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.

Lisandro Martinez criticises Manchester United board over squad depth
sports|

Lisandro Martinez criticises Manchester United board over squad depth

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has launched a public critique of the club's hierarchy, accusing management of failing to properly bolster the squad for Champions League competition. Speaking after a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on October 13, 2026, Martinez emphasised that the club needed more significant investment to compete effectively at the highest level. The loss in Madrid extended United’s winless streak to five matches, intensifying the pressure on both the coaching staff and the executive leadership. During his assessment of the team's current struggles, the Argentine international specifically called for improvements from technical director Jason Wilcox. While Martinez acknowledged that the players themselves must take responsibility for their performances on the pitch, he argued that the squad lacks the necessary depth to sustain a successful campaign across multiple fronts. This public display of frustration marks a significant shift in tone following what was considered a more successful domestic and European run last season. The defender's comments have sparked a debate regarding internal discipline and the atmosphere within the Carrington training ground. Former United captain Wayne Rooney suggested that such public outbursts could lead to friction within the dressing room and undermine the authority of the management. However, many supporters have expressed solidarity with Martinez, praising his honesty about the perceived stagnation of the squad’s development despite qualifying for Europe's premier competition. As Manchester United looks to snap its five-game winless run, the focus remains on how the board and Jason Wilcox will respond to one of their most prominent players' demands. With the January transfer window approaching, the pressure is mounting on the leadership to provide the reinforcements Martinez claims are vital to turning the season around. The situation highlights a growing rift between the playing body and the executive branch over the long-term direction of the club's recruitment strategy.

Villarreal beats Napoli 3-1 to end Champions League losing streak
sports|

Villarreal beats Napoli 3-1 to end Champions League losing streak

Villarreal secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Napoli at the Estadio de la Ceramica, successfully ending a challenging run of seven consecutive losses in the UEFA Champions League. The win marks the Spanish side's first victory in the competition in eight matches, providing a significant morale boost for the club and its supporters. The "Yellow Submarine" had to demonstrate considerable character to overcome an early deficit and claim all three points in front of their home crowd. The encounter started in favor of the visitors, with Napoli taking an early lead through a goal from Amir Rrahmani. Despite the setback, Villarreal maintained their composure and began to assert control over the game. Their persistence was rewarded when Georges Mikautadze scored the equalizer, shifting the momentum in favor of the home side. Villarreal then took the lead through a clinical strike from Santiago Mourino, putting the pressure back on the Italian giants. As Napoli pushed for an equalizer late in the game, Villarreal capitalized on the available space to secure the result. Tani Oluwaseyi found the net in the closing stages to make it 3-1, effectively ending any hopes of a Napoli comeback. This performance showcased Villarreal's clinical finishing and defensive organization under pressure, characteristics that had been missing during their recent losing streak in Europe's premier club competition. Looking ahead, this victory provides Villarreal with a vital platform as they seek to navigate the group stages of the tournament. The result not only breaks a historical losing streak but also places the team in a more competitive position within their group. Villarreal’s focus will now shift to their next Champions League fixture, a high-stakes away match against Liverpool which is scheduled to take place on October 20.

Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal to 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille
sports|

Bukayo Saka leads Arsenal to 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille

Bukayo Saka delivered a standout performance to lead Arsenal to a dominant 3-0 victory over Lille in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium. Despite struggling with illness prior to the match, the English winger played a decisive role by providing an assist and scoring the final goal of the evening. His contribution proved vital in securing three points for the Gunners, as he rose to meet the specific demands set by his manager, Mikel Arteta, regarding his offensive output. The performance served as a direct response to Arteta's public challenge for Saka to increase his goal-scoring efficiency this season. To facilitate this, the manager has notably adjusted Saka’s tactical positioning on the pitch, moving him into areas where he is more likely to find scoring opportunities. Arteta expressed his satisfaction with how the young forward handled the pressure, emphasizing Saka's unique ability to meet high expectations and remain a central pillar of the team’s attacking strategy. During the match, Saka first made his mark by setting up teammate Eberechi Eze for a goal before finding the net himself to seal the 3-0 scoreline. This goal brings Saka’s total for the current season to four, adding to a rich vein of form that has also seen him score five goals in his last four appearances for the England national team. Historically, Saka has only surpassed the 20-goal mark in a single season once, during the 2023-24 campaign, but his current trajectory suggests he is well-positioned to challenge that record. As Arsenal continues its European campaign, Saka’s ability to produce consistent results under physical and tactical pressure remains a significant asset. Arteta’s tactical refinements and the winger’s clinical finishing are expected to be key factors in the club's pursuit of silverware this year. The victory over Lille not only boosts Arsenal's standing in the competition but also reinforces Saka’s status as one of the most influential attackers in European football.

Viking players line up and link arms to celebrate with their fans after a 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League
sports|

Viking secures 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in Champions League

Norwegian champions Viking secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against European giants Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, despite a historic performance from striker Harry Kane. The match was defined by a significant shift in momentum following a red card for Bayern’s Michael Olise, which forced the German side to play much of the contest with ten men. While Kane's two-goal contribution saw him surpass a goal-scoring record previously held by Lionel Messi, the numerical disadvantage eventually allowed the hosts to fight back and claim a share of the points. The game began with Viking taking an early lead, capitalizing on their home advantage before the dismissal of Olise put Bayern under pressure. Despite being a man down, Harry Kane showcased his clinical form by scoring twice—first converting a penalty and then adding a header—to put the Bundesliga side in a commanding position. The England captain's second goal was a landmark moment, officially breaking a long-standing European competition record formerly held by Messi. Refusing to be intimidated, Viking rallied in the closing stages of the match. Their persistence was rewarded when Herman Haugen scored a late equalizer to level the score at 2-2. Viking’s captain expressed immense pride in the team's resilience and tactical discipline following the final whistle. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany acknowledged his team’s general dominance but lamented the defensive lapses and the impact of the red card on their overall game plan. The result provides Viking with a significant boost as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Aston Villa. For Bayern Munich, the draw highlights areas for improvement before they host Arsenal in their next European outing. Both teams remain competitive in their respective groups, though the focus for Bayern will likely return to their defensive consistency under Kompany’s leadership.

Nicolo Tresoldi fires Club Brugge to 4-3 victory over Inter Milan
sports|

Nicolo Tresoldi fires Club Brugge to 4-3 victory over Inter Milan

Italian striker Nicolo Tresoldi delivered a standout performance for Club Brugge, netting a hat-trick to secure a 4-3 victory over Inter Milan in a thrilling Champions League encounter. The result was particularly historic for the Italian giants, as it marked Inter Milan's fourth consecutive defeat in the competition—an unprecedented record in the club’s storied European history. The match lived up to its billing as a high-scoring affair, with both sides trading blows until the final whistle. The deadlock was broken in the 30th minute when Tresoldi converted a penalty to give the Belgian side the lead. However, Inter Milan responded just before the halftime break, with Lautaro Martinez finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. The momentum shifted back to Club Brugge in the second half, largely due to a critical error from Inter's goalkeeper, which allowed Tresoldi to claim his second goal of the night. Shortly after, the Italian forward completed his hat-trick, extending Club Brugge's advantage to 3-1. Despite the deficit, Inter Milan continued to fight back, with Martinez scoring his second goal of the match to narrow the gap. Club Brugge quickly restored their two-goal cushion through Vermant, making it 4-2. A late strike from Ange-Yoan Bonny for Inter Milan set up a nervous finish, but the Belgian side held firm to claim all three points. The defeat leaves Inter Milan searching for answers as they struggle to find form in Europe, while Club Brugge celebrates a major scalp in the competition.

Anthony Gordon scores debut Champions League goal for Barcelona
sports|

Anthony Gordon scores debut Champions League goal for Barcelona

Anthony Gordon marked a significant milestone in his career by scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal during Barcelona's emphatic 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul. The result moves the Spanish giants to six points in their European campaign, demonstrating their growing momentum. Despite a challenging start in a hostile environment, Barcelona’s clinical second-half performance ensured they left Turkey with all three points. The match began with Galatasaray taking a surprise lead through Aleksey Batrakov, much to the delight of the home supporters. However, Barcelona remained composed and worked their way back into the contest. They found a crucial equalizer just before the halftime break when Joao Cancelo found the net, shifting the psychological advantage back to the visitors before the interval. In the second half, Barcelona took complete control of the match. Fermin Lopez put the visitors ahead before Gordon seized his moment to score his debut goal in the competition. The scoring was completed by Karim Adeyemi, who added a fourth goal to seal the 4-1 win. Gordon's contribution highlights his successful integration into the Barcelona squad as they continue their pursuit of European glory. With six points now secured, Barcelona turns their attention to a highly anticipated clash against Paris Saint-Germain in their next outing. Meanwhile, Galatasaray continues to look for their first win of the season as they prepare for a fixture against Lille. The victory in Istanbul serves as a statement of intent for Barcelona as they navigate the complexities of the current Champions League format.

Real Madrid score three late goals to defeat Roma 4-3
sports|

Real Madrid score three late goals to defeat Roma 4-3

Real Madrid orchestrated a dramatic late comeback at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to secure a 4-3 victory over Roma in the UEFA Champions League. Trailing 3-1 as late as the 83rd minute, the Spanish giants staged a remarkable turnaround that silenced the home crowd and reinforced their reputation for continental resilience. The high-stakes match also marked a significant career milestone for Kylian Mbappe, who made his 100th appearance in the competition. Roma appeared to be in control for much of the encounter, buoyed by the atmosphere surrounding Jose Mourinho’s return to his former home. The Italian side established a commanding lead through goals from Marten de Roon and Donyell Malen, putting Madrid on the brink of defeat. Despite the pressure, Madrid’s technical bench remained proactive, introducing tactical changes and fresh substitutes that would eventually shift the momentum of the game in the dying stages. The recovery began in earnest when substitute Carlos Espi found the net to reduce the deficit, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Moments later, fellow substitute Endrick struck the equalizer, further unsettling the Roma defense and setting up a frantic finale. With the match poised for a draw, Antonio Rudiger completed the stunning turnaround in the 90th minute, slotting home the winner to ensure all three points headed back to Madrid. The victory highlights the significant depth of the Madrid squad and the impact of effective substitutions in high-stakes European fixtures. While Roma will reflect on a missed opportunity to secure a statement win against the Spanish giants, Real Madrid moves forward with renewed momentum in their Champions League campaign. The result leaves the side in a strong position within the group standings as the tournament progresses toward the knockout stages.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA director over $600,000 visa scandal
sports|

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA director over $600,000 visa scandal

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has suspended the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, following allegations of a visa racketeering scandal. The suspension is intended to facilitate a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into illegal activities reportedly linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Minister Adams clarified that the move is not a formal dismissal but a necessary administrative step to ensure the investigation proceeds without interference. The investigation centers on claims that significant sums of money were collected from individuals under the guise of securing visas for the upcoming World Cup. According to Minister Adams, Nana Boateng Gyimah, the CEO of TRIBE Culture Fest, allegedly collected over $600,000 from victims without providing the promised services or issuing refunds. The Ministry has called on national security and law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible for the financial exploitation of prospective travelers. The case gained traction after the former Chief Operating Officer of the NSA, Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, began providing information to authorities. Awere reportedly implicated both Ankrah and Gyimah in the scheme, which involved unauthorized payments and logistical promises. In response to potential legal challenges from the TRIBE Culture Fest CEO, Minister Adams maintained that the priority of the state is to ensure accountability and the protection of the victims' interests. This development highlights ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to sanitize sports administration in Ghana. As the investigation continues, the NSA is expected to cooperate fully with the probe to restore confidence in the management of international tournament preparations. The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether further disciplinary or legal actions will be taken against the suspended director and his alleged associates.

Vinicius Junior receives four-match ban after Villarreal red card
sports|

Vinicius Junior receives four-match ban after Villarreal red card

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been handed a four-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation following a red card incident in a recent La Liga fixture against Villarreal. The disciplinary action comes after the Brazilian international was sent off for violent conduct, with the penalty being extended due to subsequent dissent shown toward the match officials. The decision leaves the Spanish giants without one of their most influential attacking players during a critical stretch of the domestic season. The suspension is officially divided into two distinct components: a two-match ban for the initial act of violent conduct on the pitch and an additional two-match penalty for the player's reaction and language directed at the refereeing team after the dismissal. This rigorous application of the rules reflects La Liga's ongoing efforts to curb aggressive behavior and confrontations between players and officials. The forward's absence presents a significant tactical challenge for manager Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares his squad for upcoming high-stakes encounters. The most notable consequence of the ruling is that Vinicius Junior will be forced to miss the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona, currently scheduled for October 25. In addition to the clash with their arch-rivals, the Real Madrid star is also set to be unavailable for league fixtures against Sevilla, Racing Santander, and Valencia. These absences are expected to put a strain on the team's offensive depth as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table. According to current scheduling, Vinicius Junior is expected to make his return to competitive action against Celta Vigo on November 22. While Real Madrid has not yet officially confirmed if they will appeal the severity of the four-match ban, the player will remain sidelined for the immediate future. The club will now have to look toward its other attacking options to fill the void left by their talismanic winger during this month-long absence.

sports|

Gifty Oware-Mensah charged over GH₵38.4m state financial loss

Gifty Oware-Mensah, a prominent member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has been formally charged with stealing and causing financial loss to the state. The charges involve the alleged misappropriation of GH₵38,458,248.87 over a two-year period. This development has sparked significant controversy within the sporting community, given her influential role in the country's football governing body and her high-profile status. The legal action, initiated by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, centers on financial activities occurring between February 2022 and March 2024. During this timeframe, Oware-Mensah is alleged to have diverted substantial state funds for unauthorized purposes. The specific nature of the theft and the mechanisms used to cause the financial loss are expected to be detailed as the court proceedings commence. The sum involved—exceeding GH₵38.4 million—makes this one of the most substantial financial misconduct cases involving a high-ranking sports official in recent years. The news has generated intense debate and scrutiny within the Ghanaian sports fraternity. As an Executive Council member, Oware-Mensah holds a position of trust and responsibility in the management of national football affairs. Observers have noted that these charges come at a time when the GFA is under increased pressure regarding financial transparency and governance standards. Stakeholders, including football fans and anti-corruption advocates, are calling for a thorough and fair legal process to ensure accountability. As the case progresses through the legal system, the GFA leadership faces questions regarding the status of its council member during the trial. The outcome of these judicial proceedings could have significant implications for the future of football administration in Ghana and the enforcement of financial regulations within sports organizations. For now, the focus remains on the state's efforts to recover the allegedly misappropriated funds through the court system.

PFAG condemns Takyi Arhin for comments about André Ayew
sports|

PFAG condemns Takyi Arhin for comments about André Ayew

The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has issued a public condemnation of Takyi Arhin, the General Manager of Aduana FC, following remarks made concerning Black Stars captain André 'Dede' Ayew. In a formal statement, the association described Arhin’s recent commentary as both disrespectful and inappropriate. The PFAG, which acts as the representative body for professional footballers in the country, expressed deep disappointment that such sentiments were voiced by a senior football administrator. The controversy arose from comments where Arhin reportedly suggested that Ayew would be unable to attain the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as long as the incumbent, Kurt Okraku, remains in power. Furthermore, Arhin’s remarks allegedly included a derogatory reference to "goat farming" in relation to the veteran forward’s career prospects. The PFAG maintains that these statements undermine the dignity of the player and the professional standards expected within the Ghanaian football fraternity. In its defense of the national captain, the PFAG highlighted Ayew’s long-standing dedication and his status as one of Ghana's most decorated international players. The association emphasized that players who have committed significant portions of their lives to the national team deserve to be treated with honor rather than public ridicule. They urged all football stakeholders to exercise restraint and maintain a level of decorum that preserves the integrity of the game and its participants. The backlash from the PFAG signals a broader call for respect within the sport’s administrative circles, particularly regarding the future ambitions of active players. As the domestic football scene navigates various leadership discussions, the association’s stance serves as a reminder that personal attacks have no place in professional discourse. The PFAG has called on administrators like Arhin to focus on the development of the sport rather than making dismissive comments about the aspirations of national icons.

Kwasi Adu handed three-match ban and GH₵10,000 fine by GFA
sports|

Kwasi Adu handed three-match ban and GH₵10,000 fine by GFA

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee has officially announced a series of sanctions against Kwasi Adu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bibiani Gold Stars. The ruling follows an investigation into incidents that occurred during a competitive fixture between Bibiani Gold Stars and Accra Hearts of Oak. For his actions during the encounter, Adu has been handed a three-match suspension from all football-related activities and a financial penalty of GH₵10,000. The disciplinary action stems from two primary breaches of conduct during the match. According to the committee's findings, Adu made an unauthorized entry into the inner perimeter of the stadium, a restricted area reserved for players, technical staff, and authorized officials. Furthermore, the CEO was found to have engaged in the verbal abuse of match officials, undermining the authority of the refereeing team and violating the standards of behavior expected from high-ranking club executives. This ruling serves as a significant signal from the GFA regarding its commitment to maintaining order at match venues. By imposing both a suspension and a heavy fine, the association aims to enforce stadium discipline and ensure the safety and professional integrity of match officials. The suspension will prevent Adu from having any official presence during his club’s next three matches, while the GH₵10,000 fine must be settled as part of the disciplinary requirements to uphold the GFA's regulations on match-day conduct.