News Guide Africa

Category: Sports

  • Gambian appointed as referee for Ghana vs South Africa U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

    Gambian appointed as referee for Ghana vs South Africa U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

    Ngum Fatou from The Gambia will take charge of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup second-leg qualifier between South Africa and Ghana.

     

    She will be assisted by fellow GambiansAbbie Ceesay (Assistant I),Jainaba Manneh (Assistant II), andIsatou Touray (Fourth Referee).

     

    The match’sMatch Commissioner will be Cindy Barbara Dludlu from Eswatini, while Constance Catherine Wejuli Adipofrom Uganda will serve as Referee Assessor.

     

    The second-leg qualifier is scheduled for 3 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa.

     

    Ghana enters the fixture holding a2-2 drawfrom the first leg, which was played at theAccra Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

  • Zito proud of Kotoko spell: “I remain a legend of the club”

    Zito proud of Kotoko spell: “I remain a legend of the club”

    Former Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has looked back on his tenure with the Porcupine Warriors with pride, describing his time at the club as both productive and fulfilling.

    Speaking to Asempa FM, Zito said his decision to resign followed discussions with the club’s management.

     

    “I resigned from my position following a meeting with management, but I am a happy man. I remain a legend of the club,” he stated.

     

    Zito, who took charge last year, guided Kotoko through 37 competitive matches, achieving 19 wins, 11 draws, and seven losses.

     

    His side kept 19 clean sheets, conceded 31 goals, and scored 50, while also securing four trophies: the MTN FA Cup, Super Cup, Toyota Cup in South Africa, and the President’s Cup.

     

    Reflecting on the support from fans, he added, “I want to thank Asante Kotoko supporters for their support. I coached the club for barely one year and was able to win four trophies for the team.”

     

    Meanwhile, the club has emphasised that Zito’s exit was not the result of a sacking.

     

    Kotoko’s Communication Director, Sarfo Duku, said the club was “not surprised” by the resignation following their FA Cup exit, a 4-2 penalty loss to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium.

     

    “We were not surprised, because we knew that the coach wasn’t happy with the performance of his team, and so it didn’t come to us as a surprise at all,” Duku told Luv FM.

     

    Asked whether the club had considered dismissing Zito, he was clear: “No, we had no plan to do that. We were to receive the details of what transpired in the course of the match. And then, of course, we have asked the necessary questions.”

     

    Kotoko have won just once in their last five matches across all competitions, and attention now shifts to Sunday’s Super Clash against rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.

     

    Zito’s departure closes a chapter defined by achievement, discipline, and a legacy he believes will continue to resonate at Asante Kotoko.

     

    He is replaced, in the interim by Prince Yaw Owusu.

  • “We Lacked Calmness”: Coach Charles Sampson reflects on Black Princesses’ stalemate against South Africa

    “We Lacked Calmness”: Coach Charles Sampson reflects on Black Princesses’ stalemate against South Africa

    Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson has pointed to a lack of composure in the final third as the primary reason his side failed to secure a victory against South Africa in their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash.

    Despite a dominant performance at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, the Ghanaian U-20 female national team was held to a 2-2 draw, leaving the third-round tie wide open ahead of the return leg.

    Ghana took the lead twice during the encounter, with Agnes Yeboah and Linda Owusu Ansah finding the back of the net. However, the scoreline failed to reflect the Princesses’ territorial advantage, as a string of missed opportunities kept the visitors in the game.

    Speaking to the press after the match, Coach Sampson praised his team’s tactical execution but lamented their finishing.

    “Our aim was to win this game and get goals. We dominated the game, which was part of our plan,” Sampson said. “We created chances, but I think what we lacked was the calmness to convert those chances into goals.”

    Controversy at the Death

    The match was not without drama. Late in the game, the Black Princesses appeared to have snatched a winning goal, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside a decision Sampson labeled as “questionable.”

    “We scored the third goal that I think was questionable because we played the ball to the line and cut it inside,” the coach remarked, suggesting the attacker was behind the ball at the moment of the pass.

    The Road Ahead

    The draw sets up a high-stakes second leg in South Africa. The Black Princesses must now secure an away win or a high-scoring draw to advance to the final qualifying round.

    Path to the World Cup:

    Next Hurdle: South Africa (Away Leg)

    Potential Final Round Opponents: The winner of the Zambia vs. Uganda fixture.

    With the 2026 World Cup in sight, Sampson’s technical team will be under pressure to sharpen the squad’s finishing boots before they fly out for the reverse fixture.

     

     

  • Difficult to convince my sons to play for Ghana’ – CK Akonnor

    Difficult to convince my sons to play for Ghana’ – CK Akonnor

    Former Black Stars captain C.K. Akonnor has admitted it is difficult to “convince” his two sons to play for Ghana.

    Both Charles Herrmann and Jesaja Herrmann were born and raised in Germany.

    Twenty-year-old Charles recently joined Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge, while 25-year-old Jesaja sealed a move to German lower-division side FC Bocholt.

    “It’s difficult to convince them to come to Ghana,” Akonnor told Graphic Sports.

    “Because they grew up in Germany, but of course, if need be or if the opportunity arises, we will be able to make that decision,” he added.

    Both Charles and Jesaja have featured for Germany at youth level, including the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-20 teams.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CAF begins review of “unacceptable behaviour” at AFCON final for disciplinary action

    CAF begins review of “unacceptable behaviour” at AFCON final for disciplinary action

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday night.

     

    In an official statement released on 19 January 2026, CAF said it “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.”

     

    The governing body said it is reviewing all available footage of the incidents at the high‑profile match and will refer the matter to the relevant disciplinary bodies for action against those found guilty.

    “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” the statement said.

     

    The final, which concluded the continent’s flagship tournament held in Morocco, was marred by disorderly scenes that drew widespread attention.

     

    Tensions escalated late in the game after contentious decisions on the field, including a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, prompting Senegal’s players to briefly walk off the pitch in protest.

     

    The match, which was level at 0‑0 at the end of normal time, resumed after several minutes’ delay, and Senegal went on to win 1‑0 in extra time.

     

    CAF’s statement did not single out particular individuals in naming misconduct, but the condemnation of actions directed at officials reflects the body’s wider effort to uphold discipline and respect within African football. CAF has emphasised that inappropriate conduct on or off the field will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures following its review.

     

    The review of footage and subsequent referral to competent bodies marks the first formal step towards sanctions, which could include fines, suspensions or other penalties, depending on the findings of CAF’s disciplinary process.

  • Dede Ayew signs for Dutch Eredivisie side NAC Breda 

    Dede Ayew signs for Dutch Eredivisie side NAC Breda 

    Ghanaian football icon André Ayew has joined Dutch Eredivisie side NAC Breda on a deal until the end of the season, aiming to boost the club’s survival hopes.

     

    The 36-year-old attacker, who has 120 caps for Ghana, brings a wealth of experience to Breda, having played for top clubs like Olympique Marseille and Swansea City.

     

    “I want to do everything I can to help the club and my teammates,” Ayew said. “We’re in a situation where staying in the Eredivisie is the only thing that matters”.

     

    NAC Breda’s Technical Director, Peter Maas, is confident in Ayew’s impact: “André is eager to help NAC in their fight for survival. He’s a true sportsman who takes good care of himself”.

     

    Ayew becomes the third Ghanaian in NAC Breda’s squad, alongside Dennis Odoi and Kamal Sowah. This move is expected to strengthen Ayew’s position for national team selection and potentially pave the way for his inclusion in Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad.

     

    Highlights of Ayew’s career:

     

    André Ayew has had an illustrious career, playing for top clubs like Olympique Marseille, Swansea City, and West Ham United. He’s also a key player for the Ghana national team, with 120 caps and 24 goals to his name.

     

    Some of his notable achievements include:

    – Africa Cup of Nations: Runner-up in 2010 and 2015, and top scorer and 2015

    – U-20 World Cup: Winner in 2009 with Ghana

    – and Trophée des Champions: Winner in 2010 and 20111 with Marseille

    – Coupe de la Ligue: Winner in 2011 and 2012 with Marseille

     

    Ayew’s experience and leadership will be valuable assets to NAC Breda as they fight to stay in the Eredivisie.

  • BREAKING: Ghana Captain André Ayew on Verge of Dutch League Move

    Accra — Ghanaian football captain André Ayew is reportedly about to sign for a club in the Dutch league, according to sports journalist Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara).

    In a recent post, Sannie Daara stated, “BREAKING: Just getting some info that Ghana captain Andre Ayew is on the verge of signing for club in the Dutch league.” He added that the player “will sign the deal within hours if he passes a medical.”

    The potential transfer, should it materialise, is expected to strengthen Ayew’s position for national team selection. Sannie Daara noted that the move “will also put him in a good position to be considered for the 2026 World Cup.”

    The Ghana Football Association has yet to release an official statement regarding the transfer rumors. Officials are awaiting confirmation from the player’s management team.

     

  • NPA CEO Applauds Authority’s Ladies Football Team’s Exemplary Trophy Win  

    NPA CEO Applauds Authority’s Ladies Football Team’s Exemplary Trophy Win  

    The National Petroleum Authority’s Ladies Football Team has made the Authority proud with a remarkable trophy win.

     

    Speaking after the triumph, the NPA Boss, Edudzi Tamaklo said the achievement is “a clear demonstration of discipline, teamwork, and determination, qualities that reflect the core values of the Authority.”

     

    He applauded the management, coaches, and fans for their encouragement, adding that “the success of the ladies’ team serves as an inspiration to staff and young women across the country.”

     

    The NPA Boss pledged that the Authority will continue to back sports and empower women, promising the team more support as they chase bigger victories.

     

     

  • Black Stars coach spills game plan to lead Group L 

    Black Stars coach spills game plan to lead Group L 

    Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup as head coach Otto Addo set his sights on a strong opening match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.

     

    A win against Panama would give the team a much-needed psychological boost heading into the rest of the group stage.

     

    “We will use the window of March for test matches, and then see,” Addo said in an interview. Ghana’s Group L opponents include England, the 2018 World Cup finalists, and Croatia, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar.

     

    Addo acknowledged that England is the favorite to top the group, but he’s taking each game one step at a time. “I look forward to every game as special,” he said. “It is very important for us that we don’t underestimate any team.”

     

    The Black Stars have been eliminated at the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances, so they’ll be looking to break that streak this time around.

  • Chief of Staff Julius Debrah Tasks World Cup Committee to Safeguard Ghana’s Image

    Chief of Staff Julius Debrah Tasks World Cup Committee to Safeguard Ghana’s Image

    Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged the newly inaugurated 2026 World Cup Ministerial Oversight Committee to take firm control of travel coordination and protect the country’s international reputation ahead of the tournament in the United States.

     

    Speaking at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Mr. Debrah reminded the 11-member committee that its responsibilities go beyond football festivities. He cautioned that past challenges with visa processing and unauthorized travel had occasionally tarnished Ghana’s image, stressing that the upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity to correct those lapses.

     

    “We are tasking you to coordinate travel arrangements thoroughly. We often run into difficulties with visas, and as you know, some individuals try to take advantage of the system and abscond, which reflects poorly on the country,” he said.

     

    He further urged the committee to work closely with U.S. consular officials to ensure that genuine supporters are able to travel to cheer on the Black Stars without incident. “The committee must make time to engage the relevant officials at the American Embassy so that Ghanaians who genuinely intend to support the team are given the chance to do so,” he added.

     

    Beyond logistics and fan travel, Mr. Debrah emphasized that the World Cup offers Ghana a global platform to showcase more than its football culture. He challenged the committee to highlight the country’s economic prospects, tourism attractions, and broader national identity during the tournament.

     

    “This is an opportunity to market our investment potential to the world. It shouldn’t be only about football,” he noted. “What can we associate with our presence there? Let the world see Ghana as a place of opportunity. Promoting our tourism is a key part of that, and if we present ourselves well, we can make the nation proud.”

     

    The committee is expected to begin work immediately as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.