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.

Samuel Eto'o faces embezzlement complaint from amateur clubs
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Samuel Eto'o faces embezzlement complaint from amateur clubs

Samuel Eto’o, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), is embroiled in fresh legal trouble after the Association of Amateur Clubs of Cameroon (ACFAC) filed an embezzlement complaint against him. The petition was submitted to the Special Criminal Court in Yaound, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the federation's leadership and local football stakeholders. This latest development adds to a series of challenges Eto'o has faced during his tenure as the head of the nation's football governing body. The complaint by ACFAC targets the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker in his capacity as the administrator of national football funds. While specific details regarding the exact amounts or the nature of the transactions involved have not been fully disclosed in the initial filing, the move by the amateur clubs highlights deep-seated dissatisfaction with the financial management of FECAFOOT. The Special Criminal Court, where the petition was lodged, is a specialized judicial body in Cameroon tasked with handling cases involving the misappropriation of public or state-linked funds. Since assuming the presidency of FECAFOOT in December 2021, Eto’o’s leadership has been marked by both ambitious reforms and intense friction with various football factions. This embezzlement allegation follows previous controversies, including investigations into match-fixing and internal disputes over federation statutes. The involvement of the amateur clubs is particularly significant, as they represent a substantial portion of the footballing pyramid in Cameroon, suggesting a widening rift within the domestic game's administrative structures. The Special Criminal Court is now expected to review the merits of the complaint to determine whether a formal investigation or judicial trial will proceed. For Eto’o, who remains one of Africa’s most celebrated sporting icons, the outcome of this legal process could have significant implications for his future at the helm of FECAFOOT and his standing within the international football community. As the case unfolds, the federation's administrative stability remains under close public and state scrutiny.

Black Maidens draw Norway, Brazil, and Canada in U-17 World Cup Group C
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Black Maidens draw Norway, Brazil, and Canada in U-17 World Cup Group C

Ghana’s national Under-17 women’s football team, the Black Maidens, have been drawn into Group C for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco. The draw pairs Ghana with Norway, Brazil, and Canada in a challenging group that will test the Maidens' aspirations for global glory. The team is currently fine-tuning its strategy as it prepares to represent the nation on the world stage. The tournament schedule for the Black Maidens begins on October 18, when they will face Norway in their opening fixture. This will be followed by a crucial encounter against South American giants Brazil on October 22, before they conclude their group stage campaign against Canada on October 24. These matches will be pivotal for the team as they aim to progress into the knockout stages of the competition. In preparation for the tournament, Head Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has led the squad through an intensive two-week training camp in Casablanca. During this period, the team engaged in international friendlies to test their readiness, recording a loss against China and a victory over Kenya. These matches have provided the technical team with valuable insights into the squad's strengths and areas requiring adjustment before the tournament officially kicks off. The Black Maidens carry a proud history into the 2026 edition, having previously secured a bronze medal in 2012. Additionally, the team has reached the quarter-finals on three separate occasions, establishing themselves as a consistent force in youth women's football. With their return to the world stage in Morocco, the squad aims to build on these past successes and potentially surpass their previous best performance.

Carlos Roa rejects Manchester United move due to religious beliefs
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Carlos Roa rejects Manchester United move due to religious beliefs

Former Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa has highlighted how his strong religious beliefs significantly impacted his professional football career at its peak. Roa, who became a household name in the late 1990s, is famously known for prioritizing his faith-based commitments over a high-profile move to the English giants Manchester United. The goalkeeper's international reputation reached its zenith during the 1998 World Cup in France. He became a national hero for Argentina after his crucial penalty save against England, a moment that remains one of the most celebrated in his country's football history. His performance throughout the tournament established him as one of the premier goalkeepers in the world, attracting interest from several of Europe's most prestigious clubs. By 1999, Manchester United sought to bring Roa to the Premier League following his standout tournament displays. However, the move was thwarted when Roa chose to adhere to his religious convictions rather than pursue the professional opportunity. This decision fundamentally altered the trajectory of his career, as he opted to step away from the game during his prime years to focus on his spiritual life. The choice to decline Manchester United remains a unique chapter in football history, illustrating the impact of personal faith on professional sports. Although Roa eventually returned to football, his legacy is inextricably linked to his decision to place his religious values above the material and professional rewards of playing at the highest level of European club football.

Antoine Semenyo helps PSG secure 4-2 victory over Manchester City
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Antoine Semenyo helps PSG secure 4-2 victory over Manchester City

Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo played a significant role as Paris Saint-Germain secured a commanding 4-2 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. The match, played on October 14, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium, highlighted the French club's offensive prowess and tactical discipline. Semenyo’s contribution on the wing was instrumental in stretching the City defense and creating the necessary space for his teammates to exploit throughout the high-stakes encounter. PSG’s scoring was a collective effort, with four different players finding the back of the net to overwhelm the hosts. Goals from Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and Akliouche established a lead that the home side found difficult to overturn. While Manchester City attempted to mount a comeback, led by a brace from prolific striker Erling Haaland, his two goals remained mere consolations as the Parisians maintained control of the game. The result marks a statement win for PSG in the competition, proving their ability to secure results in difficult away environments. For Semenyo, featuring prominently in such a fixture reinforces his status as one of Ghana's most successful exports in modern European football. His consistent performances for the Parisian side provide a significant boost for the Black Stars, as he gains invaluable experience at the highest level of the game. Following this victory, PSG will look to build on their momentum in the tournament, while Semenyo remains a key figure in their tactical setup for the remainder of the Champions League campaign.

Anthony Baffoe reflects on 1992 AFCON final penalty miss against Ivory Coast
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Anthony Baffoe reflects on 1992 AFCON final penalty miss against Ivory Coast

Former Black Stars captain Anthony Baffoe has opened up about the lasting emotional weight of his decisive penalty miss during the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Reflecting on the historic match held in Dakar, Senegal, Baffoe expressed his lingering confusion over the intense public reaction that followed the defeat, which included widespread calls from some quarters for him to retire from professional football despite his significant contributions to the national team. The final, which took place on January 26, 1992, saw Ghana face Ivory Coast in a grueling encounter that remained goalless after 120 minutes of play. The subsequent penalty shootout became one of the most dramatic in the history of the tournament, eventually ending in an 11-10 victory for the Ivorians. Baffoe, who stepped up during the marathon session, saw his effort saved, a moment that sealed Ghana’s heartbreak and extended the country's long wait for a fifth continental trophy. Speaking on the aftermath of the tournament, Baffoe questioned the logic behind the demands for his retirement at the time. He drew parallels between his situation and those of global football icons who faced similar on-field setbacks, such as Diego Maradona, noting that such legends were rarely pressured to quit the game after a single missed moment. Baffoe pointed out that the scrutiny faced by African players after major tournament losses often overlooks the broader context of their careers and the inherent unpredictability of penalty shootouts. Baffoe’s reflections provide a rare insight into the psychological toll that high-stakes sporting failures can have on athletes. Despite the disappointment of 1992, he continued his career at both the club and international levels and has since transitioned into a prominent role in football administration, remaining a respected figure in the Ghanaian and international sports community. His comments highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of athlete performance during the most pressurized moments of the game.

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Ibrahim Sannie Daara reveals 400 applicants for Black Stars coaching job

Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has disclosed that over 400 coaches have submitted applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position. The role became available following a decision by the football governing body to seek new leadership for the senior national team. The sheer number of applicants highlights the high level of interest in the Ghanaian national team job, which remains one of the most coveted positions in African football. Daara noted that a significant number of these applicants are currently unemployed managers who are seeking a return to active football management. This group includes various international coaches looking to leverage the Black Stars' platform to revitalize their careers. The influx of interest provides the GFA with a broad pool of candidates, ranging from experienced tactical veterans to emerging names in global football who believe they can restore the team’s competitive edge. The process of narrowing down over 400 candidates presents a substantial task for the GFA's search committee. As the association evaluates the credentials of the applicants, the focus remains on finding a coach capable of addressing the team's tactical needs and meeting the high expectations of the Ghanaian public. The eventual appointee will face the immediate challenge of guiding the Black Stars through upcoming qualifiers and rebuilding the team's standing on the continent.

Kofi Adams blames Ghanaians for ignoring World Cup visa warnings
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Kofi Adams blames Ghanaians for ignoring World Cup visa warnings

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has condemned citizens who bypassed official channels by paying unauthorized individuals for visa facilitation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Minister’s remarks follow the emergence of a widespread scandal involving fraudulent visa arrangements that has tarnished the nation's sporting image. According to Adams, many of those affected chose to ignore explicit warnings from the Ministry regarding payments to intermediaries not recognized by the state. Investigations into the matter have revealed that several applicants made substantial payments to individuals, including some alleged officials, without securing the necessary approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The controversy has specifically cast a shadow over the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), both of which are under scrutiny for their alleged roles in facilitating these irregular arrangements. These unauthorized activities reportedly took place despite the government's efforts to streamline the application process for the tournament in North America. The fallout from the scandal has drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures across the country, who have described the situation as a "total disgrace." Critics argue that the incident has severely damaged Ghana’s global reputation and reduced its appeal as a reliable partner in international sporting events. There are growing concerns that such scandals could impact future opportunities for Ghanaian fans and officials to participate in major global competitions if institutional integrity is not restored. As the fallout continues, there are increasing calls for greater transparency and accountability within the sports administration. The Ministry has emphasized that official warnings were in place to protect citizens from being defrauded, and post-tournament investigations are expected to lead to stricter measures for future events. For now, the focus remains on identifying all parties involved in the facilitation scheme and addressing the systemic vulnerabilities that allowed the scandal to unfold.

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Kim Lars Bjorkegren takes interim charge of Black Stars

Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the head coach of the Black Queens, has been appointed to lead the senior national male team, the Black Stars, on an interim basis. This appointment comes as the team prepares for a critical 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia during the November international break. Bjorkegren's move into the temporary role occurs while the search for a permanent head coach continues following the team's recent struggles on the continental stage. To support Bjorkegren in this transition, Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been named as his assistant coaches. Bjorkegren is already familiar with the national team environment, having previously served as an assistant for a single match. The decision to utilize the technical leadership of the women's national team highlights a strategy to leverage internal expertise while the Ghana Football Association (GFA) completes its recruitment process for a substantive manager. The interim technical team faces a significant challenge as they look to reverse the Black Stars' fortunes in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team has had a difficult start to the qualifiers, suffering losses to Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia. The upcoming matches against Somalia are viewed as essential opportunities for Ghana to secure its first points and stabilize its position in the group. Collaborating with Tanko and Attram, Bjorkegren will be tasked with restoring confidence and improving on-field performance. Following the conclusion of the double-header against Somalia, Bjorkegren is expected to return his focus to the Black Queens. His primary objective with the women's team will be the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifying playoffs. Meanwhile, the GFA is expected to provide further updates on the search for a permanent head coach to lead the Black Stars through the remainder of the AFCON qualification process and subsequent international assignments.

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Anthony Baffoe expresses pride in choosing Ghana over Germany

Former Black Stars player Anthony Baffoe has reaffirmed his pride in choosing to represent Ghana internationally over Germany. Despite being born and raised in Germany, the former footballer stated that he has no regrets about his decision to play for his parents' home nation. This commitment to the Ghanaian national team remains a point of significant personal satisfaction for Baffoe as he reflects on his professional career and the path he chose. Baffoe’s decision was notable because of his background, having grown up within the German football system. Born to Ghanaian parents in Germany, he faced the choice between a potential future with the German national team or representing his heritage with the Black Stars. He ultimately chose the latter, a move that underscored his deep connection to his roots. He maintains that throughout his career and in the years since, he has never second-guessed the decision to wear the Ghana jersey. The expression of pride from Baffoe serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Black Stars for players in the diaspora. By highlighting his lack of regret, Baffoe emphasizes the importance of identity and heritage in international football. His reflections offer a perspective on the motivations that drive players to represent their ancestral countries, even when they have been raised in different environments. This sense of pride continues to define his legacy as a former member of the Ghanaian national team.

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Gianni Infantino apologises to FIFA Council for commercial sell-off plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a formal apology to the FIFA Council regarding a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the organisation’s commercial operations to private investors. The apology was delivered during a three-and-a-half-hour Council meeting in Zurich on October 15, 2026. The move follows a period of intense internal debate over the proposed commercialisation of FIFA's assets, which many stakeholders feared would shift the federation's focus toward private profit. The withdrawn proposal specifically targeted a minority share in FIFA's commercial operations, including lucrative rights associated with the World Cup. While the plan was intended to generate significant capital, it met with fierce opposition from various football federations and officials who were concerned about the long-term implications for the governance of the sport. The withdrawal of the plan and subsequent apology represent a significant retreat for Infantino, who has championed several ambitious financial reforms during his tenure. Despite the apology, Infantino faces a deepening leadership crisis as European football officials continue to call for his resignation. The collapse of the investment deal has emboldened critics who argue that the President's vision for the organisation is at odds with the traditional governance of the sport. As pressure mounts from the European contingent, the future of Infantino's leadership and the direction of FIFA's commercial strategy remain uncertain.

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Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu expresses optimism for Black Stars' AFCON recovery

Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced his confidence that the senior national team, the Black Stars, can still turn their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign around. Despite a disastrous start in Group C, where Ghana sits at the bottom of the table with zero points after two matches, Agyemang-Badu remains hopeful of a resurgence in the upcoming fixtures. The midfielder's comments come at a critical juncture for the national team as they face the prospect of missing out on the continental showpiece. To facilitate this recovery, the former international star emphasized the need for a strategic shift in player selection. Specifically, Agyemang-Badu advocated for the increased inclusion of local-based talent into the national setup. He believes that integrating players from the domestic league could provide the necessary depth and commitment required to bolster the squad's performance after their opening defeats. This perspective adds to the ongoing debate regarding the balance between foreign-based stars and homegrown talent in the national team. The backdrop of his optimism is a period of significant technical transition for the Black Stars. Following the team's poor run of form, head coach Carlos Queiroz departed his role, leaving a leadership vacuum at the helm of the technical bench. In response, a search committee has been established to identify a successor capable of steadying the ship and securing the points needed to climb the Group C standings. The new appointment will be expected to restore discipline and tactical direction to a side that has struggled for consistency. Ghana's path to qualification now focuses on forthcoming matches against Somalia, which Agyemang-Badu believes are pivotal for restoring national pride. These fixtures represent a mandatory opportunity for the four-time African champions to secure their first points of the campaign. The next head coach will face the immediate challenge of implementing a system that can effectively navigate the remaining qualifiers and keep the dream of 2027 AFCON qualification alive for the Ghanaian football public.

Anthony Baffoe dismisses immediate GFA presidential ambitions
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Anthony Baffoe dismisses immediate GFA presidential ambitions

Former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe has clarified his position regarding the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following growing calls for a change in leadership. Amidst mounting public pressure on the current administration, the 61-year-old former defender stated that he is not currently driven by the ambition to lead the GFA, though he remained open-ended about what the future might hold. Baffoe, who currently serves in a high-ranking administrative capacity at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), emphasized that his immediate focus remains elsewhere. "It does not drive me, but I don’t know what is going to happen in six months, or twelve or twenty-four months," Baffoe remarked. His comments come as fans and observers increasingly suggest his technical and administrative experience as a potential solution to the recent struggles of the national team. The speculation surrounding Baffoe’s leadership coincides with a difficult period for the current GFA President, Kurt Okraku. The administration is facing significant scrutiny after the Black Stars suffered a poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, recording losses in their opening matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These results have intensified the debate regarding the direction of Ghanaian football and the need for reform at the governing body. Anthony Baffoe remains one of Ghana’s most respected football figures, having represented the Black Stars between 1991 and 1994 before transitioning into international sports management. While he has not launched a formal bid for the GFA presidency, his willingness to consider the role in the long term suggests that he remains a significant figure in the conversation about the future of the sport in Ghana. For now, the GFA continues under its existing leadership as it prepares for upcoming international fixtures.