Africa Sport News — Page 76
'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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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."...
EXPOSED: Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw considered withdrawing from the World Cup due to salary disputes.
Senegal's World Cup campaign was undermined by a toxic atmosphere caused by head coach Pape Thiaw's demands for a pay rise and his threats not to travel to the tournament, the country's football federation president has revealed.The Senegalese Football Federation sacked Thiaw on Sunday after the Lions of Teranga were knocked out in the round of 32 by Belgium on July 1."There was a breakdown in trust between Pape Thiaw and us," FSF president Abdoulaye Fall told a press conference in Dakar, citing the initial failure to sign a new contract after Thiaw's demand for more money.Thiaw, 45 and a former Senegal international, took over as national team boss in 2024. Prior to leaving for the World Cup, he had asked for a salary increase from 20 million CFA (US$35,000) per month to 50 million CFA (US$87,000).Ultimately the sides landed on an agreement of 30,000 CFA during the World Cup and also settled other disputes such as bonuses.At one point, Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met, Fall explained. Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye convinced him to change his mind on the day the team were due...
The president of the Senegal Football Association acknowledges that the team physician was a gynecologist.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has been plunged into crisis after president Abdoulaye Fall revealed that the national team's long-serving head doctor, Dr Fedior, is actually a gynaecologist by training â a discovery he admitted came "too late".The stunning admission came during a press conference on Monday, July 13, as the federation conducted a post-mortem of Senegal's disappointing World Cup campaign. Dr Fedior had been with the Lions of Teranga for a decade."Our head doctor does not have the academic profile to accompany our athletes," Fall told reporters. "Dr Fedior is a gynaecologist by training. That is something I discovered late."The revelation has raised serious questions about the federation's vetting process, with Fall admitting that the review of the head medic's credentials came far too late. A federation audit is now underway to identify how such a critical oversight could have gone undetected for years.The immediate impact was felt inside Senegal's camp, with several senior players expressing serious concerns about the medical department. According to Fall, "several players in the Senegalese national team were not feeling satisfied or confident in receiving treatment and medical follow-up under the doctor's supervision".The mismatch between the doctor's primary specialisation...
Kwadwo Obeng Jr has garnered attention from Aduana FC, Nations FC, and a club in Ethiopia.
Free-agent forward Kwadwo Obeng Jnr has attracted interest from Aduana FC, Nations FC, and an unnamed Ethiopian club following his departure from Heart of Lions.The 27-year-old forward recently left Heart of Lions after the expiration of his contract, making him one of the most sought-after available players in the Ghanaian transfer market.Aduana FC and Nations FC are both keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. Both clubs have reportedly opened talks with the player's representatives, with Nations FC understood to have already initiated discussions.The 6ft striker, who has previously played for Aduana Stars and Hearts of Oak, joined Heart of Lions on a two-year deal as a free agent in August 2024. He is known for his ability to play across the front line, hold up play, and contribute both goals and assists.The unnamed Ethiopian club has also expressed strong interest in signing Obeng Jnr, offering him the opportunity to play abroad. Ethiopian football has been growing in recent years, with several clubs investing heavily in quality players from across Africa.Obeng Jnr now faces a decision: stay in Ghana with Aduana FC or Nations FC, or take up the opportunity to...
Patrick Vieira rises as the leading candidate for the position of head coach for Senegal.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has begun its search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Pape Thiaw, with former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira emerging as the leading candidate to take over the Lions of Teranga.Thiaw was sacked after Senegal's disappointing round-of-32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite taking a 2-0 lead against Belgium, Senegal dramatically lost 3-2 in extra time.The Teranga Lions had also lost to France and Norway in the group stage before thrashing Iraq 5-0 to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.The FSF confirmed the decision after "a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team".Vieira, born in Dakar, chose to represent France internationally, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Since moving into coaching, he has managed New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa.The French newspaper L'Equipe reports that Vieira has strong support within the federation. His ties to Senegal run deep - he co-founded the Diambars academy, which has produced several Senegalese internationals, including Idrissa Gana Gueye.The incoming coach will inherit a squad seeking stability after a difficult period. Reports suggest several senior players had...
Hearts of Oak are nearing the appointment of Nebojsa Kapor.
Hearts of Oak are in advanced negotiations to appoint Bosnian tactician NebojÅ¡a Kapor as their new head coach, aiming to finalize the official paperwork before the highly anticipated upcoming football season kicks off.According to a report by sports journalist Shaban Mohammed, the former Tema Youth and Medeama SC trainer is heavily expected to take over the Phobians' massive rebuilding efforts following the sudden departure of previous strategist Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.The club aims to quickly restore the continental giants' dominant status within the highly competitive Ghana Premier League landscape.Simultaneously, iconic former Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Olele Kingston is strongly tipped to join Kaporâs incoming technical team as the new goalkeeper trainer to significantly strengthen the backroom staff operations.The club management is reportedly acting very quickly to conclude these critical appointments and initiate strategic player acquisitions as crucial pre-season preparations rapidly approach.The board of directors is pulling out all stops to ensure that the technical direction of the capital club is firmly secured well ahead of the demanding league campaign.Devoted club supporters are anxiously waiting for the final confirmation of Kapor, hoping his vast tactical experience in the local top flight will inject much-needed discipline and...
Ex-Kotoko midfielder Kwame Bonsu has signed with Omani powerhouse Al Shabab.
Ghanaian midfield enforcer Kwame Bonsu has joined Omani club Al Shabab SC. The former Asante Kotoko and Esperance de Tunis player signed a deal to join the gulf club for the 2026/27 campaign.He moves to Oman after a brief spell with Saudi outfit Al Jandal."Kwame begins a new chapter in Al Shabab colours," wrote his new club on social media with a video highlight of his career.Before leaving Al Jandal, Bonsu spent time at Al Ain also in Saudi Arabia.The 32-year-old has spent most of his career in the Middle East, playing for Al Bataeh and Naft Al Basra.The one-time Ghana capped player is expected to travel to Oman to begin pre-season with the club as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.Bonsu's rich career has seen him also feature for Cleopatra in Egypt and in Sweden with Rosengard, Mjallby and Gefle.
Ghanaian talent Salam Mawuena has signed a contract extension with Maltese side Swieqi United.
Ghanaian forward Salam Kojo Mawuena has signed a new contract with Maltese second-tier side Swieqi United. The 21-year-old extended his deal with the club after an impressive campaign last season.Mawuena impressed the club following his move from St Lucia FC late last year, winning the Player of the Month award in October 2025."Back for more. Swieqi United is pleased to confirm that Salam Mawuena has renewed his commitment to the Club for the upcoming season," wrote the club after his contract extension.The talented forward who started his career in Ghana with New Life Academy is expected to play a vital role for Swieqi in the 2026/27 season.
Hearts of Oak honors Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare on his 33rd birthday.
Hearts of Oak have celebrated goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who turned 33 on Monday, July 13, following an impressive debut campaign for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Black Stars shot-stopper, who has established himself as Ghana's number one, returned to Ghana after featuring prominently in the team's World Cup campaign.Asare started two of Ghana's four matches in North America, keeping a clean sheet in the goalless draw against England and also featuring in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia. He also replaced Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second half of Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama after the latter picked up an injury.Hearts of Oak, who have nurtured Asare into one of Ghana's finest goalkeepers, took to social media to honour their man between the sticks.The former Great Olympics player has become a fan favourite at Hearts of Oak, and his performances on the global stage have further cemented his status as one of Ghana's most reliable goalkeepers.Asare's World Cup debut marked a remarkable journey for a player who has worked his way through the ranks of Ghanaian football. He was considered to travel with the team as the 27th player, training with the goalkeepers even though...
Ghanaian prospect Agnes Yeboah has signed with the Chinese club Guangdong Meizhou Women.
Ghanaian forward Agnes Yeboah has completed a move to Chinese outfit Guangdong Meizhou Women Football Club, signing a permanent deal from Ghana Women's Premier League side Jonina Ladies.The Black Princesses' forward joins her new club for the second half of the 2026 Chinese Women's Super League. The deal was confirmed last week, with the former Jonina Ladies captain completing all mandatory requirements before putting pen to paper.Yeboah will wear the shirt number 35 at her new club. She has already made her debut for Guangdong Meizhou over the weekend, featuring for 53 minutes in their defeat to Sichuan Women.The forward was part of the Black Princesses squad that sealed qualification for the 2026 U-20 Women's World Cup, which will be staged in Poland in September. She also guided Jonina Ladies to the semi-finals of the 2025/26 Ghana Women's FA Cup.Yeboah's move to China represents a significant step in her career as she looks to continue her development and gain valuable experience in one of Asia's top women's football leagues.She becomes the latest Ghanaian player to make the move to the Chinese Women's Super League, following in the footsteps of several compatriots who have plied their...
Ghanaian teenager Hafiz Gariba seen at Barcelona's pre-season training camp.
Ghanaian teen sensation, Hafiz Gariba, has joined Barcelona's squad for pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 19-year-old arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva to join some members of the first team as well other players from the youth side for preparations.Gariba and his teammates and ten members of the first team underwent the routine medical check ahead of Tuesday's first training session.The lanky centre-back, who shone last season with the U19's in the UEFA Youth League, is reportedly set for first team action in the upcoming campaign.The youngster needs to first convince Hansi Flick for a role with the La Liga champions.The players who reported for pre-season included Ter Stegen, Szczeseny, Balde, Christensen, Fermín, Casadó, Gerard Martín, Bernal, Héctor Fort and Roony while the 15 players from the Barça Atlètic and youth team squads are Aron Yaakobishvili, Jofre, Álvaro Cortés, Tommy Marqués, Orian Goren, Ebrima Tunkara, Ibrahim Diarra, Guillermo Fernández, Alex González, Shane Kluivert, Toni Fernández, Òscar Gistau, Xavi Espart and World Cup participant with Egypt Hamza Abdelkarim. Gariba was in Ghana for a short vacation before returning to Spain for a huge season ahead.
Ex-Hearts of Oak defender Christopher Bonney has signed with Ugandan club Kitara FC.
Former Hearts of Oak defender Christopher Bonney has completed a two-year move to Uganda Premier League side Kitara FC ahead of the 2026/27 season, the club has announced.The 27-year-old versatile defender joins the Hoima-based club as their first signing of the current transfer window.Bonney, who has previously featured for Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, and Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs in the Ghana Premier League, also had a stint with Tajikistan top-flight side Panjsher Balkh before making the switch to Uganda.Bonney is comfortable at centre-back but can also operate at right-back and in defensive midfield, making him a valuable addition to Kitara's squad.Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa believes the defender's experience and versatility will strengthen his squad as the club prepares for a demanding season on both the domestic and continental fronts. Kitara will compete in the Uganda Premier League, the Stanbic Uganda Cup, and the CAF Confederation Cup.Bonney's move marks his first spell in Ugandan football after building his career across the Ghana Premier League and abroad, with the defender now set for a new chapter in East Africa. ð¬ððºð¬
O’Neill Announces Fresh Celtic Deal for Iheanacho
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that the Hoops have made Kelechi Iheanacho an offer as talks continue over the striker’s return to the club, Completesports.com reports. Iheanacho’s previous contract with Celtic expired at the end of last month. Iheanacho linked up with the Hoops last September on a one-year deal, with the Scottish Premiership [...]
WAFCON 2026: Ghana's Black Queens prepare for an important friendly match against Ivory Coast on July 14.
Ghana's Black Queens will continue their preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday, July 14, when they take on Ivory Coast in an international friendly.The match will be played behind closed doors at the Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT, as both West African nations fine-tune their squads ahead of the continental tournament.First test! ⏳🗣️: We face Côte d'Ivoire in a pre-WAFCON game tomorrow.#ShineBlackQueens✨ #MoreThanAble 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/xSELh2NrbN— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) July 13, 2026The friendly gives Ghana head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren another opportunity to evaluate his players as he continues to shape his team before the start of WAFCON.With the Black Queens already in an intensive pre-tournament training camp, the encounter is expected to provide a useful measure of the squad's progress against familiar regional opposition.Ivory Coast are also using the match to sharpen their preparations, setting up what is expected to be a competitive contest despite the fixture being played without spectators.For Ghana, the match forms part of the team's final preparations as they look to build chemistry, improve tactical understanding and ensure the squad is ready...
The prestigious U-17 Girls Colts Championship is set to commence on July 30 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 as part of its drive to develop the country's next generation of female football talent.The six-day competition is designed to identify and nurture promising young players while providing them with the opportunity to compete at a high level against some of the nation's best Under-17 footballers.The championship forms a key part of the GFA's Women's Football Strategy and supports FIFA's Talent Development Scheme, both of which aim to strengthen grassroots football and establish clear pathways for emerging players.Coaches and scouts will closely monitor the tournament as they assess players with the potential to progress into Ghana's national youth teams.Beyond the competition itself, the championship underlines the GFA's long-term commitment to investing in women's football and expanding opportunities for young girls across the country.By bringing together talented players from different regions, the tournament is expected to play an important role in talent identification while helping to prepare the next generation of footballers for the demands of elite competition.The championship is another step in Ghana's efforts to strengthen its...