Black Stars coach Otto Addo was seen inspecting the condition of the pitch at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of their upcoming match against Sudan on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The national team began training on Monday, October 7, and during the session, Otto Addo took time to examine the pitch to ensure its suitability for the game.
In a video circulating online, Addo is seen testing the pitch with his foot before using his hand to further assess its quality.
🇬🇭 Otto Addo had to check the pitch out himself during Black Stars training.
The condition of the stadium’s pitch has been a topic of concern, especially after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Ghana from hosting matches due to the country’s sporting facilities not meeting CAF’s standards.
In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the National Sports Authority, worked swiftly to improve the stadium’s conditions.
As a result, CAF has given conditional approval for the Accra Sports Stadium to host the match on October 10.
The Black Stars commenced their training with eleven players present for the session.
This doubleheader against Sudan is crucial for Ghana, especially after the team’s disappointing start in the qualifiers, where they have yet to secure a win.
Currently, Ghana sits in third place in Group F with just one point from two matches.
Angola is at the top of the group with six points, followed by Sudan with three points, while Niger is at the bottom, also with one point.
The outcome of these matches will be pivotal for Ghana’s quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Outspoken broadcaster Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known asCountryman Songo, has criticised former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah for not tackling what he believes are critical issues affecting the team during his meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee.
According to Songo, Appiah should have focused on addressing concerns about the hiring of subpar coaches and an alleged bias against local players.
“Say things the way they need to be said; don’t be afraid. It is clear that Stephen Appiah and others are beating around the bush. They know the real problems of our national team, but they ignore it,” he said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
“You should’ve told them the truth when you were called. The main issue that Appiah should have addressed was the appointment of bad coaches. He should’ve told parliament.
The most bizarre appointment among them all is the appointment of Otto Addo,” he added.
He said Appiah during his heydays played alongside local players at the Black Stars who were top talents; hence, leading a fight for local players to be given a chance is long overdue.
“First of all, since when did they realise that the local boys deserve a chance to play the Black Stars? When he was a Black Stars player, there were local players as well, and they were very good players.
Today, the truth is that some GFA officials have decided not to allow local players to play for the Black Stars. And also hiring of mediocre coaches.”
For several years, Ghana has largely relied on foreign-based players for the Black Stars, sparking concerns about the technical team continuously overlooking local talent.
At his meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 25, 2024, Appiah reminisced about a time when homegrown players and foreign-based stars collaborated effectively to form a balanced squad.
“The local players should be given the chance to play for the national team. In our time, there were key players, but we worked hard for it. For instance, in the 2004 World Cup, Osei Kufuor, who was playing in Italy, was benched in the second game for Shilla Illiasu, who was playing for Kotoko.
There are other instances where local players did well for the team.”
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiahhas expressed deep concerns about the team’s leadership, noting that over the past five years, the squad has lacked the necessary guidance and direction.
Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Appiah pointed out that the current leaders have struggled to inspire and effectively lead their teammates, which has negatively impacted the team’s overall performance.
Drawing a comparison to his time as captain, the former Juventus star highlighted how he never hesitated to call out even top players like Michael Essien when it was required.
According to Appiah, this level of accountability and firm leadership has been absent in recent years, contributing to the Black Stars’ disappointing run.
“As a leader, you have to lead. Certain decisions may not be popular among the players, but you have to take them. I don’t see a captain leading the team now, and when you leave yourself like that, the players will assume that they can do whatever they want to do on the pitch.
“During our time, which had players like Michael Essien, we fought on the pitch at times.
We fought, argued, and exchanged words, but it never affected our ultimate goal,” Appiah said.
Stephen Appiah, however, believes that the players must also take responsibility for their actions.
Stephen Appiah noted that commitment and patriotism are lacking in the current team, as most of the players do not appreciate the honor that comes with playing for their country.
“I must say that it is not only the captain. Players who come to the national team must be committed. I do not see commitment. To be selected from a population of over 33 million, you must see it as an honor.
They must know that they are representing Ghana,” he said.
Ghana’s poor performance at the 2023 AFCON is under investigation by Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee.
The Black Stars failed to secure a single victory in their three group stage matches, managing only two draws against Mozambique and Egypt, while suffering a defeat to Cape Verde, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 25, 2024, to voice his concerns regarding the current state of Ghanaian football.
His appearance was part of an ongoing inquiry into Ghana’s poor showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to advance beyond the group stage.
Appiah attributed the struggles of Ghanaian players based abroad in the Black Stars squad to their limited understanding of the Ghanaian culture, a result of insufficient interaction and bonding during training camps.
He also emphasized the importance of including more local players in the national team, citing how this approach was effective during his playing days.
Here are the five crucial takes by Stephen Appiah when he faced parliamentary committee on sports:
“Some of these foreign-based players don’t speak our local languages. Back in our time, after meals, we would gather to interact, joke around, and pray together, which helped us bond. But now, players go to camp and struggle to fit in because they aren’t familiar with the culture. It’s not about respecting or disrespecting the coaches – I haven’t witnessed anything like that.”
“Local players need to be given opportunities to represent the national team. During our era, we had standout players, but we earned our spots through hard work. Take the 2004 World Cup as an example: Osei Kufuor, who was playing in Italy, was replaced in the second match by Shilla Illiasu from Kotoko. This is just one example of how local players have contributed significantly to the team’s success.”
It is not only the captain; all the players who come to the national team have to be committed because it is an honor to represent Ghana. For the past five years, we have been struggling, and it is not only the captain who should be blamed. If the people you are working with have the same goal, it works.
The Black Stars coaches are paid well, but coaches for the Under 17, 20, and 23 teams are not earning anything. If I were one of those coaches and an agent offered me money to pick a player, I would take it. So, we need to ensure that all coaches are treated fairly and compensated like the Black Stars coaches.
I hold the coaches accountable for some of the disrespectful behavior in the camp because it’s their responsibility to decide who plays. If a player starts acting like they are above the coach, it’s up to the coach to take firm and decisive action
Former Black Stars player Derek Boateng has expressed strong disapproval of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the poor state of football pitches across the country, igniting a nationwide debate.
Boateng accused the GFA of neglecting the upkeep of stadiums in favor of financial interests, resulting in deteriorating playing conditions.
The ex-Getafe midfielder pointed out that the subpar quality of the pitches has hindered the Black Stars’ performance, as the players struggle on such uneven surfaces.
Speaking to 3Sports, he called on the GFA to prioritise upgrading the national stadiums to better support the players and enhance their performance.
“The FA needs to wake up and do something because it is their job to ensure that all the fields are in good condition for the players. The only thing they care about, and I will say it every single day, is money.
We have players coming from Europe, where they play on good fields, and then they come here and play on poor pitches. You expect them to perform well and win games, but if the wins don’t come, it becomes a problem.
“The FA officials know what it means for a player to perform well. We shouldn’t have to deal with this. Ghana should have proper fields for home games. It’s really sad to hear about this situation,” he said, as reported by 3Sports on X.
Derek Boateng’s remarks came after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked its provisional approval of the Baba Yara Stadium, citing concerns over an uneven pitch, poor drainage, and insufficient grass coverage.
CAF’s decision followed Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Angola on September 5, 2024.
In light of this, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has directed the GFA to arrange inspections of the Accra Sports Stadium and the Legon Stadium by CAF officials to assess their suitability for hosting Black Stars matches.
Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has shed light on why players born outside Ghana often struggle to perform well with the national team.
He attributed this challenge to a lack of understanding of the local language and culture, which hinders their ability to fully adapt to the team’s system and playing style.
Appiah recalled that during his era, players had ample opportunities to bond and get to know each other, which helped foreign-born players integrate more easily into the team.
Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 25, 2024, Appiah clarified that the difficulty these players face is not due to disrespect for coaches, but rather the absence of sufficient social interaction needed for better team cohesion.
🇬🇭Players born abroad find it difficult to adapt in the Black Stars because they don't understand the language and culture – Ex-Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah#JoySportspic.twitter.com/YTQvptOwFm
“These foreign-based players, some of them, don’t speak our local language. When we go to camp, it’s not like in our time when, after lunch or dinner, we would sit, interact, mock each other, and pray together.
“But today, they go to camp and struggle to adapt because they don’t know the culture. It’s not about respect or disrespecting the coaches. I haven’t seen such a thing,” he said.
Iconic former midfielder for the Black Stars, Michael Essien has opened up about the injury challenges he faced throughout his football career and how they influenced his journey.
He revealed that most of his serious injuries happened while playing for Ghana’s national team, which had a significant effect on his career path.
Despite these setbacks, the ex-Chelsea star expressed no regrets about his time representing the national side.
In a recent interview with Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo from JoyNews, Essien acknowledged that injuries were a tough aspect of his career, but he remains untroubled by them.
“Most of my bad injuries happened when I was playing for the Black Stars, but I don’t hold any grudges. I was just unlucky,” he said, as reported by JoySports on X.
Essien earned his UEFA Licence A in 2023 and is now an assistant manager at Nordsjaelland FC in Denmark.
At 42, he has been with Nordsjaelland since 2020, where he has been gaining valuable experience while completing his coaching qualifications.
In March 2024, he was a candidate for the head coach position of the Black Stars, but the Ghana Football Association ultimately opted for Otto Addo instead.
Essien retired from professional football in 2020, two years after stepping back from international play.
Ghana has fallen six spots in the latestFIFA rankingsfollowing a disappointing performance by the Black Stars in September.
The team now sits in 70th place globally and 14th in Africa.
Previously ranked 64th worldwide and 12th on the continent, Ghana’s standing dropped after a loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw with Niger.
These results in the September fixtures have negatively impacted the four-time African champions.
In contrast, Nigeria’s position remained stable despite securing both a win and a draw during the same period, maintaining their sixth place in Africa.
Ghana Football Association (GFA)is considering relocating the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier against Sudan to Togo.
Discussions are underway, with Togo’s national stadium emerging as the preferred option, though Ivory Coast is also being considered.
This comes after CAF withdrew its approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to poor pitch conditions.
The GFA is expected to announce the final decision soon regarding the October qualifier’s venue.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked its approval for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium after complaints from Angola about the pitch’s poor condition following their 1-0 victory over the Black Stars.
In response, the National Sports Authority (NSA) temporarily closed the stadium for maintenance, stating it would be unavailable for events for at least a month.
If the venue isn’t ready for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on October 7, 2024, Ghana may be forced to play at a neutral venue as other national stadiums fail to meetCAF standards.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has sparked controversy on social media after proposing that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) consider using the University of Ghana Stadium forBlack Stars’ home matches.
Critics were quick to condemn the suggestion, pointing out that the UG Stadium does not comply with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) standards for hosting Category 3 matches.
The ministry’s proposal comes as officials scramble to find a replacement venue after CAF revoked approval for Baba Yara Stadium to host the remaining 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Ghana.
The UG Stadium was recently upgraded for the 13th African Games, where it served as the primary venue for athletics and some football events. Additionally, it has hosted the Men’s MTN FA Cup final and the Women’s Malta Guinness Cup final.
Despite these improvements, the stadium only qualifies to host CAF Category 2 matches.
Here are three reasons why the UG Stadium does not meet the required standard to host a CAF Category 3 match:
Capacity
One of the key factors for hosting a CAF Category 3 match is the stadium’s seating capacity. The UG Stadium, however, falls short of this requirement.
According to CAF’s updated guidelines from 2022, stadiums must have a seating capacity of 30,000. In contrast, the UG Stadium has only 11,000 seats, which immediately disqualifies it.
Additionally, the limited capacity affects other critical areas, such as the size of the VIP and VVIP sections, which also do not meet the necessary standards for hosting such high-profile games.
Dressing Room
CAF’s guidelinesfor Category 3 matches mandate that dressing rooms must have 25 seats and lockers.
In comparison, the dressing room at the UG Stadium is smaller and only provides 21 seats and lockers, falling short of the required standards.
Media Area
According to CAF, the media area for category 3 games should covered and have big desks that could accommodate a laptop and a notepad.
In contrast, the media area at the UG Stadium is exposed as required and is not spacious either as the individual desks provided are in small size and cannot accommodate a laptop and a notepad.
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, has voiced his concern over the possibility of Ghana playing its home games at neutral venues, calling it a national embarrassment.
In a post on X, the legendary midfielder expressed that unless it’s for major tournaments, there should be no reason for Ghana to play its home fixtures outside the country.
He urged football authorities to prioritise maintaining the nation’s football pride by ensuring that the Black Stars always have a proper home ground to defend.
Appiah stressed the importance of upholding Ghana’s reputation in the global football arena, emphasising that playing home games at neutral venues undermines the country’s football heritage and pride.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritise hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” he wrote.
The Black Stars are at risk of playing their remaining home games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at a neutral venue after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew its approval of Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Baba Yara Stadium was the only standardised venue in Ghana to host international matches, but the pitch and other facilities have deteriorated, causing CAF’s disapproval.
Meanwhile, theBlack Stars are now without a win in two games in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, losing 1-0 to Angola in Kumasi before a 1-1 draw against Niger in Morocco.
Angola leads the group with 6 points, followed by Sudan with 3, while Ghana and Niger are both tied with a point each at the bottom.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah,has voiced his displeasure with the Black Stars players from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, criticising them over financial disagreements.
Ankrah condemned the players for their refusal to participate in training until their bonuses were paid, accusing them of trying to damage the officials’ reputations internationally.
He has called on these players to repay the money to the government, citing their failure to advance past the group stage as a reason for their financial obligations.
“Let’s assume the money will be paid because the nation has never owed players; no matter how long it takes, it will eventually be paid. Why should you insist on not training and even miss two training sessions? Isn’t that sabotage?
“Then they took the money; they should refund the bloody money back to us. When they returned, there were no sanctions or enquiries, so that attitude persisted for seven years,” Ankrah said in Twi during an interview with Oyerepa FM.
Ghana’s national team did not advance past the group stage in the 2014 tournament, securing only one point from three matches.
Tensions rose before the final group game when players demanded $100,000 each in appearance fees, leading to threats of a boycott. This forced the government to arrange a direct flight to Brazil to resolve the issue.
Reports indicated that the main issue was the players’ demand for $100,000 in appearance fees, while the government offered $82,500.
When the players refused to train, the government had to meet their demands and provide cash, resulting in missed training sessions and ultimately,the team’s poor performance.
Controversial media personality Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, has criticised the choice of Otto Addo as the head coach of theBlack Stars, alleging that the decision has led to a decline in the nation’s revenue.
Songo did not specify the exact financial repercussions of Addo’s appointment but has called on Ghanaians to direct their frustrations over the team’s recent performance towards the committee responsible for hiring Addo.
He argued that the committee deviated from their stated requirement of selecting a coach with 15 years of experience, opting instead for a less experienced ‘scout.’
“All the persons who were involved in the selection of Otto Addo must go. They told us they needed someone with 15 years of experience, but they went for a trainer scout.
They went for someone who is using the Black Stars to master coaching. It is a big financial loss to the state. The committee members must be dealt with.”
Songo called for the head of Otto Addo and lashed out at the manager, labelling him as pompous.
“Otto Addo is not the only person who should be sacked. The only thing Otto Addo knows is speaking big English and snubbing people.
He pretends like he is a great coach who should not be criticised.
He blamed the pitch at Baba Yara for the defeat but drew with Niger on a good pitch.”
The Black Stars are now without a win in two games in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, losing 1-0 to Angola in Kumasi before a 1-1 draw against Niger in Morocco.
Angola leads the group with 6 points, followed by Sudan with 3, while Ghana and Niger are both tied with a point each at the bottom.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has acknowledged the tough task ahead as his team prepares to face Sudan in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
During his post-match interview after Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Niger on Monday, September 9, 2024, Addo emphasised the importance of the next two qualifying matches.
He highlighted that victories in both games against Sudan are crucial for the Black Stars to keep their hopes alive for securing a spot in the next AFCON tournament in Morocco.
“It will be difficult again. I knew from the start, it’s just some little margins, little details that can decide.
This will be again, for us, a crucial match. We have to win; there is no way around it, and we have to win,” coach Otto Addo said.
The Black Stars head coach continued, “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.”
Following Monday’s draw against Niger, Ghana is now third on the Group F standings in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo conducted the first training session with 22 players on Saturday afternoon, as Ghana prepares for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger.
The squad size was reduced after Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku withdrew due to injury on Saturday.
Additionally, winger Joseph Paintsil, who plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, was unable to join the squad as he remained in Accra to resolve passport issues, leaving the team slightly short-staffed ahead of Monday’s decisive match.
Despite these absences, several key players were present for the training session, including goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott, and Frederick Asare.
The defensive lineup featured Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu, and Abdul Mumin.
Midfielders and forwards Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Elisha Owusu, who all played in Thursday’s match against Angola, were also involved in the session.
In addition, players who came off the bench in the previous game—Majeed Ashimeru, Forson Amankwah, Inaki Williams, Kingsley Schindler, and Brandon Thomas-Asante—participated in the training, along with Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Ebenezer Annan, and Abu Francis.
The Black Stars are set to face Niger at the Municipal Sports Complex in Berkane on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Renowned broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah has called on Black Stars playersto boycott their next home match in protest of the poor pitch conditions.
In a post on X, she urged the players to take a stand and demand better playing surfaces, suggesting they refuse to play until the pitches are restored to the required standard.
“For me, the players should boycott the next game if that pitch is not fixed. (But who am I, in Wontumi’s voice?)”” she wrote.
“The players need to speak up against the greed, lies, and disregard for what’s right. How is the FA comfortable with that pitch?”
E lef me p3 Anka the players should boycott the next game if that pitch is not fixed. (But whommmam I in Wontumi’s voice).
The players need to speak up against the greed, lies and disregard for what’s right.
The Baba Yara Stadium received conditional approval to host the match after the National Sports Authority fell short of meeting the required standards following a five-day church event held at the venue.
After the Black Stars’ loss to Angola, head coach Otto Addo highlighted that the poor condition of the pitch played a significant role in the team’s underwhelming performance.
“It was unlucky for Mumin, but we made some errors even before that situation. But the pitch was not good, and we can’t overlook that,” he said.
Ghana began the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 1-0 home defeat at the Baba Yara Stadium. This was the team’s first loss in 24 years at the venue.
They will be hopingto get back to winning ways in their second group game against Niger on Monday, September 9.
On Thursday, security personnel at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium failed to manage the crowd effectively during Ghana’s AFCON 2025 Qualifier against Angola, leading to two separate disruptions.
The first incident occurred in the first half when a fan bypassed security and ran onto the field to embrace Ghana striker Jordan Ayew.
The game had to be momentarily halted while the intruder was apprehended. This marked the latest in a series of pitch invasions, with players like Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus previously being targeted.
In 2020, Ghana received a $10,000 fine following a similar fan invasion during an AFCON 2021 Qualifier against South Africa in Cape Coast.
After Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Angola, disgruntled fans stormed the pitch and caused significant damage to property, including smashing nearly all the pitch panels.
Objects, including plastic bottles, were hurled onto the field after Ghana conceded a last-minute goal in the 93rd minute of the Group F match.
While the police were able to arrest one individual in connection with the vandalism, this episode adds to Ghana’s growing list of fines for crowd mismanagement.
Earlier in January, Ghana was fined $15,000 for disturbances during their AFCON 2023group match with Cape Verde.
Deputy Director General of theNational Sports Authority (NSA),Alhaji Abdul Majeed Bawa, has addressed the recent disturbances at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
After the match, frustration among fans escalated, leading to considerable damage at the stadium. Supporters threw objects onto the pitch and vandalised advertising panels.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Bawa attributed the chaos to the actions of mainly young fans who were upset over losses related to bets placed on the match’s outcome.
“They destroyed, they threw missiles and all manner of things onto the pitch. That one too, is it caused by the NSA? They destroyed the pitch panels,” Bawa stated, dismissing the idea that the NSA could have prevented the incident.
He further suggested that the fans’ actions were linked to their frustration over losing their bets rather than just the defeat itself.
“Honestly, that’s my feeling because if you see all those people who did that thing, they are all young guys,” Bawa added.
Reflecting on the situation, Bawa emphasised that the crowd’s reaction likely would have been different had Ghana won.
“Throwing missiles because we lost. I believe they would not have done that if Ghana had won. After the tension subsided, you ask them and they were saying they disappointed them and they lost. Not that Ghana has lost, oh, but they lost a bet,” he explained.
The Black Stars will depart for Berkane, Morocco, today, Friday, September 6, as they prepare for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F qualifier against Niger.
The team is aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Angola on Thursday, which ended their 24-year unbeaten home record at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Ghana’s qualification hopes now rest on securing a victory against Niger to stay in contention for one of the two available spots in Group F. Both teams head into the game seeking redemption after opening day defeats, with Ghana losing to Angola and Niger falling to Sudan.
The Black Stars will have two days of training in Berkane ahead of their encounter with Niger, scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Berkane Municipal Stadium. Head coach Otto Addo will look to fine-tune his squad, ensuring they are ready to respond and put their qualification campaign back on track.
Ghana’s defeat to Angola came after a late goal by substitute Felício Mendes João Milson, who capitalized on a defensive error in stoppage time to seal the win for his side. Despite creating multiple chances throughout the match, the Black Stars were unable to find the back of the net, with Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu making crucial saves.
In response to the loss, Ghana will need to regroup and focus on securing a win against Niger to remain in the race for AFCON qualification. With Angola set to host Sudan in the other Group F clash, Ghana’s match against Niger will be vital for their chances of progressing.
The Black Stars’ next challenge comes with added pressure, but the team remains determined to recover from Thursday’s setback and deliver a strong performance in Morocco.
The Black Stars are all set for today’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Angola, having wrapped up their final preparations ahead of the match.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the technical team and players were seen actively engaging one another as anticipation builds for the encounter.
The game, scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, will take place at the iconic Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. This marks the Black Stars’ kick-off for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, as they aim to secure their place in the prestigious tournament set to be held in Morocco next year.
Ghana, widely regarded as a footballing powerhouse on the African continent, will be eager to make a strong statement to their passionate fanbase. The team will enjoy the home advantage, with the Baba Yara Stadium renowned for its electric atmosphere and fervent support for the Black Stars.
The squad, led by key players such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and rising stars like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, are expected to deliver a convincing performance. In the last international window, Ayew bagged a memorable hat-trick during Ghana’s 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic in Kumasi in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June 2024.
Meanwhile, Angola’s Palancas Negras will be looking to cause an upset against their more favoured opponents. The Angolan side has shown promise in previous games and will be hoping to capitalize on any opportunities that present themselves during the match.
Their last visit to Kumasi ended in heartbreak, with a last-minute goal sealing a 1-0 win for Ghana in stoppage time. Both teams will be vying for victory in this crucial match, which could play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of Group F in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter as the Black Stars seek to assert their dominance, while Angola aims to defy the odds.
Wrapping up preparations – All set for the challenge ahead. 💪🏾⚽️
Black Stars facea significant challenge as they square off against Angola’s Black Sable Antelopes in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With three days of intense preparation behind them, Ghana is ready to take its first step towards ending a 42-year AFCON title drought.
Led by coach Otto Addo, the team comes into this fixture riding high after crucial wins over Mali and the Central African Republic in June’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which extended their unbeaten run.
Addo, who took charge in March, aims to secure Ghana’s spot in what would be their 25th Africa Cup of Nations appearance, with hopes of surpassing the disappointing group-stage exits in the last two tournaments in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.
As Ghana looks to assert dominance in the group, they are keenly aware of Sudan’s recent 1-0 victory over Niger, sending a message that every point matters in these qualifiers.
Head to Head
Ghana have met Angola eight times in all competitions. The Black Stars appear to always have the advantage having won four, drawn three, and lost only once against Angola. Ghana’s last defeat dates back to 1997 when Fabrice Alcebiades scored in the first half to help Angola win at Estadio da Cidadela in Lunada.
Aside from that, the Black Stars have been dominant against Angola, with one of their notable victories coming at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations when they edged them ( Host Angola) in the quarterfinal through a sublime finish from Asamoah Gyan.
Coach Otto Addo will have a full-strength squad at his disposal as Ghana prepares to face Angola in their opening 2025 AFCON qualifier. Key players like Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who will serve as stand-in captain, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Leicester City duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, and AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are all set to feature.
Inaki Williams makes his return to the team after recovering from a lengthy two-month absence due to illness, though the Black Stars will be without several key figures due to injuries.
Missing from the lineup are Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ernest Nuamah, Daniel Kofi Kyere, Kamal Deen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Sulemana.
Angola, meanwhile, brings a formidable squad with a number of players competing in top European leagues. Among them are Serie A’s Zito Luvumbo of Cagliari, Depu from the Portuguese league, and Fredy and Manuel Benson, who play for Burnley in the Championship.
La Liga’s Randy Nteka, who plays for Rayo Vallecano, and Lyon’s Clinton Mata round out Angola’s impressive lineup.
Speaking ahead of the match, Coach Addo emphasized the quality of the Angolan side, highlighting their strong connection to Portugal’s league and urging his players to be prepared for a tough challenge.
The crucial match will kick off at 16:00 GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addois focused on maintaining Ghana’s momentum as they face Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers today, September 5, 2024.
He is expected to make key adjustments to the squad, possibly implementing up to five changes from the team that defeated the Central African Republic in June.
Jordan Ayew, who started in that match, may begin on the bench this time due to his late arrival.
Meanwhile, the team will be without Gideon Mensah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Salis Samed, and Alexander Djiku, all of whom are unavailable.
In their absence, players like Ebenezer Annan, Abdul Mumin, Majeed Ashimeru, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo are likely to step into the starting eleven.
Otto Addo may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi guarding the net and a backline featuring Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, and Ebenezer Annan.
Thomas Partey and Majeed Ashimeru are expected to anchor the midfield, while Fatawu Issahaku and Inaki Williams could operate on the wings.
Mohammed Kudus is poised to play as the attacking midfielder, supporting striker Antoine Semenyo, who will lead the charge upfront.
Former Ghanaian youth star Awudu Isaka has called on Black Stars coach Otto Addo to engage in a discussion with team captain Andre Dede Ayew about his future with the national team.
Isaka, who disagrees with Ayew’s recent exclusion from the squad, argues that the captain has earned his place and deserves more respect.
He expressed his belief that Ayew could continue to play a valuable role by mentoring younger players, even though he acknowledges that age might have affected Ayew’s performance.
In an interview with Angel TV, Isaka emphasised that Ayew’s experience and leadership are assets to the team and should be utilised effectively.
“I think the coach should tell him that he won’t call him again. He should call him privately. He was expecting to be called but didn’t get an invitation, so he is okay.
“He has paid his dues to Ghana, and we were all witnesses. Dede Ayew might have reached this stage, but he has the experience and knowledge to help the young players.
Andre Ayew has now been left out of the Black Stars squad for the third consecutive time, with his last call-up occurring in late 2023.
Coach Otto Addohas clarified that Ayew’s absence is part of a deliberate strategy to focus on developing a future-orientated team.
The German-trained coach stressed that his current objective is to build a squad predominantly from younger players, which influenced his decision to exclude Ayew from the recent selection.
“We are looking at the future or the long-term development; that’s mainly why we invited younger players and left out André Ayew.”
Black Stars’technical team commenced their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 2, 2024, in preparation for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Kumasi.
Head coach Otto Addo, assistant coach John Paintsil, and goalkeeper trainer Fatawu Dadua were involved in a car accident on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road while travelling back to Accra.
The trio had been returning from the Champion of Champions match between Ghana Premier League winners Samartex FC and FA Cup champions Nsoatreman FC, which took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The Black Stars’ technical staff were travelling in a Land Cruiser SUV owned by the Ghana Football Association’s vice president, Mark Addo.
Although they escaped the crash without injuries, they did experience some discomfort. Despite the ordeal, the coaches attended the first training session and effectively oversaw the activities.
During the session, eight players from the Black Stars and two goalkeepers participated.
Among them were captain Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Brandon Asante, Tariq Lamptey, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Fatawu Issahaku, and Ebenezer Anang.
Goalkeepers Fredrick Asare of Asante Kotoko and Jojo Wollacott were also in attendance.
The team is set to depart for Kumasi on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to continue preparations for their match against Angola, scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, at theBaba Yara Sports Stadium.
German club Borussia Dortmund has extended well wishes toBlack Stars head coach Otto Addoafter he was involved in a car accident in Ghana.
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that members of the Black Stars technical team, including Otto Addo, were involved in a road accident while returning from Tarkwa.
The team had been on official duty, attending the Champion of Champions match between FC Samartex 1996 and Nsoatreman FC.
The accident occurred when a Land Cruiser with registration number GR 6521-21, carrying Head Coach Otto Addo, Assistant Coach John Paintsil, and Goalkeeper Trainer Fatawu Dauda, narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a pickup truck that suddenly swerved into their lane.
Although the vehicle sustained some damage, no serious injuries were reported.
Upon hearing of the incident, Borussia Dortmund shared a message of support on social media, sending their best wishes to Otto Addo and hoping for a swift recovery for all involved.
“Otto Addo and two assistant coaches of the Ghanaian national team were injured in a car accident this morning. We wish everyone a good and speedy recovery,” Dortmund stated.
Otto #Addo und zwei Assistenztrainer der ghanaischen Nationalmannschaft wurden heute Morgen bei einem Autounfall verletzt. Wir wünschen allen eine gute und schnelle Genesung! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dawzg89hBL
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahmanhas once again declined a call-up to join the Black Stars, marking the third time he has turned down an invitation to represent his national team.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Otto Addo revealed the 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Notably absent from the list is Baba Rahman, who has been performing well with his Greek club, PAOK.
Otto Addo explained that Rahman’s absence was due to his reluctance to participate, citing unresolved dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from Black Stars supporters during a previous match in Kumasi.
“Players have families and friends, and it affects a whole lot of things. They’re all human beings, and there should always be a line.
I hope that one day Baba will decide to play again [for the Black Stars], but at the moment, he doesn’t want to play,” Addo said.
“We would have needed him very much. I had a long talk with him, and I even wanted to fly there, but he was sure he wouldn’t change his mind.”
Baba Rahman was notably targeted by Black Stars fans during a match in Kumasi in September 2023.
During the encounter between Ghana and the Central African Republic, Rahman endured persistent abuse and boos from the supporters.
This negative experience has led to Rahman not participating in any subsequent matches for the national team.
Looking ahead, Ghana is set to play against Angola on September 6 in Kumasi, followed by another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger just four days later.
Head coach of theBlack Stars, Otto Addo, is scheduled to announce his squad for Ghana’s games against Angola and Niger at a press conference on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
This has been confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a notice on the official X page of the Black Stars.
The notice said, “Our Head Coach Otto Addo will meet the press this Thursday, August 29th, at 12:00 PM to announce the squad for our upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.”
The press conference for announcing the squad will take place in theGhana FA Conference Room.
National Sports Authority (NSA) in Ashanti has shared new images of theBaba Yara Stadium pitch,showcasing its restored lush green appearance ahead of the Black Stars’ match against Angola.
The pitch, now looking healthy, underwent extensive refurbishment following a church event in June 2024, which had left it in poor condition.
The NSA’s efforts to bring the pitch back to a high standard were successful, fulfilling their promise to have it ready in time for the upcoming game.
“We have a robust plan, a crack field, and a maintenance team to recover the pitch and restore the facility in general in record time throughout August. Stakeholders can rest assured,” the NSA Ashanti Region stated in a post on X.
Fatau Dauda, the goalkeepers’ coach for theBlack Stars, has praised Otto Addo for his inclusive and cooperative approach with the technical staff.
He commended Addo as a “great man” who fosters a culture of collaboration and openness within the coaching team.
“He doesn’t hide anything from us. We always plan together, take decisions together, and have meetings to get the best out of the team,” Dauda, who is a former Ashgold and Legon Cities goalkeeper told Joy Sports.
Dauda further expressed his excitement about working with Addo.
“He is a coach that you will like to work with, and you can learn a lot from him,” he said.
When Otto Addo took on the role of Black Stars head coach for the second time, he brought Fatau Dauda into his technical team.
The Black Stars are gearing up for their upcoming fixtures next month, starting with a home match against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by an away game in Niger.
Former Ghana international Derek Boatenghas criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for not doing enough to attract European-born Ghanaian players to the national team.
Despite the GFA’s success in recruiting talents like Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, and Antoine Semenyo, Boateng argues that the Association needs a more structured approach to engage young European-born players to represent the four-time African champions.
In an interview, the former Fulham midfielder pointed out how countries like Germany proactively scout young players with German roots and nurture them for the national team.
Boateng expressed his frustration at seeing players of Ghanaian descent, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams, choose to represent European countries instead of Ghana.
Sharing his experiences from scouting trips in the USA, he observed other nations’ efforts to identify and develop young talent with roots in their respective countries.
He specifically noted Germany’s active scouting of young players with German heritage and their early integration to build a sense of national identity.
“I have been in the USA for scouting jobs multiple times and I have seen expatriates also joining to scout players, but they are doing that for their country. I know Germany is doing that.
“I was told that they are doing that because they want to bring all young players with roots in Germany and, after identifying them, they will camp them. By doing that, the players will know where they are coming from” Boateng told Kingdom FM.
He continued, “In Ghana, we don’t know how to do these things, and we keep losing players because we are not paying attention to how we can get them. How can we lose players like Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams? Inaki is playing for us, but why couldn’t we get Nico? Because he is good and talented, Spain blocked his chances of playing for Ghana” Boateng lamented.
Boateng criticizedthe GFA’s reactive approach,emphasizing the need to engage players and their families from a young age rather than waiting until they have already begun their professional careers.
“We must do a lot more, and we shouldn’t wait until they are grown up and playing before we start talking to them. By then, their parents will not even allow it because we were not there from the beginning, so why now?” he quizzed.
Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has voiced his admiration for Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and expressed a desire for his return.
Nyantakyi is widely recognized as one of the most successful GFA presidents.
In an interview, Boateng reflected on the abrupt end of Nyantakyi’s tenure, which was terminated by the Number 12 exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas—a scandal that significantly damaged Nyantakyi’s reputation.
Boateng is of the opinion that Ghanaian football would have continued to thrive under Nyantakyi’s leadership.
“I wish Nyantakyi could oversee Ghana Football again. His track record speaks for itself, and it’s unfortunate how things turned out,” he told Kingdom FM.
“I cannot say whether the accusations against him were true, as I wasn’t present. However, I know he made significant contributions to the sport,” he added.
Boateng, however, has been critical of the current administration under Kurt Okraku, asserting that they have not succeeded in elevating the standard of the game.
He criticized the administration’s handling of criticism, saying, “I have reservations about Kurt Okraku’s leadership because they seem to take criticism personally. Constructive feedback is essential for the improvement of our sports, and it should be welcomed.
“In one meeting, he mentioned employing many former footballers in national teams, but for me, competence should be the priority, not just being a former player. Our game is not in good shape, and there’s a lot to do. We need to start from the grassroots because the foundation is crucial,” he added.
Under Nyantakyi’s presidency, Ghana reached several notable achievements, such as winning the U-20 World Cup and making its World Cup debut in Germany in 2006.
The Black Stars also competed in the World Cups held in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014.
Additionally, the team reached the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2010 and 2015 but did not secure the championship.
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has urged Black Stars head coach Otto Addoto remain firm and decisive in his decision-making to enhance the team’s performance.
Addo, who was recently reappointed as the head coach, has already made a positive impact by achieving back-to-back victories in the World Cup qualifiers.
Agyemang-Badu, a former Udinese player, expressed his support for Addo’s strategies and decisions.
The 33-year-old midfielder was particularly impressed with the team’s recent performances against Mali and the Central African Republic, citing these matches as a solid foundation for future growth.
One notable decision by Addo was to exclude captain Andre Ayew from these games, a move that garnered widespread praise.
“He’s bringing in new good guys. There are a lot of lapses in the team. That one, we can’t run away from that. He’s well experienced,” Agyemang-Badu told Joy Sports.
“This is the second coming. He knows where he needs to beef up. We will support him. I mean, I’m a fan of him. Let me tell you that for a fact. I think he will build a good team for us.”
Agyemang-Badu emphasized the importance of Addo remaining firm in his decisions, saying, “He should be very tough like how he is as usual. Take decisions that he thinks will help him and help the team. That’s the most important thing.”
The Black Stars are preparing for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the implementation of Addo’s strategies.
Black Stars of Ghanahave maintained their position in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola rankings.
Ghana, four-time African champions, continue to hold the 64th spot globally and are ranked 12th on the continent as of July.
Following victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in June’s World Cup qualifiers, Ghana saw an improvement in their ranking, which has remained stable in recent weeks.
During July, the Black Stars were inactive, unlike many European and South American nations that participated in the European Championship and Copa America, respectively.
At the top of the FIFA rankings, Argentina retains their position after winning the Copa America, while Spain rises to third place globally following their success in the Euros.
In Africa, the top five positions are occupied by Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
Looking ahead, Ghana will resume action in September for the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Black Stars are set to play Angola in Kumasi before heading to Niger for their second match in Group F.
The former African champions are determined to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be hosted inMorocco next year.
He shared this insight while guest lecturing in a psychology class at the University of Ghana. During the session, the 34-year-old discussed topics such as mental strength, leadership, and managing fame.
After the event, Ayew elaborated on the reasons why he couldn’t pursue higher education.
“Because of football, I didn’t have the opportunity to go to university because I started so early. But it makes you remember a lot of things, you know.
Nothing replaces your school days. I was in a French school here in East Legon for so long before I went to France.
“And that was, you know, a great moment. You remember what happened in class, being a bit stubborn sometimes. But yeah, coming back here, I just felt happy.
“And that’s, for me, what’s important. I don’t want to always say everything in a short time, but bit by bit, if we have time to go into these things, you know, we are more than open to open up a lot of experiences that we’ve had to be able to help the ones coming.”
Ghana skipper Andre Ayew insists that playing for the Black Stars is driven by patriotism, not money.
Ayew spoke at a University of Ghana lecture, reflecting on his career and the importance of representing Ghana.
“The national team is so important to my life, my family’s life,” Ayew underlined.
He contrasted his experience with those who excelled through traditional education.
The former Marseille star stated, “Our life, my family is about the game and from this country, not from anywhere else. So when we know we have to wear this jersey, for me it’s all about sacrifices.”
The 34-year-old free agent, following his stint with Le Havre, highlighted the immense honour and pride he feels when wearing Ghana’s jersey.
“I don’t gain my bread, my family’s living wearing the national team colours,” Ayew declared.
“I wear these national colours with pride and honour,” added theU-20 World Cup winner.
Ayew, who missed out on the recent call-up, remains strongly committed to the national team.
This dedication is further solidified by his record-breaking 120 appearances and 24 goals for Ghana.
Ghana captain Andre Ayewhas acknowledged that selecting a new captain for the Black Stars will always spark debate.
Speaking during a lecture on sports psychology at the University of Ghana, the veteran forward emphasized that the future captain must be prepared for the inevitable discussions and scrutiny that come with the role.
“There will always be a debate sooner or later. The next one who is coming, there will be another debate.
The next one who is coming in the next 10 years, there will be another debate.
“Anybody who, tomorrow, is going to be the leader of our national team should be ready for it. There are things you just need to learn from, prepare for, and let brush off,” Andre Ayew said.
Andre Ayew is well-acquainted with the controversies surrounding the Black Stars captaincy.
When the captaincy was transferred from Asamoah Gyan to Ayew, it sparked significant debate and controversy.
Former Ghana Captain Asamoah Gyan has urged Ghanaians to temper their expectations for the Black Stars, despite the team’s recent impressive victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
After a winless streak throughout 2024, the Black Stars secured back-to-back wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in the June 2024 qualifiers for the Canada, Mexico, and USA tournament.
These victories have propelled Ghana to second place in Group I of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with nine points, just behind Comoros on goal difference.
Demonstrating resilience, the Black Stars overturned a one-goal deficit to achieve a 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako, and they came from behind at halftime to secure a thrilling 4-3 win against the Central African Republic in Kumasi.
However, Asamoah Gyan believes that Coach Otto Addo will need five years to build a team capable of competing for trophies.
“Ghanaians should limit their expectations of the Black Stars,” the Ghana all-time top scorer told Kumasi-based Pure FM.
“The players are young, we should allow the coach to build the team, let’s say five years to develop the team. After that, then we can expect them to win trophies.”
The draw, taking place at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, will set the stage for 48 teams competing for a place in the prestigious tournament.
Ghana, who have won the AFCON trophy four times, will be hoping for a favorable draw to secure their spot in the tournament, which will be held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
The qualifiers, starting in September 2024, are crucial for the Black Stars as they seek redemption following consecutive group stage eliminations in recent editions of the tournament.
Ghana’s last AFCON victory was in 1982 in Libya, and the team is eager to reclaim their former glory.
With a new era in Ghanaian football, the Black Stars aim to overcome recent challenges and make a strong bid for the 2025 AFCON title.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellinghamhas lauded Black Stars head coach Otto Addo for his influence on young players during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham, who joined Dortmund at 17, emphasized Dortmund’s exceptional approach to integrating young talent, describing them as unmatched in this aspect.
The English star highlighted Dortmund’s ability to facilitate a seamless transition for young players, ensuring they receive appropriate playing time crucial for their development.
“The way Dortmund integrates young players into the first-team squad is next level. There isn’t a club in Europe that does it quite like them.
The way they are pushed and can also be reeled back in. They review your performances,” Bellingham was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
He also commended Otto Addo, who formerly served as the transition coach at Dortmund, emphasizing that the Ghanaian offered invaluable support to each player.
“There is a person there for every player, especially Otto [Addo], the former Dortmund and Ghana striker, who has worked with the young players. He is great,” he added.
Jude Bellingham has expressed admiration for Ghanaian coach Otto Addo, previously referring to him as a legend in an Instagram post.
During his tenure atDortmund, Otto Addo fostered a friendly rapport with all the young players and played a crucial role in their growth and development.
Former standout defender for the Ghana Black Stars, John Mensah, has discovered a new purpose following his retirement from football.
Since ending his playing career seven years ago, Mensah has devoted himself to the church, focusing his efforts on religious service and community outreach.
The former captain, who made a significant impact on Ghana’s football history, now applies his leadership abilities to spreading the gospel.
His shift from the football field to religious service was highlighted during his appearance at the Ghana Football Awards ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2024.
“I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time. Since I’m no longer on the field, that’s how I’m keeping myself cool,” Mensah shared with attendees.
“My church is the Resurrection Power New Generation Church. I’m just worshipping there. But I keep my faith in God Almighty to worship Him well, advise my people, and do evangelism to help others know God very well,” he added.
During his playing days, John Mensah was known as the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ for his solid defensive skills. His illustrious career with the national team included earning 86 caps and scoring three goals.
Mensah played a crucial role in Ghana’s journey to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and their runner-up finish in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
The ex-Aston Villa player has been without a team since his dismissal as Ghana assistant coach in February, following the Black Stars’ poor performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Boateng joins Rhys Carr on the technical team and will serve as an Individual Development Coach.
“Coventry City is delighted to announce the appointment of George Boateng and Rhys Carr as the Club’s new first-team coaches,” the club announced.
“Boateng and Carr join the Sky Blues with immediate effect as the City squad assembles for the start of pre-season training at Ryton, joining goalkeeping coach Aled Williams as part of the Club’s first-team coaching staff.”
Coventry City is set to commence pre-season training in preparation for the upcoming season.
Boateng, who played for Coventry during the 1998/99season, made 57 appearances and scored seven goals for the club.
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudushas reflected on his stunning bicycle kick goal for West Ham in their final match of the Premier League 2023/24 season against Manchester City.
Kudus scored a remarkable overhead goal against Manchester City to conclude his debut season in the Premier League.
Despite West Ham’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City in the match, Kudus’ goal captured the attention and admiration of fans.
Speaking at the Ghana Football Awards, Kudus revealed that he had visualized scoring the goal when he first saw the ball in the air.
“Those kinds of actions are just instinct; they barely happen in the game. When I envisioned it in my head, I just went with my instinct, and I am glad that it went exactly the way I pictured it,” Kudus said.
In his first season at West Ham, Kudus impressed with a total of 20 goal involvements, scoring 14 goals and assisting 6.
The 23-year-old received recognition for his outstanding goals, winning both the West Ham Goal of the Season and the Europa Goal of the Season awards.
Additionally, the former Ajax player secured his second consecutiveFootballer of the Yearaward at the Ghana Football Awards.
The origin of his nickname is linked to an accusation by journalist Fiifi Banson, who suggested that Arhinful was the neatest player on the Black Stars team.
This nickname, implying Arhinful’s impeccable cleanliness on the field, was born from a sarcastic comment made by Banson. The journalist accused Arhinful of avoiding tackles, quickly getting back on his feet, and checking his shirt after challenges.
This accusation came after a poor performance against Côte d’Ivoire during the 2000 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the usual muddy conditions of the pitches in the ’90s, Arhinful’s nickname intriguingly suggests that he managed to keep his shirt clean, sparking curiosity about his on-field habits.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Arhinful shared the story behind his nickname, revealing how Banson’s comments led to the creation of this unique reputation. This anecdote highlights the unexpected ways in which footballers can earn their nicknames, often beyond their playing abilities.
“I got injured against Cameroon in the first game; I had a groin injury. I didn’t play the next game against Togo, but Giuseppe Dossena (then Black Stars coach) wanted me to play against Côte d’Ivoire at all costs. They injected me and iced me.
Due to the sheer pressure from him and my love for wanting to represent the nation, I said, ‘Okay, maybe I will play.’ But any other coach probably wouldn’t have played me because Yaw Preko had played a good game against Togo,” he said.
“In that match against Côte d’Ivoire, I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t run because, as you know, a groin injury gets worse when you try to stretch it.
So, when we lost that match, Fiifi Banson said on his show on Peace FM that it looked like I didn’t want to play. Like, I didn’t even want to fall.
He meant it in a jovial way, but that comment has stuck in the heads of Ghanaians. People who did not even see the game say the same thing and call me that,” he added.
Arhinful emphasized that the nickname does not bother him, as it is unrealistic to expect a player to emerge from a football match without any stains.
“I don’t know, but it also doesn’t bother me.Because you can’t tell me somebody would play football at Caradan Park without getting stained. It’s not possible.”
Having played for Assin Fosu Soccer Missionaries and Ashanti Gold in the Ghana Premier League before moving to Europe, Arhinful is best remembered for his time with Ashanti Gold and Black Stars.
Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyois currently on vacation with his girlfriend, Jordeen Buckley, after wrapping up the 2023/2024 football season.
In a recent Instagram update, Semenyo shared snapshots of their getaway at a private destination.
Buckley, known as a social media influencer based in London, has been romantically involved with the Bournemouth striker for a considerable period.
Their relationship became public on social media after Buckley shared a video on her TikTok page wearing Semenyo’s jersey and watching his final home game of the 2023/2024 Premier League season at the Vitality Stadium.
The video was captioned “Come with me to my boyfriend’s football game.”
Jordeen Buckley wears multiple hats, being not just a social media influencer but also the owner of JRosé NailBar, a popular nail salon located in London.
Her TikTok presence boasts nearly 3,000 followers and over 66,000 likes, where she actively engages with her audience by sharing content regularly.
On Instagram, Buckley maintains a private account with approximately 300 followers and has posted 27 times, using the platform to share glimpses of herpersonal and professional life.
While some Ghanaians have expressed support for Black Stars captainAndre Dede Ayew’sexclusion from the squad during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, others continue to hold him in high regard.
In a video posted on Instagram by @ghanagoal, Dede is seen diligently training on a football pitch believed to be near the University of Ghana’s entrance.
In reaction to this one user @ current_arabian940 said, “We no go call am back again 😂😂😂😂😂”.
Another user @ kojo_billions1 who slammed other users for their negativity towards Dede saying “Some of you be slow. Season is over and he’s home for holidays and not necessarily national assignment duties.
He’s there almostevery afternoon to do normal routine training just to keep shape before the new season begins so enough of the negativity!!!”
Another critic added @elton_kofi_perk said “Fisrst time seeing training videos from this guy 😂
Mensah worked with Addo when he was an assistant to Milovan Rajevac, during Addo’s one-year stint as head coach leading up to the 2022 World Cup, and now in his current role as the primary coach.
Mensah holds Addo’s tactical approach in high regard, reflecting positively on his time under the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach.
“For me, I think he’s one of the best that I’ve worked with in the national team in terms of tactics and how he wants the team to play.
Obviously, he has always played in the national team before, so he knows what Ghanaians expect and what the team also wants.
But I think coming back again shows that he has sat down to think about what was not right and what was good, what to do next, and what to improve on,” Mensah stated.
Ghana has climbed four spots in the latestFIFA rankings followingthe Black Stars’ consecutive victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This advancement has boosted Ghana to 64th place globally and 12th in Africa, surpassing Cape Verde and Burkina Faso, who had previously ranked higher after Ghana’s 2023 AFCON performance.
Prior to the AFCON, Ghana was positioned 61st in the world and 11th in Africa, according to the September 2023 rankings.
However, the Black Stars’ failure to advance beyond the group stage at the AFCON, with two draws and one loss, impacted their standing.
The recent wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in June have helped the four-time African champions improve their position.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has slipped to fifth place in the African rankings after not securing any wins in their two matches in June.
