Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has praised the late Christian Atsu, calling him the best teammate he has ever played with.
Atsu, who won the Best Player award at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sadly lost his life in 2023 after being trapped under rubble during a massive earthquake in Turkey, where he was playing football.
When asked to name the best player he has played alongside, Ayew immediately mentioned Atsu without any doubt.
“The best player I’ve ever played with, unfortunately, is no longer with us, and that’s Christian [Atsu]. I played with Muntari and Essien,” he told Joy Sports.
“Asamoah [Gyan] and Andre [Ayew] are also up there, but I’ll go with Atsu. He didn’t get enough plaudits for how good he was on the field,” he added.
Jordan Ayew has been in excellent form as captain of the Black Stars, guiding Ghana to consecutive victories in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The team delivered an impressive 5-0 win against Chad before securing a 3-0 triumph over Madagascar. Ayew played a key role in both matches, contributing to five goals—scoring once and providing four assists.
With Ghana leading Group I with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed Comoros, Ayew will be determined to keep the team’s winning streak alive.
Before returning to World Cupqualifiers in September against Chad and Mali, the Black Stars will take part in a four-nation tournament in England.
Former PresidentJohn Dramani Mahama made an unexpected visit to the Black Stars during their training at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
His visit was meant to lift the team’s spirits ahead of their important 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Speaking to the players and coaches, Mahama admitted the team had faced challenges recently but said he believed they could recover and perform well.
“We didn’t qualify for the AFCON. But even when we did, we crashed out early last time. We haven’t given up on you. We still believe the Black Stars can find its glory again, and that depends on you, the technical team, and the management committee,” he said.
Reaffirming the nation’s support, he emphasized that success depends on the team’s commitment and effort.
“The goals will come from these feet right here. It takes sacrifice and strength. We enjoy watching you play for your clubs, and we expect the same dedication for the national team,” he added.
The Black Stars will face Chad on March 21 before taking on Madagascar three days later in Morocco as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
Ghana’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) has hit a rough patch recently. For the first time in over two decades, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco later this year2. This marks a significant setback for a team that has historically been one of the continent’s football powerhouses, with four AFCON titles to their name.
The failure to qualify has sparked disappointment among fans, players, and officials alike. Former Ghanaian football star Michael Essien described the situation as “sad” but urged the nation to move forward and focus on future competitions. Similarly, President John Dramani Mahama encouraged the team to redeem themselves in upcoming matches, including the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite this setback, there is hope for a turnaround. The team is now focusing on rebuilding and performing well in their World Cup qualifying campaign
Former President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged the Black Stars to regain the trust of Ghanaians by winning their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.
He shared this message during a visit to the team’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, March 19.
Speaking to the players, he urged them to make up for their 2025 AFCON disappointment by securing victories in their next two games.
“If you win these two games, I’m sure Ghanaians will be ready to put the disappointment of AFCON behind them and rally behind you,” he said.
The Black Stars will continue their World Cup qualifiers with games against Chad and Madagascar on matchdays 5 and 6.
These will be their first matches since their disappointing 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where they finished last in Group F.
Ghana is currently third in the group with 9 points, having won three of their four qualifying matches.
They will play Chad, who are at the bottom of the table, in Accra on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face group leaders Madagascar on March 24, 2025.
Ghana’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has hit a rough patch recently. For the first time in over two decades, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco later this year. This marks a significant setback for a team that has historically been one of the continent’s football powerhouses, with four AFCON titles to their name.
The failure to qualify has sparked disappointment among fans, players, and officials alike. Former Ghanaian football star Michael Essien described the situation as “sad” but urged the nation to move forward and focus on future competitions.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragherhas clarified that he did not mean to disrespect Africa after a comment that seemed to downplay the importance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
During Sky Sports’ post-match analysis of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on February 23, 2025, Carragher suggested that while Mohamed Salah is a top performer for Liverpool, his chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or could be affected by the lack of a major international tournament with his national team, Egypt.
“I think the problem is that he [Salah] is with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament, or maybe doesn’t have a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament.
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and Mbappe right now, Real Madrid are looking really good going for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now, Los Blancos are certainly the front-runners,” he said.
Carragher’s comment sparked strong criticism from several African football legends, including Emmanuel Adebayor, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Ahmad Elmohamady, as well as fellow English star Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking on CBS Sports on March 4, 2025, the former Liverpool defender admitted that he had downplayed the importance of AFCON and could have expressed his point more appropriately.
He clarified that he did not mean to undermine the tournament but was highlighting how AFCON might not carry as much weight with Ballon d’Or voters, which could impact Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the award.
“I don’t disrespect a club, a country, a continent, an international tournament, whatever that may be. Where I got it wrong, was I was clumsy with my language in describing AFCON as not a major tournament. I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’or.
“And I felt or feel that not justAFCON,I would say, the Asia Games, the Gold Cup, not so much the Copa America. There are five major tournaments out there, besides the World Cup, that are for their continent and obviously major tournaments. But some of them don’t resonate with the people who vote for the Ballon d’or.
I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid-90s. So, I should have been a lot tidier with my language around that,” he explained.
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnickhas fired back at ex-England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his contentious remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, sparked controversy on Sunday while analyzing Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. The 47-year-old downplayed AFCON’s significance, suggesting it is not among football’s major tournaments—a statement that has drawn widespread backlash.
Pinnick, who serves on the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Executive Council, strongly rejected Carragher’s comments. Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, he defended AFCON’s prestige, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s top football competitions. He also assured fans that the 2025 edition in Morocco would surpass the recently concluded tournament in Ivory Coast in both scale and quality.
“I think it is a very myopic opinion, and you can see the wave of attack because the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is growing beyond the imagination of so many people, and he might be talking subjectively,” Pinnick stated.
The former NFF boss also referenced George Weah’s 1995 Ballon d’Or win, pointing out that Liberia had not even qualified for AFCON at the time. Still, Weah’s outstanding performances for AC Milan earned him the prestigious award.
Pinnick believes Salah’s performances this season make him a strong contender for the prestigious award.
“When George Weah in 1995 won the Ballon d’Or, Liberia was nowhere close to AFCON. He won the award due to his performance when he was with AC Milan, and you look at what Mohamed Salah has done this season. That is super iconic,” Pinnick said.
“The players are playing so well, and it is even beyond the coach. It is not about tactics, and that should be the spirit to resonate in Africa, and that should be the spirit among African players that we can do it. In the last AFCON, give it to CAF because solidarity about 60 million dollars went to Cote d’Ivoire, and that was the first time, and just wait and see what will happen in Morocco this year.”
Pinnick further stressed AFCON’s importance to African footballers, highlighting how much winning the competition means to them.
“African players know how important it is to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and the medal and trophy alone are something every player will cherish,” he added.
Salahhas been in outstanding form this season, scoring 25 goals and registering 16 assists in the Premier League. With a total of 182 league goals, he is just two strikes away from surpassing Sergio Aguero to enter the top five all-time scorers in the competition.
The Egyptian star has also impressed in the Champions League, netting seven times to help Liverpool secure the top spot in their group. His 51 combined goals and assists across Europe’s top five leagues currently lead all players, further bolstering his case for the Ballon d’Or.
A victory in the prestigious award would be a historic milestone for African football, cementing Salah’s status as one of the greatest players the continent has ever produced.
Former Black Stars assistant coach, George Boateng, has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for making poor decisions after the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Boateng was part of Otto Addo’s coaching team after the 2022 World Cup and stayed on until Ghana’s poor showing at AFCON in Ivory Coast. Following the team’s failure, the GFA dismissed the entire coaching staff.
Although Otto Addo was later reappointed as head coach, he could not secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON, making it the first time in 20 years that the country missed the tournament.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Boateng emphasized the need for consistency in team management.
“I am a very strong believer in continuity. I said it straight after the tournament [2023 AFCON] and also in the media that, as disappointing as it is, the federation has to analyze it.
“You have to go in-depth to see where the mistakes were in terms of management, players, and staff, and then you replace those who were not competent enough—whether it be the playing body, staff member, or technical team,” he said.
He also questioned whether the GFA had taken the necessary steps to rebuild after the AFCON failure.
“You then rebuild on that, but I am not too sure if that has been done after the Africa Cup of Nations because you can see that after I left, we have now had a bigger slide. At least when I was there, we qualified and were unlucky not to get out of the group stage,” he added.
Boateng has expressed his willingness to take on a head coach role, as rumors suggest he is being considered for the vacant coaching job at Blackburn Rovers.
With Ghana missing out on AFCON, the Black Stars will now focus on their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in Matchday Five and Six.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II,has urged the newly appointed Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, to closely monitor the Black Stars to prevent favoritism and nepotism within the team.
During a recent visit, Otumfuo acknowledged the declining performance of the senior national team over the past few years, attributing it to nepotism by influential figures in the Ghana Football Association.
The Black Stars have failed to advance from the group stage in their last three competitions and missed out on qualifying for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Otumfuo’s comments underscore the need for vigilance and accountability to restore the team’s former glory.
“The Black Stars have been disgraceful these days. You have to get the Black Stars on the winning track,” Otumfuo challenged Kofi Adams.
“Make sure the technical team invites players who deserve to be in the national team. No other person should be allowed to bring their players to the team.”
Ghanaians will be keeping a close eye on that request with the Black Stars set to assemble next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced thatOtto Addo’sposition as head coach of the Black Stars will be reviewed.
Despite signing a three-year contract in March 2024, with an option for an additional two years, Addo has come under fire after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years. The team’s inability to win any qualifiers has led to widespread calls for a complete overhaul of the technical staff.
As the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has bolstered the coaching team. However, Kofi Adams stressed in an interview with Woezor TV that the government, not the GFA, funds the national team’s technical staff, and any decisions should involve state consultation.
By emphasizing state involvement, Adams highlighted the need for a collective approach to address the current challenges facing the team and to ensure a successful future.
“First of all, the GFA doesn’t pay the Black Stars technical team; the government does, so you cannot go and appoint someone and say this is what I have appointed to manage a team that does not belong to you,” he said.
“The national team does not belong to the GFA, and neither do they pay the coaches. It is the state that pays, so nobody can sit anywhere and say that when they decide, they cannot consult anybody in making that decision. If that is the mindset of how they approach their work, then they will have issues.
“The country has only asked the GFA to manage the national teams, and that is why the state pays the coaches and still funds all the qualifiers. So how do you appoint somebody that the state will pay but don’t involve the state in decision-making?” he quizzed.
German coach Winfried Schäfer has been brought in as a technical advisor for the Black Stars and as the technical director for the association. Additionally, Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has joined the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda continue in their roles as second assistant coach and goalkeepers’ trainer, respectively.
Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
Despite these changes, Sports Minister Kofi Adams has expressed concerns over the GFA’s approach to decision-making regarding coaching appointments.
With Ghana missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars will shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in the next round of matches next month.
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that discussions will be held with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) concerning the future of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo.
Reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year contract, the 49-year-old Addo has faced significant scrutiny after failing to secure the national team’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In response to growing concerns, the GFA has taken measures to bolster the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
As part of these changes, the experienced German coach and former Cameroon AFCON winner, Winfried Schäfer, has been appointed as the technical advisor and football director for both the Black Stars and the GFA.
Additionally, Kris Perquy will join as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will take on the role of video analyst.
In an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Minister Adams recognized the decision to retain Addo but stressed the importance of further evaluation to determine if he remains the right fit for the role.
“We will engage the GFA on the future of Otto Addo, and we will arrive at a common ground and know whether he will stay or leave,” he said.
“We didn’t qualify for the AFCON, but we plan to qualify for the World Cup, so we will engage the GFA to know if Otto Addo is the right person for the team going forward.
“I have heard all the complaints of Ghanaians, but we will engage the GFA. I believe that we cannot do the same thing and expect a different result,” he added.
Meanwhile, formerBlack Stars players John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda have been retained as part of the technical team.
Presidential entrance of theAccra Sports Stadium has turned into a dumping ground, just weeks ahead of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars are set to face Chad at home, but the facility, which hosted Ghana’s last competitive match, is in poor condition.
A visit by JoySports revealed that while the pitch is in good shape for games, other key areas of the stadium are far from presentable for officials, guests, and fans.
The pathway leading to the Presidential entrance is cluttered with discarded items such as broken fridges, faulty machines, damaged plastic chairs, tables, and other trash.
The situation worsens with the facility’s utilities. The water supply system is in a poor state, and the electricity room is no better. The room has no functioning lights, exposed wires are scattered around, and there’s even a small hole dug inside.
A room near the scoreboard is filled with dirt and has holes believed to be caused by rats. The overall structure of the stadium is also in poor shape, with visible cracks that suggest it is becoming weaker.
The condition of the washrooms is appalling, with a strong, unpleasant smell making them almost unusable.
Offices, including the Head of the Technical Department’s workspace, are in terrible shape. They have no electricity, broken ceilings, and cracked tiles.
The Ghana Project Monitoring Group (GPMG), an organization focused on highlighting neglected and faulty projects across the country, has expressed interest in working with the Sports Ministry to address the stadium’s poor maintenance and hygiene issues.
“Our motive is to draw the attention of the authorities and government that there’s something wrong here and what can we do,” member of GPMG Ernest Banama told JoySports.
“Not only drawing the attention, we use our own hands to start something and wait for the government to assist us.”
The Accra Sports Stadium, known as the Nation’s Wembley, underwent a massive facelift worth GH¢12.5 million for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2018.
The countdown to Africa’s biggest football event, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, reached an important stage today with the official launch of the tournament logo in Rabat, Morocco.
The new logo is a modern and powerful symbol of African football, highlighting the continent’s rich culture and unity.
The tournament will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The logo represents the connection between sports and art, sharing a message of pride, resilience, and hope.
Inspired by Morocco’s traditional “zellij” mosaic art, the logo presents football as a blend of creativity, accuracy, and passion.
The design of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 logo combines tradition with modernity. Each shape and pattern represents the unity of African nations, players, and fans, showing how football and art come together to create something special.
Just like the carefully arranged pieces of zellij tiles create stunning patterns, every moment in football comes together to showcase skill, teamwork, and victory.
The colors used—gold for success, green for unity, red for determination, and blue for limitless possibilities—are more than just decorations. They reflect the true essence of African football, symbolizing the excitement of the game, the strength of the players, and the passion of the fans.
By blending the geometric patterns of football with the detailed craftsmanship of zellij, this concept highlights the precision and motion of the sport while celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage. It’s a tribute to African artistry and the energy of football.
The TotalEnergiesCAF AFCON 2025will be a vibrant showcase of African football, where every pass, goal, and cheer will add to the beauty of the game. It’s not just a competition; it’s a platform where sport, culture, and creativity come together to share Africa’s spirit with the world.
GFA Executive Council member Dr. Randy Abbey has confirmed that Otto Addo will continue as the Black Stars head coach, despite the team failing to qualify for the2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana performed poorly under Addo, earning just three points from six matches with three losses and three draws—one of their worst AFCON qualifying campaigns.
Many fans have called for Addo to be sacked, especially since he was reappointed in March 2024 on a long-term contract.
However, in an interview with Original FM, Dr. Abbey, who is also the Black Stars Management Committee Chairman, stated that the GFA has no plans to remove the 49-year-old coach.
“I think the GFA has taken the decision already,” Dr Abbey stated.
He further disclosed plans to overhaul the team’s backroom staff to provide Addo with the necessary support for success.
Despite the AFCON disappointment, Addo has revived Ghana’s World Cup hopes with crucial victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in the ongoing qualifiers.
The GFA remains confident that with the right support system, he can steer the team back to success.
“The GFA is keeping Otto Addo. Immediately, it’s about the World Cup qualifiers that start in March, and to ensure that the poor trend of results that led to non-qualification for AFCON is reversed to put the Black Stars back on the winning path,” Dr Abbey emphasized.
Ghana will play against Chad and Madagascar in March for the 5th and 6th rounds of the World Cup qualifiers.
This is Otto Addo’s second time as head coach of the Black Stars. He first led the team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After Ghana’s poor performance at the AFCON in Ivory Coast, he was reappointed in early 2024.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has taken full responsibility for the team’s recent poor performance, which led to their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This was disclosed in a statement issued after a meeting between Otto Addo and the GFA’s Executive Council on November 27, 2024.
During the meeting, Otto Addo presented a detailed 56-page technical report, which was thoroughly reviewed by the Executive Council and regional GFA chairmen. He also addressed all their questions and concerns.
The statement further highlighted that Otto Addo outlined a plan to address the identified challenges, emphasizing the importance of building a disciplined and accountable system to foster trust among players and staff.
The statement went on to say, “Addo also highlighted the importance of establishing a clear and recognisable playing philosophy moving forward.
“The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Regional Football Chairmen shared the nation’s disappointment with Addo.
“They echoed the widespread desire for the Black Stars to deliver better results, particularly in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
“Addo was informed that the GFA plansto engage in further consultations with key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for the national team. This approach aims to create a sustainable path to success for the Black Stars.”
The GFA reiterated its commitment to holistic decision-making for the betterment of Ghana football.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addoand his technical team have reportedly gone three months without receiving their salaries, according to Kessben FM.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is said to be working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to resolve the issue and avoid further complications.
However, no explanation has been given for the delay, which comes during a challenging period for the national team.
The news has sparked public reaction, particularly in light of the criticism Otto Addo faced following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Ghana finished at the bottom of Group F with only three points, recording three losses and three draws in their six matches.
Angola and Sudan secured qualification from the group, leaving Ghana and Niger out of the tournament. This marks the first time in over two decades that the Black Stars have missed out on the AFCON.
In response to the team’s poor performance, the GFA has summonedOtto Addo to meet with its Executive Council on November 27, 2024.
The meeting will focus on evaluating his report on the qualifiers and discussing his future as head coach of the national team.
The national team’s elimination, finishing last in Group F with only three points from six games, represents a major setback.
In a Facebook post, Okraku reflected on the stark contrast between the team’s recent achievements and their current struggles, expressing concern over the unexpected turn of events.
“From the highest heights of world football on the 29th of March 2022 to the lowest ebb of AFCON qualifying matches. My heart bleeds,” Okraku began, referring to Ghana’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a moment of pride, now overshadowed by their inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.
He acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans and stakeholders, recognising that the team’s current performance falls far short of expectations.
“Definitely, this is not what we want or what we bargained for,” he wrote. “At this point, only cool heads can win, and we as leaders of our sport will stay together, be honest with ourselves, and fix this problem.”
Okraku described the road to recovery as a challenging one but expressed optimism for the future.
“The road to full recovery after normalisation is definitely bumpy and rough, but our collective efforts and patience will win, and Ghana, our beloved country, will win,” he said.
As both a fan and leader, Okraku empathised with the nation’s frustration.
“As a Black Stars fan and as the leader, I share in your pain and in our pain,” he wrote, reiterating his commitment to guiding the team through this difficult period.
Despite the setback, Okraku remained hopeful that the Black Stars will emerge stronger in the future.
“We will rise from this temporary setback. It shall be well,” he concluded.
Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayewshared a heartfelt moment during the Black Stars’ final training session at the Estadio de Novembro ahead of their crucial clash with Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
As leaders of the current squad, with Jordan Ayew serving as captain and Kudus as vice-captain, the two players were seen in a brief yet significant interaction.
In a video from the session, Jordan called Kudus to the sideline for a quick discussion, with Kudus nodding in agreement, signaling their mutual commitment to steering the team towards victory.
Although the content of their conversation wasn’t audible, their body language suggested a unified resolve to overcome Angola and keep Ghana’s qualification hopes alive.
Jordan Ayew has taken over captaincy duties for these matches, a role previously held by Kudus during the team’s last games against Sudan. The announcement was made by head coach Otto Addo during the unveiling of the squad for the final qualifiers.
The Black Stars find themselves at the bottom of Group F with just two points. A win against Angola, who have already secured qualification, would elevate Ghana to third place, just two points behind Sudan, keeping their chances alive.
The high-stakes encounter is set to kick off at 19:00 GMT, with Ghana fighting to revive their AFCON aspirations.
Black Stars coach Otto Addo remains hopeful about his team’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), even in light of recent challenges.
Ghana’s hopes of competing in Africa’s premier football tournament are currently in doubt following a disappointing defeat to Sudan.
The team had already faced obstacles, having lost to Angola and drawn with Niger in their opening matches in Group F.
With aspirations for victories against Sudan, the Black Stars could not achieve their goal, ending the first leg at Accra Sports Stadium in a goalless draw and subsequently losing 2-0 in the return leg in Libya.
Now, with just two points from a possible 12, Ghana finds itself sitting in third place in the group.
“Surely, we, as Ghana, should qualify for the AFCON.
Yet, mathematically, there’s still a chance, and we will do everything that is in our hands to hold this chance alive,” he told the Ghana FA Media.
To keep their qualification hopes intact, the Black Stars must win their next two matches in the AFCON qualifying series scheduled for November, while also relying on Sudan to drop points in their upcoming games.
Following the recent disappointment from the Black Stars’ loss in theirAfrica Cup of Nations (AFCON)qualifying match against Sudan, emotions are running high among fans and Ghanaian celebrities alike.
Popular gospel artist Sonnie Badu, in a heartfelt message addressed to the Ghana Football Association, urged them to consider a significant change that could be a “spiritual” turning point for the team.
His post called on the GFA to swallow its pride and bring back Kwesi Appiah, former coach of the Black Stars now coach of Sudan.
In a reaction post on Instagram, he said, “Dear @ghana_fa_official, I can tell you for free that this was a painful win for my friend. Let’s swallow our pride and bring him back! This is more spiritual than physical, and if you think football isn’t spiritual, just hear me out—anything controlled by the wind definitely has mysteries.
The Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 have been severely damaged after a 2-0 defeat to Sudan.
Ghana now sits third in their group with two points, and their chances of qualifying are slim, with only two matches left to play. Another loss could end their journey to the tournament in Morocco.
The Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, faced an unexpected setback at Al Abraq airport in Libya.
They were en route to Benghazi for an important Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
However, their flight was redirected to Al Abraq just an hour before landing, a city more than two hours away from their intended destination. This sudden change left the team in a challenging situation, far from where they needed to be.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had carefully organised their travel plans, arranging a chartered flight to land directly in Benghazi. This location was chosen for its proximity to Benina, ensuring a short journey to their accommodations.
However, the unexpected diversion disrupted these plans, leaving the team without immediate transportation upon arrival.
Journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel reported that although the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had arranged transportation in Benghazi, the Libyan Football Association failed to provide any alternative solutions at Al Abraq airport.
The situation escalated as the Super Eagles found themselves stranded for over 12 hours within the airport, with no buses or transport options available.
Samuel noted the frustration of the NFF, which attempted to arrange alternative transport but faced resistance due to the airport gates being closed.
Team captain and defender Troost-Ekong took to social media to share their experience, describing the airport as desolate and the team as isolated, without even phone connectivity.
He expressed his disappointment over the Libyan government’s abrupt cancellation of their approved landing in Benghazi, implying that such actions were psychological tactics ahead of their important match.
Black Stars have arrived in Libya, gearing up for a crucial match against Sudan in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This upcoming clash is vital for Ghana as they strive to secure their place in the esteemed tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco next year. Ghana’s qualifying campaign has been inconsistent, with the team earning only two points from three matches.
Their last match against Kwasi Appiah’s team ended in a goalless draw, reflecting the difficulties they are encountering in their pursuit of qualification.
The Black Stars, who have previously won the AFCON title four times, must adopt a strategic mindset to overcome the challenges they face in the upcoming encounter with Sudan.
The Black Stars arrived in Libya on Sunday, October 13, demonstrating their commitment to reversing their fortunes in the qualifiers.
With just days remaining until the pivotal match against Sudan on Tuesday, October 15, the team is concentrating on honing their tactics and fostering team unity.
A win in this crucial encounter would greatly enhance their prospects of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco next year.
With excitement mounting, fans and football lovers are keen to witness how Otto Addo’s squad will approach this challenge.
The upcoming match against Sudan represents more than just a chance to earn points; it’s an opportunity for the Black Stars to showcase their strength and talent on an international platform.
Their journey through the qualifiers has been filled with ups and downs, and this forthcoming game could prove to be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
The Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, will be the venue for Ghana’s crucial match against Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)qualifiers on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
This fixture comes just five days after the two sides played out a hard-fought draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Sudan’s draw allowed them to maintain second place in the group, leaving them well-positioned for AFCON qualification. Ghana, however, faces a must-win situation in this encounter to keep their hopes alive for qualification to the tournament, which is set to take place in Morocco.
Convert the chances
In the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana generated six clear-cut opportunities but failed to capitalise on any of them.
If the Black Stars hope to secure qualification, they cannot afford to squander the golden chances they missed in the previous encounter.
Key players like Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams must be clinical in front of goal and deliver the needed results for Ghana.
Take advantage of the set-pieces
In the first leg, Ghana had as many as sixteen corner kicks, yet none of the corners resulted in a goal.
For a team that lacks a potent goal-scorer, set-pieces are great avenues for goals, and the Black Stars must take advantage of these chances.
Be wary of the Sudanese fast-breaks
For Sudan, a draw in this match wouldn’t be disastrous, so they’re unlikely to adopt an attacking approach against Ghana. Instead, they will probably stick to the same defensive setup they used in the first leg.
However, with their fast wingers, Sudan poses a serious attacking threat, and the Black Stars need to be alert to the danger of quick counter-attacks.
Ghana’s players, especially the fullbacks and defensive midfielders, must remain focused and avoid lapses in concentration, as they could easily be caught off-guard by Sudan’s swift transitions.
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was unable to broadcast the Sudan-Ghana game.
In a statement, it noted that this situation arose due to New World TV, the Free-to-Air (FTA) rights holder in Sub-Saharan Africa, failing to provide the feed to all FTA takers across the continent.
GBC confirmed that it had fully paid for the broadcasting rights, but it understood that unresolved issues between New World TV and CAF contributed to the current predicament, leading to the inconvenience caused to viewers.
The match, which took place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, was the first leg of a doubleheader qualifier against the Falcons. Despite the Black Stars dominating possession and creating several opportunities, they failed to convert any chances into goals, placing the four-time African champions in a challenging situation.
Ghana’s next challenge is set against Libya in the return leg on Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium. A victory in this match is deemed essential for improving their chances of qualifying for the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco.
Black Stars find themselves in third place in Group F, having accumulated only two points from three matches.
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo,has expressed his disappointment following the Black Stars’ goalless draw against Sudan in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The match, held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, marked the first leg of their doubleheader qualifier against the Falcons.
Although the Black Stars dominated possession and created several opportunities, they failed to convert any chances into goals, placing the four-time African champions in a difficult situation.
During the post-match press conference, the 45-year-old coach openly shared his frustration regarding the team’s performance.
“The chances were there today, but this is football,” he said.
“This result even pains more than the results against Niger and Angola because I think we deserve to win but I am disappointed,” he added.
Ghana’s next challenge will be against Libya in the return leg on Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium. A victory in this match is essential for enhancing their chances of qualifying for the tournament set to be held in Morocco.
Currently, theBlack Stars find themselves in third place in Group F, having accumulated only two points from three matches.
Several Black Stars playershave touched down in Ghana ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Sudan.
Among the early arrivals on Sunday, October 6, 2024, were key players such as Mohammed Kudus, Fatawu Issahaku, Mohammed Salisu, Elisha Owusu, Antoine Semenyo, Jojo Wollacott, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Jordan Ayew.
These players make up the first batch, with the rest of the squad expected to arrive today, October 7, in time for their initial training session at the Accra Sports Stadium later in the day.
Head coach Otto Addo, who has named a 25-man squad for the upcoming matches, hopes to have the full team in camp after the first session.
Ghana’s Black Stars have had a rocky start in their AFCON qualification campaign, with one loss and one draw from their first two games.
They are aiming for a win against Sudan to revive their hopes and strengthen their chances of qualifying.
The two teams will face off in a doubleheader, with the first match scheduled for October 10 in Accra, followed by the return leg in Libya on October 15, 2024.
Aliou Cissehas been dismissed as Senegal’s head coach after leading the Teranga Lions for nearly a decade.
During his nine and a half years at the helm, the 48-year-old led the team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) victory, clinching the 2021 title in February 2022.
Although his contract expired in August, Cisse continued to oversee Senegal’s campaign, including their 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 win against Burundi in the 2025 Afcon qualifiers last month.
Despite the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) seeking to renew his contract, the country’s new government, led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opted to part ways with Cisse just over a week before the next set of qualifiers.
“The FSF would like to thank Aliou Cisse for his good collaboration and his brilliant results at the head of various national selections and wishes him every success for the future,” a statement said.
Despite occasional friction between the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and the government, which finances the national coach’s salary, the timing of this latest development has come as a surprise.
Aliou Cissé, who had already scheduled a press conference for Friday to reveal his squad for the upcoming double-header against Malawi, is at the center of attention.
Cissé, a former player with 35 caps for Senegal, has been at the helm since March 2015. His tenure has been instrumental in keeping the Teranga Lions at the top of Africa’s football rankings for over four years.
Under his guidance, Senegal claimed their first Africa Cup of Nations title in a dramatic penalty shootout against Egypt in Cameroon. This victory came after narrowly missing out in 2019, where they finished as runners-up.
However, their attempt to defend the title earlier this year fell short when they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Ivory Coast, who went on to win the tournament after a tense penalty shootout.
Cissé also led Senegal to two FIFA World Cup appearances, in 2018 and 2022. They exited in the group stage in 2018 and reached the round of 16 in 2022, but Morocco overtook them as Africa’s highest-ranked team by the end of last year.
Currently, Senegal is placed second in their World Cup qualifying group, trailing group leaders Sudan by two points. With four matches played, the next round of qualifiers is scheduled for March 2024.
The FSF’s statement said that Khady Diene Gaye, Senegal’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, had not approved a one-year contract extension for Cisse in a letter it received on Monday.
It said the reasons behind the decision were the “failure to achieve the objectives assigned in November”2022″—namely reaching the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup and winning the 2023 Afcon title—the “regression” in the world rankings and “the risk of disaffection between our national team and the Senegalese in general”.
The FSF is yet to announce an interim coaching team for the upcoming 2025 Afcon qualifiers against Malawi.
Cisse was part of Senegal’s first golden generation during his playing career, which included spells at Sedan, Paris St-Germain, Birmingham City and Portsmouth.
He captained the national side at the 2002 World Cup as they shocked holders France en route to reaching the quarter-finals on their first appearance at the tournament.
Earlier that year, he had missed the decisive penalty in the shootout at the end of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations final against Cameroon, while in September 2002 he experienced personal tragedy in the Joola ferry disaster.
Eleven family members, including his sister, died when the ship, often labelled ‘Africa’s Titanic’, sank off the coast of The Gambia.
He told BBC Sport Africa in 2022 that he still feels the effects of the tragedy, which he says he could easily have been part of.
“I can’t even count how many times I took the ferry,” he said.
“Every time I came back home, I travelled on the Joola. I could have easily been on the boat too, so I was lucky.”
His coaching career started when he joined the FSF in 2011 and he first worked with Senegal’s Under-23 team, including at the 2012 Olympics, before taking charge of the Teranga Lions following the departure of Alain Giresse.
The National Sports Authority (NSA)has announced that both the Accra and Cape Coast stadiums are fully prepared to host Ghana’s upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier against Sudan.
This update comes as the official venue for the matchday three fixture remains undecided following CAF’s ban on the Baba Yara Stadium due to its poor playing surface.
While there has been speculation about the game being relocated to Ivory Coast, NSA Board Chairman, Seth Panwum, assured that both the Accra and Cape Coast stadiums are in suitable condition to host the match.
“Cape Coast is ready, Accra is ready.
Send your (CAF’s) men to come and have a look at it; this is where we are as of now so we are waiting for them(CAF) to come and I can assure you that if they come, the game will be played in Ghana,” he said when appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism on Wednesday.
The Black Stars are set to regroup for their doubleheader against Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan next month.
Togo has allegedly declined Ghana’s request to use the Kégué Stadium for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nationsqualifier against Sudan.
As reported by PURE TV, Togo stated that they need the stadium in optimal condition for their own upcoming qualifier against Algeria.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) had been considering relocating Ghana’s home match to Togo, with Ghanasoccernet revealing that both Togo and Ivory Coast were options, with Togo initially being the preferred choice.
However, following Togo’s refusal, Ivory Coast is now Ghana’s only alternative to host Sudan.
The GFA is searching for a new venue after CAF revoked the Baba Yara Sports Stadium’s approval for Ghana’s remaining home fixtures.
Ghana currently lacks an international-standard stadium, as all its national venues have been shut down for renovations.
The National Sports Authority (NSA), responsible for managing the country’s stadiums, closed Baba Yara Sports Stadium after criticism of its poor pitch condition following the Black Stars’ loss to Angola.
In addition, the NSA also closed the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, both of which were also found unsuitable for hosting matches.
Should these venues remain unavailable, Ghana will be forced to play its upcoming matches at a neutral location, as none of the three national stadiums meet CAF’s category 3requirements.
The first-leg match between Ghana and Sudan is scheduled for October 7, 2024.
Ghana faces a major setback after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked the approval of the Baba Yara Stadium for upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
During its most recent inspection visit, CAF officials flagged numerous deficiencies, particularly the poor condition of the playing field.
Issues like uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and insufficient grass cover were cited as making the stadium unfit for competitive matches.
In light of the ongoing problems at the Baba Yara Stadium, along with similar concerns at the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadiums, CAF has instructed Ghana to select an alternative venue from a list of approved locations outside the country for Matchday 3 and 4 of the AFCON qualifiers in October.
According to Joy Sports sources, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, is emerging as the most likely alternative venue for Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers.
Its proximity to Ghana makes it a practical option, along with two other contenders in Côte d’Ivoire: the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny and the Stade de la Paix.
Other potential venues under consideration include the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, and the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Morocco, where Ghana previously faced Niger.
Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, has made it clear that the Black Stars must secure a win in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan.
With a disappointing start to their campaign, including a defeat against Angola and a draw with Niger, Addo emphasized that victory is crucial to keeping their qualification hopes alive.
“It will be difficult again. I knew from the start, it’s just some little margins, little details which can decide. This will be a crucial match for us. We have to win. There is no way around it, and we have to win,” Otto Addo said as he reflected on the team’s current position.
Ghana currently finds itself under mounting pressure, with Otto Addo stressing that his players need to step up and deliver. The coach acknowledged the challenges but remains confident that the team can turn things around.
“If we want to have the chance to play better after, we have to win. We are under pressure, this is for sure, and we have to do better,” he added.
One of Otto Addo’s major concerns has been the Black Stars‘ defensive lapses, which have cost them crucial points. Reflecting on their recent performances, Addo expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to learn from previous mistakes.
“We are allowing too cheap goals. Like I said, I am disappointed; we didn’t learn the lessons from the first game. Now it’s a set piece, we are all back, we need to defend this better,” he explained.
The head coach also highlighted the need for his players to improve both defensively and offensively. Despite creating chances in their last two matches, the Black Stars failed to capitalize, which has left their path to AFCON qualification more challenging.
“We have to improve to use our chances and also to defend better in detail and to learn our lessons. Like I said, the goals are too cheap, and we have to grow from this,” Addo added.
The Black Stars are fully aware that anything less than a win against Sudan could jeopardize their chances of booking a spot in next year’s AFCON tournament in Morocco. As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on the team as they seek to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addohas announced that two important players will miss their AFCON qualifier against Niger in Morocco.
Jerome Opoku has been ruled out due to back pain and has travelled to Turkey for treatment, while Joseph Paintsil will also be unavailable because of unresolved paperwork issues.
Speaking before the match, Addo expressed confidence in the remaining squad despite the absence of these key players.
“Jerome had serious back problems. His body couldn’t adapt to the training ground in Kumasi, and it became so serious that he had to return to his club for special treatment,” Addo said.
Joseph Paintsil has been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming AFCON qualifier against Niger due to issues with his paperwork, preventing him from joining the squad in Morocco.
Despite this setback, the Black Stars are determined to bounce back from their loss to Angola in the opening match and secure a win to revive their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Ghana’s hopes of starting their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on a high were dashed after a late goal saw them lose 1-0 to Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The Black Stars conceded in stoppage time, ending their 24-year unbeaten home run at the stadium.
Despite controlling much of the game and creating several chances, Ghana were undone in the third minute of added time when Angolan substitute Felício Mendes João Milson struck from close range. The Black Stars‘ defense failed to clear their lines, allowing Milson to slot home and secure the points for his side.
Ghana went into the match looking to extend their winning streak. Jordan Ayew led the attack, with Antoine Semenyo and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku supporting from the wings. Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Elisha Owusu formed the midfield trio, while Mohammed Salisu and Abdul Mumin paired in central defense.
Tariq Lamptey and Alidu Seidu occupied the right and left-back positions, respectively.
Mohammed Kudus's jersey against Angola yesterday during the AFCON qualifiers.
The Black Stars made a lively start, with Antoine Semenyo coming close to opening the scoring just five minutes in, but his effort drifted wide. Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu was called into action in the 36th minute when Mohammed Kudus unleashed a powerful shot on target, but the keeper made a crucial save to keep the score level.
In the second half, Neblu was tested again, making a smart save to deny Semenyo’s effort in the 58th minute. As Ghana continued to press for the opening goal, they came agonizingly close on multiple occasions.
In the 77th minute, Jordan Ayew saw his shot blocked after rounding the goalkeeper, and Kudus had a goal-bound effort deflected behind for a corner eight minutes later.
Ghana’s pressure mounted, but they were unable to find a breakthrough. Then, in stoppage time, a defensive error from Abdul Mumin allowed Milson to strike, giving Angola the decisive goal.
Head coach Otto Addo made late substitutions, introducing Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Inaki Williams in a bid to rescue the game, but the changes had little impact. Angola held on for their first win of the qualifiers, leaving Ghana with much work to do in the coming games.
The defeat marks a significant setback for the Black Stars, who must now regroup ahead of their next fixture against Niger on Monday. With Angola set to host Sudan in the other Group F clash, Ghana will be hoping for a crucial victory to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
The squad features key players like Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew,Mohammed Kudus, and Elisha Owusu.
However, several notable names are missing, including Daniel Amartey, Andre Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Salis Samed, Dennis Odoi, and Gideon Mensah.
The inclusion of some returning players is expected to bolster the team, much to the delight of both Otto Addo and Black Stars supporters.
Ghana is set to face Angola in Kumasi on September 5, 2024, before travelling to Niger for the second qualifier on September 9.
Former Ghanaian midfielder Laryea Kingston believes that coach Kwasi Appiah holds a significant advantage ahead of Sudan’s clash with Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Following the recent draw placing Ghana in Group F alongside Sudan, Angola, and Niger, discussions have intensified due to the pairing of current Ghana coach Otto Addo and former Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah, now managing Sudan.
Appiah, who led Ghana to the 2014 World Cup and the 2019 AFCON, is seen by Kingston as having an edge due to his deep understanding of Ghanaian football mentality and strategies.
“Kwasi Appiah being Ghanaian gives him a unique insight into our approach to games,” Kingston remarked to 3Sports after the draw. “He understands many positives about Ghanaians and our mindset, making it challenging for us. His familiarity with us could give him an advantage over Otto, who may not be as well-versed with the Sudanese players.”
Kingston’s observations are reinforced by Appiah’s success with Sudan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Sudan currently leads Group B with 10 points from four matches.
“If I were in Kwasi Appiah’s position now, this would be a game I’d eagerly anticipate,” Kingston continued. “There’s much I would need to demonstrate and prove about my abilities to lead. It promises to be one of the standout matches during Otto’s tenure with the Black Stars.”
The AFCON qualifiers are scheduled from September to November 2024, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals in Morocco, slated for December 2025 to January 2026.
Former Black Stars captainAsamoah Gyan expressed his dissatisfaction with a crucial substitution made by coach Milovan Rajevac during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Egypt, labelling it one of the most perplexing decisions of his career.
Egypt secured the winning goal in the 85th minute, and Gyan was substituted off in the 87th minute.
Gyan voiced his frustration during an interview on Onua TV, recalling the pivotal moment when he was replaced as Ghana faced Egypt in the final match.
He stated, “I was pained because I predicted I would score. But when [the Egyptians] scored and were celebrating, I saw No. 3 on the substitution board. It is one of the weirdest substitutions I have seen in my entire career.”
Ghana’s hopes were dashed as they fell short against Egypt in the final, losing 1-0 after Gyan’s substitution.
It was a major setback for Ghana, who had been striving to clinch their firstAFCON title since 1982.
1. Even before the dust settles on the scandalous US$8.5million AFCON budget brouhaha; unimpeachable, unassailable and incontrovertible intercepted documents in my possession reveal for the first time that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his appointees at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have shockingly agreed to spend an elephantine, wrongful and unconscionable US$48million on so-called “operational expenses” for the 13th African Games to be hosted in Ghana between the period — March 5 to March 23, 2024. [Refer to intercepted documents attached]
2. It must be noted that this staggering US$48million is an entirely different amount from the mega US$195million (GHS2.4billion) already spent on infrastructure for the games.
3. At the prevailing exchange rate, US$48million is equivalent to a colossal GHS602million.
4. A careful reading of the intercepted February 13, 2024 letter signed by the LOC Executive Chairman, Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare confirms that this ginormous US$48million (GHS602million) will be spent in less than a three week period (18 days). This translates into a 6-day weekly expenditure on “operational expenses” of a mind boggling GHS200.6million, and an even more incredible daily “operational expenses” of GHS33.4million.
5. It is most instructive to note that apart from the blatant profligacy and reckless wastefulness by the leader of a bankrupt, debt-distress IMF bailout country; President Akufo-Addo’s conduct is absolutely wrong because Parliament approved GHS100million under Goods and Services and then GHS50million for Capital Expenditure for the 2024 expenditure by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the 13th African Games. [see page 230 of 2024 Budget as attached]. It is therefore totally lawless and utterly repugnant for President Akufo-Addo to unilaterally vary by more than six times what Parliament has approved for non-CapEX — that is from GHS100million to GHS602million.
6. The intercepted documents confirm that despite Parliament’s approval of only GHS100million, President Akufo-Addo instructed the LOC to send out official request letters as recent as February 13, 2024 in which they defy Parliament and communicate their outlandish, unlawful and unjustifiable US$48million (GHS602million).
7. It is regrettable to note that instead of President Akufo-Addo and his appointees at the Sports Ministry and LOC acknowledging Ghana’s current economic crisis and slashing their ostentatious US$48million (GHS602million) “operational expenses” budget, he rather proceeded to personally chair fundraising meetings on the 6th and 7th of November, 2023 at the Jubilee House with an objective of raising the US$48million (GHS602million). [See evidence of the President’s meetings attached].
8. A number of top executives who have received the Akufo-Addo-inspired US$48million (GHS602million) shocking request letter are outraged about the quantum for a broke country and the deliberate refusal to transparently present a breakdown.
9. Careful analysis of the entities President Akufo-Addo met during his now infamous fundraising engagements show that the President is mainly interested in public funds either by targeting SOEs such as GNPC, Ghana Gas, BOST and GOIL; or by targeting private companies such as MacDan, Zoomlion, MODEC and Kosmos all noted for executing huge government contracts.
10. Additionally, the President’s conduct raises fundamental ethical questions: how did the President select these companies? What promises did President Akufo-Addo make to these CEOs? How can other companies compete fairly with these “presidential companies” in any competitive bidding process, particularly considering the current single-source procurement epidemic? After these companies present their US$5million sponsorship cash to the President’s
Black Stars forward Osman Bukari once again displayed his exceptional skills for Red Star Belgrade in the Serbian Super Liga match against Cukaricki on Saturday.
Securing his sixth league goal of the season, Bukari has become a crucial contributor to Red Star’s success this campaign.
With a total of 10 direct goal involvements, Bukari’s influence on the team’s attacking prowess is undeniable.
The match saw Gabon midfielder Guelor Kanga Kaku open the scoring with a penalty kick in the 9th minute, followed by Senegalese forward Cherif Ndiaye doubling the lead for the hosts in the 36th minute.
75’ Endiaje je oboren u kaznenom prostoru, a glavni arbitar je pokazao na belu tačku. Precizan sa jedanaest metara je bio Osman Bukari.
Bukari then sealed the victory from the penalty spot fifteen minutes from time.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Bukari’s presence on the field enriched Red Star’s offensive play, creating opportunities for teammates and maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Following the convincing victory, Bukari received praise from fans and pundits alike.
In the Serbian top-flight, the Black Stars winger has recorded six goals and four assists in 19 matches. Additionally, he has scored twice and provided two assists in six games in theUEFA Champions League.
Saddick Adams, the convener of the #SaveGhanaFootball demonstration, has raised concerns about Ghana’s expenditure of $3 million on just three games during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He highlighted that a significant portion of the AFCON expenses are covered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
During an interview on Newsfile on Saturday, February 17, Mr. Adams noted that while CAF handles a large part of the costs, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) covers only a few items.
He explained that if CAF takes care of 40 contingent members of the Black Stars and the GFA wishes to add 10 more, the GFA bears the expenses for those additional members.
“So how do we come up with such figures? So, my concern has been that over the years, the Sports Ministers only come to Parliament, and it is very difficult to get hold of the details, and the devil is always in the details.
“We never get to know who got this. How did we arrive at this figure? Because a blanket three million dollars in spending will not suffice without getting into the details,” he stated.
Mr. Adams challenged the assertion that Ghana saved $3 million from the AFCON, highlighting that Ghana was eliminated during the group stages of the tournament. He emphasized the importance of transparency in disclosing the breakdown of how the $3 million was allocated.
“I think that before we can even properly interrogate this spending of three million dollars, which I think is overblown, we need to get the details of what went into it,” he said.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has issued a cautionary message to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) regarding its quest for a new coach for the Black Stars.
Expressing his views, the Member of Parliament for Suame advised against appointing a well-established coach for the team. “Let’s not go for already-made coaches because they don’t add value to the national team.
The up-and-coming ones can help in building a solid team for the Black Stars. It’s time to dwell on the young ones as it was previously done,” he emphasised during parliamentary proceedings.
Following Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ivory Coast emerged as champions, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) made the decision to part ways with the former Premier League manager and the entire technical staff.
Now, the GFA is actively seeking a new coach to lead the national team.
Amidst these developments, allegations of interference in player selection within the various national teams have emerged in recent years, drawing scrutiny towards the GFA.
These claims resurfaced during the 2023 AFCON when Richard Ofori, who was inactive, was selected as the first-choice goalkeeper over Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott.
As a result, Chris Hughton’s team exited the tournament at the group stage without securing a single victory, ultimately leading to his dismissal from the role.
Following Mali’s defeat in the AFCON 2023 quarter-final match against Ivory Coast, coach Sekou Chelle disclosed experiencing dizziness and a spike in blood pressure.
A viral video depicted water being poured over Chelle’s head, prompting clarification from the coach regarding the circumstances.
Mali had held control of the game with a numerical advantage and secured a lead through Nene Dorgeles’ goal in the second half.
However, Ivory Coast mounted a comeback, equalising in the 90th minute with Simon Adingra’s goal and sealing their victory with Diakite’s header in extra time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csHr2Uxusf8
Chelle, visibly distressed at the match’s conclusion, attributed his distress to his health issues, shedding light on his condition post-match.
“After the Elephants’ second goal, I started to feel dizzy, my blood pressure was rising,” he said. “Thankfully, my compatriot poured enough water on my head to stabilise my blood pressure.”
Despite their disappointment at falling short of winning the tournament, Malians remain proud of their team’s accomplishments, including topping their group and overcoming Burkina Faso in the round of 16.
Looking ahead, coach Chelle will undoubtedly strive to build upon this performance when the AFCON returns to Morocco next year.
At just 22 years old, Adingra was a vital part of the Ivory Coast squad during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
In the final match held in Abidjan, he played a pivotal role, contributing two assists as the Elephants triumphed over the Super Eagles of Nigeria with a 2-1 victory.
Expressing his delight for Adingra’s success, Michael Essien made the journey to Bondoukou, the winger’s hometown, to celebrate alongside him and his family.
Following Ivory Coast’s triumph at the 2023 AFCON, Essien was among the first to extend his congratulations to Adingra in a post on X.
Their connection dates back to their time together at the Right to Dream Academy and FC Nordsjaelland, where Essien witnessed Adingra’s talent firsthand.
Following their disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana has experienced a significant decline in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
The Black Stars, previously ranked 61st at the end of 2023, have now plummeted six places to 67th globally, reflecting their regression on both the global and African rankings.
Currently occupying the 14th position on the CAF rankings, Ghana has been surpassed by Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo, who have all moved ahead of the four-time AFCON winners.
This decline follows Ghana’s premature exit from the 2023 AFCON, where they managed to secure only two points from three matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire, the champions of the 2023 AFCON hosted in Cote d’Ivoire, have seen a significant rise in their ranking, climbing ten places to 39th globally.
Nigeria, the runners-up, have also made substantial progress, moving up 14 places to 28th. Additionally, Angola, who was eliminated by Nigeria in the quarterfinals, experienced the mostconsiderable improvement, climbing 24 places to 93rd in the global rankings.
Amidst jeers and boos, several high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) faced dismissal by protestors during the Save Ghana Football demonstration.
Among those identified were GFA’s General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Deputy Sports Minister Evans Bobie Opoku, and GFA’s Executive Council Member, Nana Oduro Sarfo.
The officials encountered a chorus of “Kurt Must Go” chants and disapproving remarks as they approached to receive the formal petition from the demonstration leaders at Black Stars Square, the designated gathering point for the protestors.
The demonstrators had initially planned to convene at the Accra Sports Stadium to voice their grievances to the National Sports Authority (NSA). However, upon being denied entry, they were redirected to Black Stars Square.
The protest stemmed from discontent over the poor performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With no victories in any of their matches, Ghana was eliminated from the tournament after recording two draws and a defeat during the group stage.
Addo, currently a member of Borussia Dortmund’s coaching staff, previously led the Black Stars during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, successfully securing Ghana’s qualification for the tournament ahead of Nigeria.
However, Ghana’s campaign in Qatar ended in disappointment as they exited the competition at the group stage with two losses and one win.
Following Addo’s departure from the role, Chris Hughton was appointed as head coach.
Despite significant support, Hughton couldn’t guide the team to success, leading to his dismissal after Ghana’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amid the ongoing search for a new head coach, recent reports indicate a potential return for Otto Addo.
Discussions within the GFA suggest that the former Black Stars player is being considered for the position, with the possibility of him assuming the role before the end of February.
Ghana is reported to have spent over $3 million at theAfrican Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast this year, according to Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, he said that the Ministry had allocated roughly $8.5 million, of which the Finance Ministry had given $5 million for the competition’s initial phase.
He said that of the $5 million made available, only $3 million was used for per diems, team travel, medical expenses, supplies, logistics, and lodging.
“Mr Speaker, our estimated budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00 to cater for the team’s pre-tournament and the Tournament Phases (group stages, 1/16 stage, quarter-final, semi-final and final),” he said.
“Out of the $8,506,450.00, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, of which US$3,070,067.81 was spent on per diems, flight arrangements for the team, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality. This resulted in a surplus of $2,001,772.55, after our exit from the tournament,” he explained.
Additionally, Mr. Ussif, stated that the Sports Ministry raised almost $400,000 to help the government provide the team with the best possible preparations.
“An amount of US$400,000.00 was received from MTN Ghana. This contributed immensely to the government’s expenditure towards the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.”
Media reports had suggested that the Black Stars players were paid $30,000 each before the final Group B game against Mozambique to motivate them in the crucial match.
But the sports minister said no money was paid to the players as they did not qualify for the next round of the tournament. He explained that it’s a measure adopted to manage the country’s resources.
“Mr Speaker, the Ministry had negotiated to pay bonuses should the team progress to the next round of the tournament, therefore, no qualification bonuses were paid due to the team’s exit at the group stage.
“Mr Speaker, this measure adopted by the Ministry, was aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of the competition to the next and also ensuring prudent management of resources,” he stated.
Ghana exited the AFCON group stage after drawing 2-2 against Mozambique in their final group game.
A 75-year-old participant in the ‘Save Ghana Football’ demonstration cited Ghana’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Mozambique in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the catalyst for her decision to join the protest.
During an interview with GTV, the woman expressed her profound disappointment with the draw, which ultimately led to Ghana’s exit from the AFCON.
Having been a longtime follower of Ghanaian football, she felt compelled to participate in the demonstration, unable to remain indifferent as the country’s football faced a concerning decline.
“Football is my heart, soul and everything. I have been watching football for a long time but our game against Namibia hurt me. I was watching the game when we scored two and allowed them to equalise. I couldn’t sleep that night. I decided to join the demonstration today because of that game.”
The ‘Save Ghana Football’ demonstration is currently underway, with several prominent Ghanaians joining sports enthusiasts to voice their discontent over the recent decline in the country’s primary sporting discipline.
Sparked by Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team exited with just two points, the demonstration began at the popular Obra Spot in Accra and is headed towards the Ghana Football Association headquarters.
Notable figures participating in the protest include gospel musicians Nicholas Omane Acheampong and Great Ampong, along with sports journalist Countryman Songo.
‘Save Ghana Football’ demonstration has kicked off, with notable Ghanaians joining football enthusiasts to express their discontent over the recent decline in the country’s primary sporting discipline.
Triggered by Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team exited with only two points, the demonstration began at the well-known Obra Spot in Accra, with the ultimate destination being the headquarters of the Ghana Football Association.
Celebrities participating in the protest include gospel musicians Nicholas Omane Acheampong and Great Ampong, as well as sports journalist Countryman Songo.
Another placard sheds light on the supposed prevalence of conflict of interest at the GFA, with officials of the association also being owners and administrators of clubs.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, lauded the accomplishments of the Super Eagles by presenting them with national honours, residential flats in the Federal Capital Territory, and parcels of land.
The announcement took place at a gathering in the Council Chamber at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where President Tinubu warmly welcomed the players and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Leading the delegation accompanying the President was Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development.
Attired in their distinctive green outfits, the Super Eagles, who secured the runner-up position at the 34th edition of the AFCON in Ivory Coast, were esteemed guests at the event.
Among them was Alex Iwobi, who unfortunately faced online criticism following Nigeria’s loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the final match.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the team, coach, crew, and management for their unwavering commitment and resilience throughout the tournament.
He acknowledged the hurdles they had overcome, resulting in an impressive performance that led them to the finals.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to maintain their resilience, highlighting the nation’s success in winning the hearts of Africa and the world through the team’s determination on the field.
“Let this recent event not discourage us, but rather unite us to strive harder. We are a great nation united under the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and unwavering love.
“To the cherished Nigerian youths showcasing their talents in communities, etching lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you could be our future heroes. Do not waver in your pursuit.
My administration stands ready to turn dreams into reality” President Tinubu said.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Teni expressed deep disappointment and embarrassment, shedding uncontrollable tears following Nigeria’s loss in the tournament hosted by Ivory Coast.
With high hopes for a fourth AFCON trophy, Teni’s emotions overflowed as the Nigerian team took an early lead with a goal in the first half. However, her expectations were shattered as the Super Eagles ultimately succumbed to a two-to-one defeat.
In the midst of tears, Teni exclaimed, “Ivory Coast, you think you can embarrass me. Somebody please, I need oxygen…you want to embarrass me.”
The African Cup of Nations concluded on Sunday, February 11, with Ivory Coast securing victory over Nigeria.
William Troos-Ekong managed to score the lone goal for Nigeria, but Frank Kessie and Sebastian Haller orchestrated a comeback with two goals for the home side.
Following the defeat, Nigerians on social media, including X, have become targets for mockery, particularly from their Ghanaian neighbors.
The disappointment resonates deeply among fans, and the loss is reverberating across various online platforms.
Watch video below:
Tears flow endlessly from singer Teni, after the Super Eagles defeat by Ivory Coast
A Senegalese individual has expressed admiration for the “bond” between Ghana and Nigeria, as observed through the banter and camaraderie exhibited by citizens of both nations during the 2023 AFCON tournament.
This sentiment arose from the playful teasing exchanged between Ghanaians and Nigerians following their respective performances in the tournament. Ghana faced an early elimination in the group stages, leading to Nigerians poking fun at their misfortune.
However, Nigeria’s journey to the final stage ended in defeat against Ivory Coast, prompting Ghanaians to reciprocate with jests directed at their neighbors.
This dynamic exchange of banter on social media has caught the attention of other Africans, who find themselves impressed by the mix of friendly rivalry and mutual respect displayed between Ghana and Nigeria.
Many are intrigued by the origins of this unique relationship between the two countries, which oscillates between playful teasing and solidarity during sporting events.
“As a Senegalese. I want to ask. How did the vibe between Ghana and Nigeria start. U make us and other countries jealous of the bond. You guys make it look like Africa is made up of only Ghana and Nigeria. Why?” one @bontiyaka asked.
Disappointed fans took their frustration to extreme lengths as they witnessed Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. In a fit of anger and disbelief, a group of approximately five young boys resorted to destroying their television set.
The tense match saw Ivory Coast emerge victorious, securing a historic win as the first host nation since Egypt in 2006 to claim the AFCON title. Sebastien Haller, once again the hero for the Elephants, orchestrated a thrilling comeback to seal a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.
Despite the Super Eagles’ valiant efforts, the defeat proved too much for some fans to bear. In an act of frustration, the group of disappointed supporters tore apart their television set, which they had forcibly ripped from the wall.
The victory for Ivory Coast was particularly poignant, considering the challenges they had overcome throughout the tournament, including the departure of their coach following two early defeats in the group stage.
However, their resilience paid off, as they secured their third continental title, adding to their previous Nations Cup victories in 1992 and 2015.
They destroyed their TV because Nigeria lost to Côte d'Ivoire in the AFCON 2023 Final #AFCON2023#INDAfica
