prior to the U-17 World Cup – Joe Nana Adarkwa
Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has cautioned players that their places in Ghanaâs squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Womenâs World Cup are not guaranteed, insisting that selection will be determined by performance and merit.Ghana secured qualification for the global tournament after edging Senegal 7-6 on penalties at the Accra Sports Stadium in the final round of qualifiers, booking their place at the competition to be staged in Morocco.However, Adarkwa says qualification is only the beginning of the teamâs journey, with the technical team set to continue scouting and assessing players as they work towards assembling a competitive squad.The coach revealed that opportunities remain available for new talents to break into the team, stressing that consistent performance will be the key factor in earning a place in the final squad.âWeâll keep scouting to strengthen the squad. No place is guaranteed; only the best players will make the team,â Adarkwa told Asempa FM.The Black Maidens have been drawn into a challenging Group C at the FIFA U-17 Womenâs World Cup, where they will face former champions Canada, record winners Brazil and European side Norway.Despite the difficult assignment, Adarkwa remains confident that Ghana will...
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe encourages the GFA to keep Carlos Queiroz for the Black Stars' reconstruction initiative.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on the football governing body to keep Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, insisting the Portuguese trainer deserves time to rebuild the national team.Queiroz was appointed Ghanaâs head coach in March following the dismissal of Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The experienced tactician guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the tournament, marking Ghanaâs first appearance in the phase since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.Following Ghanaâs elimination from the competition, the 73-year-old sparked speculation about his future after a social media post suggested he could be leaving his role. However, the former Real Madrid manager later clarified that he had not resigned.The uncertainty surrounding his position has triggered debate over whether Queiroz should continue leading the team, but Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe believes maintaining stability on the technical bench is crucial for Ghanaâs long-term plans.Speaking in an interview with Graphic Sports, the Hearts of Oak board member argued that Queiroz should be handed a short-term contract with the possibility of an extension based on his performance.âI feel we should maintain him for a limited period,â...
Lawrence Ati-Zigi expresses strong belief that the Black Stars will leave their mark at the 2027 AFCON.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi believes Ghana has the quality and hunger needed to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and make a strong impression at the tournament in East Africa.Ghana’s focus has now shifted to the AFCON qualifiers following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where they reached the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 edition.The St. Gallen shot-stopper is optimistic about the team’s chances ahead of the qualifiers, which begin in September, insisting that the current squad has the potential to compete at the continental level.“If you look at the players we have, I think we have what it takes to qualify for the AFCON next year. These are young and hungry players,” Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM.The experienced goalkeeper also expressed confidence that Ghana can go beyond qualification and challenge for success at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.“I believe we can make a statement with what we have as a group in the AFCON next year,” he added.The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C for the qualifiers alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and...
Assistant coach Roger De Sa discloses that his contract with the Black Stars was solely for the 2026 World Cup.
Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa has disclosed that his contract with Ghanaâs national team was limited to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The South African tactician joined the Black Stars technical team ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico after Carlos Queiroz was appointed as head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo.De Sa, a former goalkeeper and experienced coach, explained that his agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) covered only the World Cup period and will officially expire at the end of July.âI was only contracted until the end of July, so that's it,â De Sa told KickOff.âMy contract was just for the World Cup, and it ends on the 31st of July,â he added.During Ghanaâs World Cup campaign, the Black Stars began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before securing a goalless draw against England. They concluded the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, finishing third in Group L with four points.Ghana advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams but saw their tournament come to an end after a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the Round of 32....
Wolves Exclude Arokodare From Pre-Season Training Roster
Wolverhampton Wanderers have omitted Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare from their pre-season training squad as speculation over his future continues to intensify. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Nigerian forward was not included in Wolves’ squad for the start of pre-season preparations, further fueling expectations that he could leave Molineux this summer. According to [...]
World Cup 2026: France Will Not Permit Spain to Dominate Possession – Kounde
Barcelona star Jules Koundé has disclosed that France can’t afford to spend 90 minutes chasing the ball in tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash against Spain. This will be just the second ever World Cup meeting between France and Spain, following their last 16 meeting back in 2006, with Les Bleus progressing after having [...]
World Cup 2026: ‘We Are Capable of Defeating Them’ – Rodri Discusses Spain vs France
Spain captain Rodri has expressed confidence that the team can beat France in tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final matchup. Acknowledging France’s form and physical defensive structure, he believes past victories, such as at Euro 2024, prove Spain has the strategy and quality to overcome them. Read Also:World Cup 2026: France Won’t Allow Spain To [...]
German side 1. FC Köln is pursuing Italian-Ghanaian forward Jamal Iddrissou.
German Bundesliga side 1. FC Koln have identified Italian-born striker of Ghanaian descent Jamal Iddrissou as a transfer target ahead of the 2026/27 season.The Bundesliga outfit are in the market for a new forward as they continue to strengthen their squad before the start of the new campaign.According to reports, Koln have already made an approach to Serie A champions Inter Milan for the highly rated 18-year-old. The German club's opening proposal included a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent for â¬8 million.However, Inter Milan have turned down the initial offer.The Italian champions are willing to sanction Iddrissou's departure but only under specific conditions. Inter are insisting on including a fixed buy-back clause in any agreement, allowing them to re-sign the striker for â¬15 million in 2027 or â¬18 million in 2028.Inter have communicated their position to Koln, who are yet to submit an improved offer as negotiations remain at an early stage.Iddrissou is also attracting interest from the English Premier League, with Brentford reportedly monitoring the teenager as they consider a move during the summer transfer window.
Karim Zito set to guide FC AshantiGold 04 in their inaugural season in the Ghana Premier League.
Veteran tactician Abdul Karim Zito will spearhead FC AshantiGold 04âs historic maiden voyage into the Ghanaian top flight when his squad launches its intense pre-season training program Tuesday morning.Following the mandatory arrival of players at the residential camp today, Monday, July 13, 2026, Zito is set to take full command of technical proceedings at the AngloGold Ashanti School Park at Koffikrom in Obuasi.The highly experienced strategist, who famously masterminded the club's promotion under their former identity as Bekwai Heroes FC, faces the immediate task of conditioning his players for the rigorous 34-match elite division calendar.With the Ghana Football Association scheduling the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League kickoff for September 4, 2026, Zitoâs immediate focus centers on tactical integration, physical endurance, and fortifying the squad to compete alongside the country's football heavyweights.Management's decision to retain Zito provides critical continuity for the newly rebranded entity, which holds entirely separate legal structures from the defunct, banned AshantiGold SC.By winning the competitive Access Bank Division One League Zone Two title, the astute coach proved his tactical pedigree, earning the mandate to guide the newcomers into the elite division alongside fellow promotional breakthroughs Debibi United and Port City FC.Zito's leadership...
American-Ghanaian defender Nicholas Akoto has signed with Eastleigh FC.
Nicholas Akoto has joined Eastleigh FC on a permanent deal, bringing pace, energy and an attack-minded edge to the Spitfiresâ right side.The American-Ghanaian defender arrives after leaving Burton Albion and is ready to begin a new chapter in Hampshire.The 27-year-old spent the last two seasons with Burton, making 33 appearances, and previously built his career in the United States. At Tennessee Wesleyan University, he produced five goals and eight assists in 30 games, before moving to Keiser University in 2021 and adding seven assists in 34 appearances.Akoto later signed for South Georgia Tormenta in USL League One, where his debut was strong enough to earn Team of the Week recognition.He also came through AFC Wimbledonâs under-18 setup, leaving the London club in 2017. Following his release from Wimbledon, Akoto spent the 2016â17 season with Isthmian League side Maldon & Tiptree, where he made 20 league appearances, scoring a single goal. He started 2018 with non-league side Whyteleafe.âIt feels great! I am excited to be here, hopefully we can get a good start and kick on!â Akoto said after signing his contract.
'It's not just criticism anymore; it's become personal' - Lawrence Ati-Zigi responds to ex-coach Christopher Nimley.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has hit back at his former youth coach, Christopher Nimley, accusing him of turning football criticism into a personal campaign.Ati-Zigi's comments come after Nimley questioned the goalkeeper's communication during Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, claiming it had been a weakness since his days under him at juvenile level.Speaking in an emotional interview with Sporty FM, the St. Gallen shot-stopper admitted the pair once shared a close relationship but said it has since deteriorated."Christopher Nimley has played a big role in my life, and I don't dispute that. I played in his team when I was young, so I know him. But after some time, we weren't able to maintain the relationship we had before, and things have been really bad between us," Ati-Zigi said.Asked whether the two could reconcile, the Ghana international said he was deeply hurt by the way Nimley chose to air his views publicly."I don't think this is the moment to reconcile because I felt really disappointed. I heard a lot of things he said. There are always going to be critics in football, but when you keep talking about someone over and over again, it...
Ghana's shot-stopper Lawrence Ati-Zigi declines to name a favorite for the World Cup as the teams approach the landmark semi-finals.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi says he has no preference over who wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he wishes the remaining four teams nothing but the best.The Ghana international made the remarks as the tournament heads into a historic semi-final stage featuring the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA men's world rankings."I don't have a favourite in the World Cup. Whoever wins, good luck to them," Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM.The semi-finals will see world champions Argentina face England, while France take on Spain in two blockbuster encounters.It marks the first time since FIFA introduced its men's world rankings in 1992 that the top four ranked nations entering a World Cup have all progressed to the semi-finals. Argentina arrived at the tournament as the world's No. 1 ranked team, followed by Spain, France and England.France and Spain will battle for a place in the final on July 14 in Arlington, before England and Argentina renew their rivalry a day later in Atlanta. The winners will meet in the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.Ati-Zigi watched the latter stages of the tournament after Ghana's campaign ended in the...
St. Gallen standout Lawrence Ati-Zigi discusses his devastating World Cup injury.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has described the injury he suffered during Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the toughest moments of the tournament.The St. Gallen shot-stopper was forced off during Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama after picking up an injury, bringing an early end to what had been another assured performance between the posts."It was a sad moment when I got injured against Panama, and I didn't want to take any risks. I had to come out," Ati-Zigi told Sporty FM.The injury ruled him out of Ghana's remaining group matches against England and Croatia, with Benjamin Asare stepping in as the Black Stars secured qualification to the Round of 32.Ati-Zigi eventually returned for the knockout clash against Colombia after Asare picked up an injury. Despite Ghana's 1-0 defeat and exit from the tournament, the 29-year-old delivered a superb performance, making several outstanding saves and earning praise as the Black Stars' best player on the night.Ati-Zigi is currently enjoying his off-season break in Ghana but is expected to return to Switzerland soon as St. Gallen begin their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign. The Swiss side face Benfica in the...
'I feel privileged' - Lawrence Ati-Zigi reacts to news of statue in St. Gallen.
Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi says he is honoured by reports suggesting Swiss club St. Gallen could build a statue in his honour, but insists his focus remains on continuing to work hard.The Ghana international has become a fan favourite at the Swiss club after playing a key role in their recent success, including helping them win the Swiss Cup and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.Speaking to Sporty FM, Ati-Zigi responded to the speculation with humility."I heard the talks about St. Gallen building a statue for me in their stadium. I'm honoured, and I'm just going to keep working hard," he said.The 29-year-old has enjoyed an impressive year for both club and country. He helped St. Gallen lift the Swiss Cup before producing standout performances for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Although an injury interrupted his tournament after the opening match against Panama, Ati-Zigi returned for Ghana's Round of 32 clash against Colombia and delivered an outstanding performance despite the Black Stars' 1-0 defeat.With his contract running until June 2027, Ati-Zigi remains focused on helping St. Gallen compete domestically and in Europe as the club prepares for its UEFA Europa League qualifying...
Abraham Okyere sparks a turnaround for Las Vegas Lights in their victory over Monterey Bay.
Ghanaian winger Abraham Okyere was the difference-maker as Las Vegas Lights FC came from behind to beat Monterey Bay FC 3-2 in a lively USL Cup clash.Okyere scored the visitorsâ first goal and kept them moving forward throughout a match that swung late in Las Vegasâ favour.Monterey Bay struck early through Zack Farnsworth, and Belmar Joseph doubled the lead before halftime, with the hosts controlling 60% of possession and Las Vegas seeing more of the ball only in spells. Even so, the Lights created danger from their 20 shots, compared with Monterey Bayâs nine, and Okyere was central to that threat.He pulled one back in the 71st minute with a low left-footed finish from distance after Nyk Sessockâs assist, giving Las Vegas momentum. Oalex Anderson levelled the match in the 85th minute before striking again deep in stoppage time to complete the comeback and seal a hard-fought away victory.Las Vegas Lights next face San Antonio FC on 19 July in the USL Championship.
GFA set to stage the 2026 Elite U-17 Girls Colts Championship in Prampram
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will host the 2026 Elite U-17 Girls Colts Championship from July 30 to August 4 at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.The six-day tournament forms part of the Association's efforts to identify and develop the next generation of female football talent across the country.The championship is also in line with the GFA's Women's Football Strategy and FIFA's Talent Development Scheme, both of which aim to strengthen grassroots football and create a clear pathway for young players to progress through the ranks.Some of the country's brightest U-17 female footballers are expected to participate, allowing them to compete at a high level while showcasing their abilities.The tournament will also serve as a key talent identification platform, with coaches and scouts expected to monitor players who could earn opportunities with Ghana's national youth teams.The initiative reflects the GFA's long-term commitment to growing women's football and providing young girls with the platform to develop their talent and pursue careers in the sport.The Elite U-17 Girls Colts Championship is expected to further strengthen the pipeline of players for Ghana's youth national teams, including the Black Maidens.
GFA expresses gratitude to the government, supporters, and stakeholders following the Black Maidens' successful qualification for the World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed its appreciation to all stakeholders who played a role in the Black Maidens' successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.In a statement, the GFA Management Committee thanked the Ministry of Sports and Recreation for its continued commitment to the development of women's football throughout the qualification campaign.The Association also acknowledged the National Sports Authority (NSA) for providing the facilities and support needed to ensure the team had the best possible environment for training and home matches.The Ghana Supporters Union received special recognition for its vocal backing, with the GFA crediting the fans' atmosphere and encouragement as a source of inspiration during the Black Maidens' decisive home fixtures.The Football Association further expressed gratitude to its sponsors and partners for their continued investment in Ghana's women's national teams, while also commending the media for their extensive coverage of the team's qualification journey.The GFA concluded by thanking the people of Ghana for their unwavering support, prayers and belief in the Black Maidens throughout the campaign.With qualification secured, the Black Maidens will now turn their attention to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, where Ghana has...
Samuel Owusu registered an assist in Union Omaha's close loss to Forward Madison FC.
Samuel Owusu was at the heart of Union Omahaâs attacking threat, even in a 4-3 defeat to Forward Madison FC in USL League One action.The Ghanaian defender provided the assist for Josue Gomezâs opener and later played his part in a lively, end-to-end contest at Breese Stevens Field.Union Omaha struck first in the 26th minute when Owusu delivered from a corner for Gomez to finish high into the net. Forward Madison responded quickly, but Union Omaha kept pushing and Owusu remained influential from the back, helping his side stay in the contest until the closing stages.The game swung back and forth after halftime, with Union Omaha equalising through Diego Gutierrezâs penalty and later edging close to taking something from the match. Owusu nearly added a dramatic late equaliser himself, heading against the bar in the 90th minute, but Forward Madison snatched victory in stoppage time through Hakim Karamoko.Union Omaha now turn their attention to their next USL League One fixture against Westchester on 19 July.
Kotoko is focusing on Vision FC's midfielder Meshack Adjetey Sowah.
Asante Kotoko have expressed interest in signing Vision FC midfielder Meshack Adjetey Sowah as part of their squad-building plans for the 2026/27 season, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.The Porcupine Warriors have identified the highly rated midfielder as a priority transfer target, believing his quality and versatility would significantly bolster their options in the middle of the park. Kotoko are understood to have already initiated contact with the player's representatives as they step up their recruitment drive ahead of the new campaign.However, the Kumasi-based giants are expected to face stiff competition from arch-rivals Hearts of Oak, who are equally determined to secure Sowah's signature.The Phobians view the Vision FC star as a player capable of making an immediate impact as they look to reinforce their own squad.Sowah has established himself as one of the standout midfielders in the Ghana Premier League since joining Vision FC in September 2024.The 21-year-old has made 25 appearances this season, clocking 2,186 minutes of action. His performances have drawn widespread praise, with Vision FC assistant coach Burton Asare Wilson describing him as an "intelligent player with great football brains" who possesses "about 70% of the qualities you would want in a footballer."...
Shaibu Osei Alhassan has become a member of the coaching staff at Rahimo FC.
Former Hohoe United and AshantiGold FC head coach Shaibu Osei Alhassan has embarked on the next chapter of his tactical career following his appointment as the new Youth Team Coach and Assistant Coach for Burkinabé powerhouse Rahimo FC.Under this strategic dual mandate, the highly rated Ghanaian tactician will directly oversee the club’s youth developmental structures while concurrently serving as the chief assistant to the senior first team, a move first reported by sports journalist Shaban Mohammed.This international transition follows a rapid and highly eventful sequence of events in Ghana's domestic leagues, where Alhassan solidified his reputation as one of the region's most promising young minds.Most notably, he served as a pivotal tactical figure at Hohoe United, where his contributions guided the club to a historic qualification into the top-flight Ghana Premier League, subsequently earning him the prestigious Access Bank Division One League Coach of the Season accolade.Following a structural administrative overhaul, he parted ways with Hohoe United in January 2026.Alhassan’s rapid rise immediately caught the attention of Zone Two league zone AshantiGold 04, who secured his services on a short-term contract in February 2026 to lead their promotion campaign.However, his tenure in Obuasi cut...