Ghana Sports News

The latest Ghana sports news: the Black Stars, the Ghana Premier League, boxing, athletics, and the stories fans are following. Curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

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Black Starlets face Ivory Coast in WAFU Zone B semi-final

Ghana's U17 national team, the Black Starlets, are set to face Ivory Coast in a pivotal semi-final encounter at the 2026 WAFU Zone B Championship. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at 16:00 GMT, represents the final hurdle for the Ghanaian side in their quest to return to the continental stage. Having performed strongly in the opening rounds, the Starlets enter the knockout phase with significant momentum and the weight of national expectation. The path to the semi-finals saw Ghana dominate Group A, finishing the group stage unbeaten to secure the top spot. Their opponents, Ivory Coast, advanced after finishing second in Group B following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria. While the Black Starlets have been clinical in their previous outings, the Ivorian side is expected to present a formidable challenge, characterized by the physical and tactical discipline typical of their youth setups. The stakes for Tuesday’s clash extend beyond a place in the regional tournament's final. A victory for the Black Starlets will officially secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. For the Ghanaian technical team and the young squad, the match is a critical opportunity to ensure the nation's presence at the continental showpiece after missing out on previous editions. As the team prepares for the showdown, the focus remains on maintaining their unbeaten record and clinical finishing. Football enthusiasts across the country are closely monitoring the progress of this generation of talent, hoping that a win against their West African rivals will signal a resurgence for Ghana’s youth football development on the international stage.

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Kofi Adams outlines government plans to reform Ghana Football Association

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that the government is preparing to implement significant reforms within the country’s football sector. This move follows growing public pressure and numerous calls for the dissolution of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) due to ongoing governance concerns. While acknowledging the intensity of these demands, the Minister emphasized that the government is seeking a structured approach to address institutional challenges rather than opting for a total shutdown of the association. Speaking on the matter, Minister Adams clarified the government’s position regarding the legal status of the GFA. He noted that because the association operates as a private entity, the government must be cautious in its intervention. According to Adams, dissolving the entire body simply to facilitate personnel changes is not an advisable or sustainable strategy. Instead, the government’s reformative agenda aims to target specific governance issues to ensure transparency and accountability without disrupting the fundamental structure of the sport in Ghana. The proposed reforms are expected to address systemic weaknesses that have sparked public outcry and demands for change. By prioritizing a reformative approach over a total dissolution, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation intends to stabilize the sector while ensuring that the GFA adheres to better management practices. This development marks a critical step in the government's efforts to restore confidence in national football administration, balancing the need for accountability with the legal realities of the association's status.

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Manchester City faces difficult legal battle over £830m financial breaches

Manchester City is preparing for a challenging legal confrontation as the club appeals against a series of Premier League financial rule violations. The club was previously found guilty of numerous breaches spanning nearly a decade, specifically from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18. Legal experts have suggested that the English champions face a steep climb to overturn the verdict, which centers on claims of systemic financial misconduct that allowed the club to dominate the domestic league during that period. At the heart of the case are allegations that Manchester City utilised fraudulent contracts to bypass league regulations. According to reports cited by legal experts, the club was found to have artificially inflated its sponsorship revenues by a staggering £830 million. These financial maneuvers were allegedly designed to provide a veneer of sustainability, allowing the club to spend heavily on players and infrastructure while technically appearing to follow Profit and Sustainability Rules. The complexity of these arrangements and the weight of the previous findings are primary reasons why experts believe the appeal will be difficult to win. As the appeal process begins, the football world is closely monitoring the situation, as the final outcome could result in severe sanctions. Potential penalties if the appeal fails range from significant points deductions to heavy fines or, in the most extreme scenarios, expulsion from the Premier League. The resolution of this case is expected to take considerable time, but it will undoubtedly set a major precedent for financial regulation in global football and determine the future of the league’s oversight mechanisms.

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Kofi Adams demands next Black Stars coach reside in Ghana

Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has issued a directive that the next head coach of the Black Stars must be prepared to spend a significant amount of time living within the country. This residency requirement is intended to bridge the gap between the national team leadership and the local football environment, ensuring that whoever takes the helm is fully committed to the development of the sport in Ghana. The Minister emphasized that this condition is particularly crucial for foreign candidates who may otherwise be tempted to manage the team from abroad. The push for a resident coach comes at a critical juncture for the senior national team following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. The former head coach left his position at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The Ministry believes that the team's poor performance was partly due to a lack of consistent engagement with the domestic football scene, a trend they are determined to reverse with the new appointment. According to Adams, having a coach physically present in Ghana will allow for better monitoring of local talent in the Ghana Premier League and more effective collaboration with technical stakeholders. This strategy aims to build a more cohesive unit and ensure that the national team benefits from a coach who is intimately familiar with the strengths and challenges of Ghanaian players across all levels. The Minister's stance reflects a broader government desire to see more tangible returns on the investments made into the national team. As the GFA intensifies its search for a successor to Queiroz, the residency clause is expected to be a non-negotiable part of the upcoming contract discussions. This move has been welcomed by many football enthusiasts who have long advocated for a more hands-on approach from the national team's technical leadership. The final decision on the appointment will be pivotal as Ghana seeks to stabilize its qualifying campaign and restore its status as a dominant force in African football.

Medeama SC defend unbeaten record against FC Samartex 1996
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Medeama SC defend unbeaten record against FC Samartex 1996

Ghana Premier League leaders and reigning champions Medeama SC are set to put their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season on the line as they face FC Samartex 1996. The highly anticipated Matchday 7 encounter, billed as a Western derby, will take place at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena this Sunday. Medeama currently sits at the top of the table with 14 points from six matches as they aim to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. The Mauve and Yellow enter the fixture following a convincing 3-1 victory over Heart of Lions last weekend, a result that solidified their position at the summit of the league. With four wins and two draws in their opening six games, the Tarkwa-based side remains the only unbeaten team in the competition. Their performance so far in this title defense has established them as the frontrunners in the race for the 2026/27 trophy. FC Samartex 1996 will provide a stern test for the champions at their home ground in Samreboi. The Nsenkyire Sports Arena is expected to be packed for this local rivalry, where the hosts will look to capitalize on home advantage to halt Medeama’s momentum. While Medeama leads the pack, Samartex will be motivated by the derby atmosphere to improve their own standing in the league table. This fixture is the standout match of a weekend that also sees other league heavyweights seeking to recover their form. Traditional giants like Asante Kotoko SC and Aduana FC, alongside Port City FC, are all looking for redemption in Matchday 7 after suffering defeats in the previous round. For Medeama, however, the focus remains squarely on navigating this difficult away trip to remain clear of the chasing pack at the top of the standings.

TV XYZ journalist criticizes Kofi Adams over World Cup visa list exclusion
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TV XYZ journalist criticizes Kofi Adams over World Cup visa list exclusion

A sports journalist from TV XYZ has publicly criticized the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, following the exclusion of the media outlet’s staff from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation list. The broadcaster expressed profound disappointment during a recent segment, asserting that the ministry had overlooked a media house that played a pivotal role in the political landscape leading up to the current administration's term. The journalist specifically pointed to the lack of recognition for the station's efforts in providing a platform for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election cycle. According to the journalist, TV XYZ was a staunch advocate for the NDC, dedicating significant airtime and resources to support the party’s campaign which ultimately saw President John Mahama return to office. The presenter argued that the exclusion from the World Cup list felt like a "poor reward" for the advocacy and loyalty shown by the media house. The journalist emphasized that despite their hard work to aid the party's victory, they were being denied the opportunity to cover a major international sporting event that requires government-backed accreditation and visa support. The 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a high-priority event for Ghanaian sports media, requiring early logistical planning and government coordination for travel documentation. While the ministry typically manages a list of accredited journalists for such international assignments, this public outburst highlights burgeoning friction between the government and its perceived media allies. The situation underscores the challenges of balancing official accreditation standards with political expectations. At the time of reporting, Minister Kofi Adams has not provided a public response to the journalist's claims or clarified the specific selection criteria for the visa list.

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Kofi Adams warns against low home-based player count in Black Queens

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced significant concerns regarding the dwindling representation of local-based players within the senior national women's football team, the Black Queens. The Minister highlighted a growing trend where the national side relies heavily on foreign-based professionals, a shift he believes could undermine the development and long-term viability of the domestic women's football infrastructure in Ghana. Adams emphasized that while foreign-based players bring valuable international experience, the current selection patterns raise serious questions about the opportunities available to talent competing in Ghana's domestic leagues. He warned that if the gap between local and international call-ups continues to widen, it may stifle the effectiveness of local player development programs. The Minister suggested that a healthy national team should reflect a robust balance between those playing abroad and those excelling in the home-grown Women’s Premier League to ensure the sport's growth remains inclusive. The Minister further noted that neglecting home-based talent risks discouraging young athletes within the country and could potentially lead to a decline in the standard and competitiveness of local competitions. By ensuring that local players have a clear pathway to the national team, the Ministry aims to bolster the domestic football ecosystem. Adams’ remarks serve as a directive to technical staff and football administrators to reassess scouting strategies and prioritize the sustainability of Ghanaian football talent across all levels of the game.

A composite image featuring three football coaches who have managed both the Ghana national men's team (Black Stars) and the women's team (Black Queens). The collage displays individual portraits of the coaches, including Bashir Hayford in the center and Sellas Tetteh on the right.
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Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim head coach of Black Stars

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has appointed Kim Lars Björkegren to lead an interim technical team for the Black Stars. The appointment is specifically aimed at managing the senior national men's team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header qualifiers against Somalia, scheduled for November. This move is intended to ensure leadership and continuity during a transitional phase as the GFA's Search Committee continues its work to find a permanent successor to Carlos Queiroz. Björkegren will be supported by a technical team consisting of assistant coaches Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, both former Ghana internationals. Former national goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also been named as the team's goalkeepers' coach. This interim structure was established to provide the necessary technical support for the squad during the immediate international window while the federation finalizes the recruitment process for a long-term head coach. The decision to appoint Björkegren has sparked debate among sports analysts and football fans, primarily because he currently serves as the head coach of the Black Queens, Ghana's senior women's national team. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the potential strain of managing both teams simultaneously, particularly as the Black Queens navigate their own World Cup bid. However, supporters of the move point to historical precedents within Ghanaian football, noting that esteemed coaches such as E.K. Afranie and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani previously managed both the senior men’s and women’s national sides. The GFA and the Ministry of Sports have called on the Ghanaian public to offer their full support to the interim technical team and the Black Stars as they prepare for the fixtures against Somalia. The federation maintains that the interim arrangement is the most effective way to stabilize the team's performance and secure vital points in the AFCON qualification campaign while the search for a permanent technical lead remains a priority.

Daniel Dubois defends WBO world title against Fabio Wardley
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Daniel Dubois defends WBO world title against Fabio Wardley

Daniel Dubois is set to defend his WBO heavyweight world title against Fabio Wardley in a high-stakes rematch in London this Saturday. The 29-year-old champion is making his first title defense following a dramatic first encounter between the two rivals just five months ago. That initial bout solidified Dubois's reputation for resilience, as he overcame significant adversity to claim the world title in a fight that many boxing analysts consider a modern classic. The history between the two fighters adds a layer of intensity to this weekend's proceedings. In their first meeting, Dubois was forced to climb off the canvas twice after being dropped by Wardley's heavy hands. Despite these setbacks, the champion showed remarkable recovery powers, eventually taking control of the contest as the rounds progressed. The fight ended in the 11th round when Dubois secured a technical knockout, ending Wardley's hopes of victory in a match where he had appeared to be in a winning position early on. This rematch provides Wardley with an immediate opportunity for redemption while allowing Dubois the chance to prove his superiority is undisputed. The London venue is expected to host a capacity crowd eager to see if Wardley can finish what he started in the first fight or if Dubois has made the necessary adjustments to dominate from the opening bell. The outcome will likely dictate the career trajectory for both men in an increasingly competitive global heavyweight landscape, with the winner potentially eyeing unification bouts later in the year.

Pedro Neto scores twice to secure Chelsea 2-0 win over Everton
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Pedro Neto scores twice to secure Chelsea 2-0 win over Everton

Pedro Neto emerged as the decisive figure for Chelsea as his second-half brace secured a vital 2-0 away victory against Everton. The performance provided a significant boost for Chelsea, which had been seeking an important away win. By securing the result, Chelsea managed to disrupt their opponents' momentum while demonstrating a clinical edge in front of goal during the latter stages of the match. The breakthrough occurred shortly after the halftime interval, when Neto found the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. Chelsea maintained their composure throughout the remainder of the match, absorbing pressure from the home side before Neto struck again in the 90th minute. This late goal effectively ended any hopes of an Everton comeback and confirmed the result for Chelsea. Beyond the victory, the match was notable for ending Everton's unbeaten streak. It also marked a significant defensive milestone for the visitors, as they recorded their first clean sheet of the Premier League season. This defensive solidity and Neto's clinical finishing ensured that Chelsea walked away with all three points from the encounter.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General over visa scandal
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Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General over visa scandal

The Presidency has officially suspended Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his position as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The directive comes in the wake of serious allegations involving visa racketeering specifically related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move by the administration of President John Mahama signals a zero-tolerance approach to administrative malpractice within the nation's sporting bodies as preparations for international tournaments begin to intensify. The suspension was confirmed through a formal letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President. According to the communication, the decision to remove Mr. Ampofo Ankrah from his post is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive and unhindered investigation into the reported scandal. The Presidency has indicated that the allegations are grave enough to warrant immediate administrative action while the facts of the case are being established by the relevant investigative authorities. While the specific mechanics of the alleged visa racketeering scheme have not been fully detailed in the initial release, the connection to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has raised significant concerns among sports stakeholders. Visa-related scandals have historically been a recurring challenge for Ghanaian sports administration during major global events, and this investigation is expected to probe whether official channels at the NSA were compromised to facilitate unauthorized travel arrangements under the guise of tournament participation. Mr. Ampofo Ankrah is expected to remain on suspension until the conclusion of the inquiry. In the interim, the government is expected to announce a temporary head for the National Sports Authority to ensure that the country's sporting programs and infrastructure projects continue without disruption. The final report of the investigation will determine the long-term future of the embattled Director-General and whether any further legal or disciplinary actions will be pursued by the state.

Hearts of Oak defeat Vision FC 1-0 with late Kwesi Asmah goal
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Hearts of Oak defeat Vision FC 1-0 with late Kwesi Asmah goal

Hearts of Oak have secured a vital 1-0 victory over Vision FC in the Ghana Premier League 2026/27 season. The narrow win, achieved during a hard-fought matchday, marks the second consecutive triumph for the Phobians as they continue to build momentum in their domestic campaign. The result provides a significant boost to the team's morale following a period of searching for the consistency required to compete at the top of the table. The decisive moment of the match arrived late in the second half when Kwesi Asmah found the back of the net. Asmah’s goal in the 86th minute finally broke the deadlock, rewarding the Phobians' persistence throughout the encounter. Until that point, Vision FC had proved to be a resilient opponent, frustrating the Hearts of Oak attack and maintaining a disciplined defensive shape that threatened to see the points shared at the final whistle. This victory is seen as a positive sign for the Accra-based giants as they look to climb the league standings. Achieving back-to-back wins is a crucial milestone for the technical team and the players, signaling an improvement in form. The ability to secure a win so late in the game demonstrates a level of tactical discipline and physical endurance that the club's supporters have been eager to see from the squad this season. Looking ahead, Hearts of Oak will aim to maintain this newfound consistency in their upcoming fixtures. The technical team is expected to build on the defensive solidity shown in this clean sheet while seeking more clinical finishes in the final third to settle matches earlier. For Vision FC, the late defeat will be a disappointment, but their competitive performance against one of the league's established powers suggests they remain a capable side in the top flight.