Africa Sport News — Page 85
Johnson Smith appointed to head Nations FC for their CAF Confederation Cup journey
Nations FC are set to appoint Johnson Smith as their new head coach, tasking the experienced Ghanaian tactician with leading the club in their maiden CAF Confederation Cup campaign and their Division One League campaign following their relegation from the Ghana Premier League.Smith will join the Abrankese-based club at a pivotal moment. He will take over from Stephen Frimpong Manso, who guided Nations FC to MTN FA Cup glory last season but was unable to prevent the club's relegation.Smith brings extensive experience to the role, having managed several top-flight and lower-division clubs over the past decade. He has previously served on the technical benches of Asante Kotoko and Karela United and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Black Satellites, Ghana's U-20 national team.Smith faces a significant challenge. Nations FC secured their place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup after winning the MTN FA Cup, defeating Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties in the final. However, they also suffered relegation from the Ghana Premier League, meaning they will compete in both the Division One League and continental competition.Balancing domestic and continental commitments will require a deep squad and careful management. Smith will be tasked with rebuilding...
Ghana's Emerging Talents of Africa host Accrington Stanley Women in Ghana
UK-based Accrington Stanley Football Club Women have arrived in Accra for a two-week sports and cultural tour in partnership with Ghanaian side Rising Stars of Africa, kicking off a unique exchange programme between the two nations.The English side, who have been in Ghana for a week already, have immersed themselves in Ghanaian culture, visiting iconic landmarks including Black Star Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. The tour aims to strengthen ties between the two clubs while providing a valuable cultural experience for the visiting players and staff.Black Maidens FriendlyEarlier this week, Accrington Stanley Women faced Ghana's U-17 women's national team, the Black Maidens, in a friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium. While the game formed part of the English club's sporting activities, it also served as crucial preparation for the Black Maidens ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualification clash against Senegal on Saturday.The friendly provided the Ghanaian youngsters with competitive game time against foreign opposition, an important step in their build-up to the decisive qualifier.Cultural ExchangeThe partnership between Rising Stars of Africa and Accrington Stanley FC Women is designed to go beyond the pitch, with a focus on cultural exchange and mutual learning....
World Cup 2026: Merino Scores Late Once More as Spain Narrowly Defeats Belgium, Prepares for Semifinal Showdown Against France
Arsenal star Mikel Merino was the match winner once again as his late strike for Spain helped them to a 2-1 win against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal on Friday. With two minutes left in the game Merino, who was the match winner in the round of 16 against Portugal, pounced on [...]
World Cup 2026: Mikel Merino propels Spain into the semi-finals with a last-minute goal against Belgium
Substitute Mikel Merino struck late to send Spain into the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium.The midfielder came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 88th minute, finishing from close range after the ball fell kindly inside the box to secure Spain's place in the final four.Spain will now face France in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.Fabian Ruiz gives Spain early advantageSpain started strongly and created the first major opportunity of the match when Dani Olmo collected a loose pass inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful low effort in the 30th minute.Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was alert, however, and comfortably saved the attempt.Moments later, Spain found the breakthrough.Fabian Ruiz reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box and fired a low finish into the middle of the goal to put Spain ahead.Fabian Ruiz breaks the deadlock #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rLTAOryIcQâ FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 10, 2026Belgium respond through De KetelaereBelgium refused to be shaken by conceding and levelled the contest before half-time.In the 41st minute, Charles De Ketelaere...
Gideon Mensah successfully completes his medical examination and signs with FC Koln.
Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has completed his move to Bundesliga side FC Koln after passing his medical and signing all contracts with the German club.The 27-year-old left-back will wear the No. 14 jersey for the German side, with the official announcement expected shortly.Mensah joins Koln as a free agent after his contract with French Ligue 2 side AJ Auxerre expired on June 30, 2026. He flew to Cologne on Friday morning, underwent his medical examination, and put pen to paper on a deal that reportedly runs until 2029.The 44-cap Ghana international was one of the Black Stars' standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, playing every minute of their campaign. His experience at the highest level and his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack made him a priority target for Koln.Koln have been in the market for a reliable left-back since the retirement of club legend Jonas Hector. Mensah's arrival is expected to provide stability to the backline as the club looks to build on their mid-table finish last season.Mensah's career has taken him through several European clubs, including Red Bull Salzburg, Zulte Waregem, Vitoria Guimaraes, Sturm Graz, Bordeaux, and Auxerre. He has...
Super Eagles player Simon alleges that Enugu Rangers declined to sign him due to his non-Igbo ethnicity.
Super Eagles and Paris FC winger Moses Simon has alleged that he was denied the opportunity to sign for Enugu Rangers early in his football career because he was not igbo. Simon, who made the claim in an interview with UrbanDwellSport, revealed that he spent three months training with the Flying Antelopes and believed he [...]
Al Ahly set to be the inaugural African team to face Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly are set to make history after being reportedly chosen as Barcelona's opponents for the 2026 Joan Gamper Trophy.If confirmed by the Spanish giants, the record CAF Champions League champions will become the first African club to feature in the Catalan club's traditional pre-season showpiece.According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Al Ahly to stage the friendly at Spotify Camp Nou on 19 August, with the annual fixture serving as the club's official presentation of its first-team squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.Since its inception in 1966, the competition has featured clubs predominantly from Europe and South America. The tournament adopted its current single-match format in 1997 and has since become Barcelona's traditional final pre-season fixture before the start of a new campaign.For Al Ahly, the invitation reflects the club's growing international profile and offers another opportunity to showcase African club football on one of the sport's biggest stages.The report says Barcelona view the fixture as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the club's presence in Egypt and across the Arab world.With Egypt's population exceeding 110 million and Al Ahly boasting one of the largest fan bases...
Coach Nana Kwaku Agyemang is at the helm of Progen FC as they embark on a European youth tour.
Ghanaian youth development advocate and founder of Progen FC, Coach Nana Kwaku Agyemang, is currently on a marathon European tour with his side, as the team competes in three of the continent's biggest youth football tournaments across Spain, Sweden, and Norway.The tour represents a major commitment to player development, with the team scheduled to play in three consecutive tournaments over the course of a month.Progen FC's European campaign kicked off at the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain, one of the largest international youth football tournaments in Southern Europe. The 34th edition of the tournament features a record 912 teams from 31 countries, further consolidating its position as a premier youth football event. The tournament runs from July 6 to 12.From Spain, the team will travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, for the Gothia Cup, widely regarded as the world's largest youth football tournament. The 2026 edition, running from July 12 to 18, is expected to bring together nearly 1,700 teams from across the globe. Progen FC will compete from July 13 to 18, facing some of the world's most exciting academies and youth teams.The tour will conclude in Oslo, Norway, at the Norway Cup, which runs from...
Roger De Sa discusses the obstacles facing the Black Stars in the World Cup.
Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa has revealed the numerous challenges the technical team faced during Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, including taking over a side in crisis and navigating a frantic player scouting mission across Europe.De Sa was part of Carlos Queiroz's technical team for the tournament, appointed just weeks before the finals following the dismissal of Otto Addo. Despite the short preparation time, Ghana exited in the round of 32 after losing 2-1 to Colombia in Kansas City.Speaking on 947's MSW, De Sa opened up on the uphill battle the coaching staff faced from the moment they took charge."I think when you are coaching, you're always going to get different challenges along the way, and firstly for us was taking over a team which had gone six defeats in a row; I think that was the biggest challenge straight away," De Sa said."We were like, 'we have to turn it around.' Objective number one would be to get a bit of a winning mentality, not a losing mentality."With Ghana's squad spread across Europe, De Sa revealed the logistical nightmare of assembling a final 26-man squad."I left here, and I basically...
Madugu Reveals Final Roster for Super Falcons Ahead of WAFCON 2026
Super Falcons of Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu has unveiled his final 25 players for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The final squad, which is dominated by the WAFCON 2024 winning squad, was posted on the Super Falcons official X handle today (Friday). Among the players who made the cut [...]
Port City FC has finalized the acquisition of Daniel Osie Senior.
Newly promoted Ghana Premier League side Port City FC have completed the permanent signing of former Hohoe United defensive midfielder Daniel Osie Senior, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.The 24-year-old midfielder becomes the latest addition to the Harbour Boys' ambitious squad rebuild ahead of their maiden top-flight campaign.Osie Senior, who featured for Hohoe United in the Ghana Premier League last season, brings defensive solidity and experience to Port City's engine room.The defensive midfielder is known for his ability to break up opposition attacks, protect the backline, and provide a steady presence in midfield – qualities that will be invaluable for a newly promoted side looking to establish themselves in the top flight.The signing of Osie Senior continues Port City's aggressive recruitment drive as they prepare for life in the Ghana Premier League. The club has already secured several high-profile signings, including Gideon Waja and Stephen Diyuo and Kwabena Adu Meider.With pre-season preparations already underway, Port City will be hoping their new signings gel quickly ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. The club, headquartered in Tema but hosting home matches in Kukurantumi, is determined to make an immediate impact in the top flight.Osie Senior's arrival adds...
World Cup 2026: Ten Hag Separates Himself From Taking Over as Netherlands Manager Following Koeman
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has officially ruled himself out of the running to replace Ronald Koeman as the Netherlands head coach. Ten Hag cited his complete commitment to his current two-year project as the technical director at FC Twente. Read Also:World Cup 2026: ‘When It’s Mbappe, There’s No Problem’ –Deschamps Lauds Le [...]
Ex-Kotoko player Jordan Opoku has joined Port City FC as an assistant coach.
Former Asante Kotoko midfielder and WAFA SC deputy coach Jordan Opoku has joined newly promoted Ghana Premier League side Port City FC as their new assistant coach.The experienced tactician will serve as the right-hand man to head coach Christopher Ennin, who was appointed earlier this month.Opoku's appointment adds further experience to the technical team as Port City prepare for their maiden top-flight campaign.Opoku, who previously served as deputy coach for WAFA SC in the Ghana Premier League, brings valuable coaching experience to the newly promoted side. His playing career saw him feature for Asante Kotoko before transitioning into coaching.The 42-year-old will be tasked with helping Port City establish themselves in the Ghana Premier League following their promotion from Division One.Port City are currently in pre-season preparations as they gear up for their first-ever campaign in Ghana's top flight.The team are hoping to rub shoulders with the top clubs in the Ghana Premier League, and adding Opoku to the technical team proves ambitious.
Brentford Honors Fredrick With Fresh Contract and Elevation to First Team
Super Eagles defender Benjamin Fredrick has been promoted to Brentford’s first-team squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The 21-year-old has also committed his future to the Bees by signing a new four-year contract, with the club holding the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. Fredrick initially joined Brentford B [...]
Raif Adam starts his postponed preseason rehabilitation following a hip injury.
Raif Adam's preparations for the new season got off to a delayed start due to a hip injury, but the Elversberg forward is now making encouraging progress as he continues his recovery.Adam moved from his youth club SV Lurup Hamburg to the HSVâs junior performance centre for the 2019/2020 season and went through several training levels up to the U17 there. After further positions at Eimsbutteler TV and SC Victoria Hamburg, where he gained his first experience in the men's field.The 20-year-old is already back on the training pitch in a light workload, though he is still expected to miss the clubâs second summer friendly.The injury kept him out of last weekendâs match against FC Gieben, and the same problem is likely to rule him out again when Elversberg face FC Thun on Saturday. Even so, the fact that he has resumed light training is a positive sign for the club and for a player hoping to build momentum before the season begins.Adam joined Elversberg from Hamburger SV earlier this year and became part of the squadâs promotion push. He made 10 league appearances, most of them brief, but still managed to score once. That small...
Final Agreement: Nigerian Forward Signs Four-Year Deal with Norwegian Team Lillestrøm
Norwegian club Lillestrøm have announced the signing of Nigerian youngster Seun Akanji on a permanent transfer, Completesports.com reports. Akanji arrived at Lillestrøm on trial one and a half years ago, with the Birds securing an option to sign him once he turned 18. Akanji Eager To Impress At Lillestrøm The forward is hopeful of a [...]
Mané Has Not Walked Away From International Football —French Sports Outlet L’Équipe
French sports newspaper L’Équipe has reported that Sadio Mané has not retired from international football. The French sports outlet said that a fake statement circulating on social media announced the Senegal star’s retirement, suggesting that the rumor originated from an AI-generated letter that was mistakenly republished by several media outlets. Among them was beIN Sports, [...]
Asante Kotoko initiates discussions to acquire Debibi United striker Kwadwo Antwi.
Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have opened talks with newly-promoted side Debibi United over the potential signing of forward Kwadwo Antwi.The Porcupine Warriors are keen to secure the signature of the 22-year-old attacker to reinforce their frontline ahead of the upcoming football campaign.Sports journalist Shaban Mohammed reported the development, confirming that discussions have commenced between the two clubs.Antwi has emerged as a prime target for the Kumasi-based club following a sensational breakout season in the Access Bank Division One League, where his prolific goal-scoring form caught the attention of several top-flight teams.The young striker played a pivotal role in Debibi United's historic promotion campaign, netting 17 goals across the football season. His standout performance came during the Zone One promotional playoff final, where he bagged a decisive hat-trick to seal his club's qualification into the Ghanaian elite division.Landing the highly-rated attacker will require Kotoko to navigate stiff opposition. Debibi United previously stated that the forward was not for sale, aiming to keep their talisman for their debut top-flight season.Furthermore, the Porcupine Warriors face intense competition from arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, who have also registered concrete interest in the player.Negotiations are expected...
U-17 WWCQ: Uganda’s Nabadda Appointed as Referee for Benin vs Flamingos
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Ugandan official Shamirah Nabadda as the centre referee for Saturday’s 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round second-leg clash between Benin Republic and Nigeria’s Flamingos. Malian official Fanta Idrissa Kone will serve as the first assistant referee, while Fides Bangurambona of Burundi has been named [...]
Ghanaian defender Gideon Mensah offers a heartfelt goodbye to AJ Auxerre as he prepares for his transfer to FC Koln.
Ghana international Gideon Mensah has said his final goodbye to French outfit AJ Auxerre following his departure from the club.The 27-year-old enterprising left-back leaves Auxerre as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season, bringing an end to his four-year spell at the club.During his four-year spell at Auxerre, Mensah made 108 appearances across all competitions, registering four assists while playing a key role in the clubâs promotion to Ligue 1 and their subsequent survival in the French top flight.However, the defender has taken to social media to express gratitude to the French outfit for the support throughout his stay in France.âAfter four unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye. Leaving this club with a heart filled with gratitude. Wearing this jersey has been a real honor, and I have always given my all for this emblemââTo my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone in the shadows: Thank you for your trust, support and helping me grow as a player and person. To the supporters, thank you for being with me from day 1ââYour passion, loyalty, and unwavering support have made every moment even more special....