Africa Sport News — Page 81
World Cup 2026: Reason Behind Haaland's Substitution Against England — Norway's Manager
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed he was forced to take off Erling Haaland during the 2-1 defeat to England due to fitness issues. Solbakken’s decision would have led to relief across the country, as the Three Lions were freed of the constant danger of Haaland. Of course, taking off Norway’s all-time top goalscorer and [...]
Alvarez: Argentina Will Spare No Effort to Support Messi in His Quest for World Cup 2026
Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez has declared that the Argentina squad will do everything to help Lionel Messi win another World Cup. Álvarez made the emotional comments following Argentina’s dramatic 3-1 quarter-final victory over Switzerland, in which he scored the decisive extra-time goal. Read Also:World Cup 2026: Messi Can Be Weakness Defensively For Argentina –Rooney [...]
World Cup 2026: Messi Might Present a Defensive Liability for Argentina – Rooney
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes Lionel Messi can be a defensive liability for Argentina ahead of Wednesday’s clash against England in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While serving as a pundit for the BBC Sport coverage of the 2026 World Cup, Rooney highlighted that Messi rarely tracks back to defend. Read [...]
Galatasaray Finalizes Deal With Burnley For Ugochukwu
Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Sky Bet Championship side Burnley for the signing of Nigerian-born midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the two clubs have finalised the deal, with the midfielder now set to complete the formalities before being unveiled by the Istanbul giants. According to Romano, [...]
Ex-Flying Eagles Coach Assumes Role at Sudan's Al Ahli Madani
Aliyu Zubairu has been appointed new head coach of Sudanese club Al Ahli Madani on a two-year contract, Completesports.com reports. Zubairu was recently the head coach of Egyptian second division club Telecom SC. The 62-year-old takes over from Sudanese coach Farouk Jabra, who left the club following the expiration of his contract. Zubairu enjoyed an [...]
U-17 WWCQ: Busari Commends Flamingos’ Performance in Victory Against Benin
Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has reflected on his side’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria secured their place at the tournament after defeating Benin Republic’s Young Amazons 5-3 in the second leg of their final qualifying round tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday. The Flamingos advanced [...]
World Cup 2026: England Must Improve – Kane Responds Following Victory Over Norway
England captain Harry Kane has disclosed that the team must step up the standard of their football against Argentina in the semi-final of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. A brace from Jude Bellingham ensured the Three Lions advanced to the semi-finals after Andreas Schjelderup had given Ståle Solbakken’s men the lead with a dipping [...]
World Cup 2026: Bellingham Brushes Off Tuchel’s Critique Of England’s Display Against Norway
Jude Bellingham praised England’s fighting spirit and ability to “win dirty” after coach Thomas Tuchel criticized their performance in beating Norway on Saturday. The Three Lions came from a goal down to win 2-1 in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium as Bellingham scored twice to set up a semifinal showdown with Argentina, who beat [...]
World Cup 2026: Tuchel Criticizes England’s Display Despite Victory Over Norway
Thomas Tuchel admitted he was unimpressed with England’s performance in their nervy 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. After falling behind, Jude Bellingham’s double put the Three Lions into just their third World Cup semi-final since 1966. Norway, who overcame Brazil in the previous round, provided a stern test and took the lead through [...]
Arsenal Icon Surfaces As Top Contender For Senegal National Team Coaching Position
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has emerged as the leading candidate to become Senegal’s next head coach following the team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to French newspaper L’Equipe (via Morocco World News), the Senegalese Football Federation has started planning for the future of the national team after its World Cup elimination, with [...]
Payne Embraces Fresh Challenge With Inter Milan
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne is excited with the opportunity to play for Serie A giants Inter Women. Payne joined the Nerazzurri from English Women’s Super League, WSL, club Everton in a two-year deal on Saturday. The 31-year-old spent two years at Everton after arriving on a free transfer in 2024. Payne Ready For New [...]
World Cup 2026: Argentina Prevails Over Switzerland Following Extra Time, Prepares for Semi-Final Showdown with England
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, setting up a semifinal clash with England. Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina, while Dan Ndoye scored for Switzerland. Switzerland played the entire extra time with 10 men. Read Also:World Cup 2026: Spain Capable Of Beating [...]
Senegal Dismisses Head Coach Pape Thiaw Following Unsatisfactory World Cup Performance
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw along with his entire technical staff following the country’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure in charge of the Lions of Teranga, Africa Soccer reports. The decision comes amid growing pressure from supporters and football stakeholders after [...]
BREAKING NEWS: Senegal dismisses coach Pape Thiaw along with the entire support team following World Cup letdown.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the country's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The sweeping decision comes after the Lions of Teranga's disappointing Round of 32 elimination, bringing Thiaw's tenure to an end after less than two years in charge of the West African giants.Senegal entered the tournament as one of Africa's strongest contenders and progressed from the group stage with high expectations.However, their campaign ended in dramatic fashion after they squandered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 after extra time to Belgium in the knockout stage.The defeat sparked widespread criticism from supporters and football analysts, with many questioning the team's tactical approach, substitutions and inability to protect their lead.In the days that followed, pressure mounted on the federation to make significant changes to the national team's technical setup.The FSF has now acted by parting ways with Thiaw and every member of his backroom staff as it begins plans for a new era ahead of the next international calendar.Thiaw replaced Aliou Cissé as Senegal coach in 2024 and was entrusted with continuing the country's rise as one of Africa's football powerhouses....
Bellingham Scores Twice, Matches Maradona’s World Cup Accomplishment As England Defeats Norway To Advance To Semifinals
Jude Bellingham sent England into the World Cup semifinals with two goals as the Three Lions overturned a 1-0 deficit to seal a 2-1 extra-time win and end Norway hopes of a first-ever last four appearance in the tournament, ESPN reports. Bellingham became the first player to score back-to-back doubles in the knockout rounds of [...]
Women's football in Ghana achieves unprecedented milestones with a string of significant international victories.
Women's football in Ghana is enjoying one of its most successful periods in recent years, with the country's national teams and clubs producing remarkable results that underline the steady growth of the women's game.From youth football to the senior national team, Ghana has secured qualification for major continental and global competitions, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing investments in player development and the increasing competitiveness of women's football across the country.At the grassroots level, the Ghana U-15 girls' national team, the Black Damsels, successfully defended their title to become back-to-back CAF African Schools Football Champions.Their triumph reaffirmed Ghana's growing reputation for nurturing young female football talent and demonstrated the strength of the country's youth development structures.The momentum continued with the Ghana U-17 women's national team, the Black Maidens, booking their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after overcoming Senegal in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Accra Sports Stadium.The qualification came after a fiercely contested two-legged final qualifying tie, with the Black Maidens holding their nerve from the penalty spot to secure Ghana's return to the global tournament after missing the previous two editions.Earlier this year, the Black Princesses also earned qualification...
Auxerre said an emotional goodbye to Gideon Mensah following his transfer to FC Köln.
French club AJ Auxerre have paid a heartfelt tribute to Ghana international Gideon Mensah following his departure to Bundesliga side FC Koln on a free transfer.Mensah leaves the Ligue 1 outfit after four seasons, having joined from Austrian side RB Salzburg in the summer of 2022. During his time at the club, the 27-year-old made 114 appearances and established himself as one of Auxerre's most dependable players.In a farewell message, Auxerre praised the left-back's contribution, highlighting his role in the club's 2024 Ligue 2 title triumph and their successful fight to retain their Ligue 1 status in the following seasons."A great adventure comes to an end between AJA and Gideon Mensah," the club wrote."Champion of Ligue 2 in 2024, the Ghanaian international contributed significantly to AJA's return to the top flight before playing a major role in the club's two consecutive survivals in Ligue 1."The club also praised Mensah's character and professionalism."Combative, generous, and always impeccable on the pitch, Gide will leave a wonderful legacy at AJA and with all its supporters."Auxerre concluded by wishing the Black Stars defender every success as he begins a new chapter in the Bundesliga with FC Köln.
World Cup 2026: FIFA offered no justification for imposing a two-match suspension on Jarell Quansah, according to Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel has criticised FIFA after footballâs governing body increased Jarell Quansahâs suspension from one match to two, leaving England without the defender for a potential World Cup semi-final should they progress.The Bayer Leverkusen defender was sent off during Englandâs dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca after referee Alireza Faghani upgraded a yellow card to a straight red following a lengthy VAR review.The English-Ghanaian was dismissed for a late challenge on Jesus Gallardo, forcing England to survive the closing stages with 10 men before booking a quarter-final meeting with Norway in Miami.England had expected Quansah to miss only the last-eight clash, but FIFA ruled the tackle amounted to âserious foul playâ, extending the suspension to two matches and ruling him out of a possible semi-final as well.The decision has further frustrated Tuchel, who had already criticised the standard of officiating during the tournament following the Mexico encounter.Speaking ahead of the Norway clash, Tuchel admitted he remains in the dark over the decision.âWe have no explanation. I donât know if my comments had an impact on the decision to upgrade it.âThe German coach had previously argued that the refereeing at the...
World Cup 2026: Spain Has the Ability to Overcome France – De La Fuente
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has disclosed that he is completely convinced his squad will beat France in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. Recall that Spain advanced on a winning goal by substitute Mikel Merino in the 88th minute of the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium. La Roja conceded its only goal of [...]
Gideon Mensah promises to dedicate himself fully to FC Köln following his transition to the Bundesliga.
Ghana international Gideon Mensah has pledged to give his all for FC Koln after completing a long-term move to the Bundesliga club ahead of the 2026/27 season.The 27-year-old left-back joins Köln as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre, bringing an end to a successful four-year spell with the club.Speaking after sealing the transfer, Mensah promised to make the same level of commitment that has defined his career with both the Black Stars and his previous clubs.“Just as I have done for Ghana and my previous clubs, I will give everything for FC so the club achieves its goals and we are successful as a team,” Mensah said.The Ghana defender arrives in Germany after an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign, where he played every minute of the Black Stars’ four matches as they reached the Round of 32 before bowing out to Colombia.Mensah leaves Auxerre having established himself as one of the club’s most dependable performers. After initially joining on loan in 2021, the move was made permanent the following year.During the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, the former Red Bull Salzburg defender made 30 league...