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.

Dominic Solanke scores stoppage-time equaliser at Manchester United
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Dominic Solanke scores stoppage-time equaliser at Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke rescued a point for his side with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The late strike ensured a 1-1 draw for Spurs in a match that appeared to be slipping away following a series of setbacks in the second half. The result is particularly significant given the circumstances under which it was achieved, with the visiting side forced to play the closing stages of the game with only ten men. The contest remained tense until the 73rd minute when Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring, capitalising on the home side's pressure to give United the lead. Tottenham's situation became even more precarious shortly after the goal when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a red card. The dismissal left Spurs facing an uphill battle to avoid defeat, as they struggled to maintain their defensive shape while searching for a way back into the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Tottenham continued to push forward in the final minutes of the match. Their resilience was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Solanke found an opening to level the scores. The equaliser allows Tottenham to climb away from the bottom of the Premier League table, offering a platform for improvement in their upcoming fixtures. Conversely, the draw adds to the mounting pressure on Manchester United, who have had a difficult start to the season with only one victory recorded so far.

Patrice Motsepe will not seek re-election as CAF president
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Patrice Motsepe will not seek re-election as CAF president

Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially declared that his current term will be his last in office. Speaking during a press conference at the CAF Strategy Conference held in Cape Verde, Motsepe confirmed that he does not intend to stand for re-election when his tenure expires. The announcement marks a significant shift for the continent's football governing body as it prepares for a transition in leadership. During the conference, Motsepe emphasized that his primary focus remains on establishing a sustainable and solid foundation for the future of African football. Since taking office in March 2021, the South African businessman has prioritized structural reforms aimed at increasing the commercial viability of the sport across the continent. He noted that the work being done now is intended to benefit the game for decades to come, regardless of who holds the presidency. The CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde was organized to discuss critical development priorities and the long-term strategic direction of the organization. Motsepe used the platform to highlight the importance of institutional stability over individual tenures, suggesting that stepping aside after his current term is part of a broader commitment to healthy governance within the confederation. He reiterated that the goal of the current leadership is to leave African football in a stronger position than they found it. As Motsepe enters the final phase of his presidency, attention will likely turn to potential successors and the continuity of his reform agenda. His tenure has seen a focus on improving the quality of domestic competitions and securing more lucrative sponsorship deals for CAF. The next elective congress will be a pivotal moment for member associations to decide on the future path of the organization in the wake of Motsepe's departure.

Sydney Wright sweeps singles and doubles titles at ITF J100 Accra
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Sydney Wright sweeps singles and doubles titles at ITF J100 Accra

American tennis player Sydney Wright dominated the ITF J100 Accra tournament, clinching both the girls' singles and doubles championships at the National Tennis Centre. The third-seeded player successfully defended her singles title while adding a doubles trophy to her collection, marking a significant milestone in the Tennis Foundation Ghana Open. Wright’s performance throughout the event established her as a dominant force in this leg of the international junior circuit. In the singles final, Wright delivered a commanding performance against Zimbabwe’s Kuzivaishe Chappa, winning in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-0. Her path to the final was marked by a challenging three-set semifinal victory over the tournament's top seed, Alisha Ndukwu of Poland. Throughout the competition, Wright demonstrated high levels of resilience and technical skill, maintaining focus after her grueling semifinal encounter to secure a clinical victory in the championship match. Wright extended her winning streak into the doubles event, partnering with Nigerian player Success Ogunjobi. The duo faced Alisha Ndukwu and Russia’s Milana Kolesova in the final. Showcasing exceptional communication and aggressive play, Wright and Ogunjobi secured a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory. Their coordination allowed them to maintain control of the match from start to finish, effectively neutralising their opponents' strategies and ensuring Wright left the tournament with two gold medals. The double victory concludes a successful campaign for Wright during the six-week junior tour in Ghana. Organized by Tennis Foundation Ghana, the J100 Accra event serves as a critical platform for young international players to gain points and professional experience. The successful completion of the tournament highlights the growing importance of the Tennis Foundation Ghana Open within the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit.

Sports Ministry clarifies 2026 World Cup visa arrangements
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Sports Ministry clarifies 2026 World Cup visa arrangements

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has held a press conference to address allegations of visa fraud and irregularities related to Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sports Minister Kofi Adams provided a detailed chronology of the ministry's engagements with the U.S. Embassy, defending the official processes against claims of personal financial benefit. The ministry clarified that discussions regarding visa facilitation began months before the current controversy, with the ministry only becoming directly involved in May 2026 to coordinate requests for National Sports Authority (NSA) volunteers and event coordinators. Wonder Sitsofe Mandel, a special aide to the Sports Minister, explained that the U.S. Embassy recognized the NSA, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) as separate entities with distinct arrangements for visa and consular services. This multi-track system was established during a meeting in April 2026 to streamline applications for various groups, including those involved with the TRIBE Culture Fest. Mandel emphasized that the embassy had specifically warned the ministry against individuals falsely claiming they could secure visa appointments, a warning that the Sports Minister had passed on to prospective travelers to protect them from scammers. The investigation into the matter follows the submission of a list of 90 names by the NSA, which triggered concerns regarding misrepresentation. In response to the unfolding scandal, President John Mahama directed the NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to step aside to allow for a full inquiry. The ministry also clarified that Yaw Kusi Awere, an individual identified in correspondence with embassies regarding visa facilitation, was not an employee of the NSA during the period in question. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently probing the applications of over 30 individuals allegedly misrepresented as being linked to the GTA. Amidst the ongoing CID investigation, Jerry Avernugbor, the lawyer for the suspended NSA Director-General, has maintained his client's innocence. Avernugbor stated that Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has neither requested nor received any money to facilitate visas and has cooperated fully with the police over the past month. While acknowledging that Ankrah was introduced to a company by a U.S. Embassy representative, the lawyer insisted that no financial transactions occurred and urged the public to refrain from judgment until the investigation is complete.

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Antoine Semenyo returns to fitness for Manchester City clash with Liverpool

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has returned to full fitness ahead of a high-profile fixture against Liverpool, just days after withdrawing from the Ghana national team. The 26-year-old’s availability for his club side has sparked intense debate among Ghanaian football fans regarding the player's commitment to the Black Stars during a critical period for the national team. Semenyo was notably absent from the Black Stars' recent squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against C$te d'Ivoire and The Gambia. The forward cited a swollen leg that required immediate medical treatment as the reason for his inability to represent Ghana. His absence was felt by the national team, which is currently navigating a competitive qualification phase for the continental tournament. The timing of his recovery has led to a divided reaction within the Ghanaian sporting community. While some supporters express relief at seeing a key Ghanaian international back in action at the highest level of English football, others have questioned the nature of the injury and why he could not feature for the national team. This incident highlights the recurring tension between club responsibilities and international duties that often faces African players competing in major European leagues. As Manchester City prepares for the upcoming match against Liverpool, the focus remains on Semenyo's performance and his future relationship with the national team setup. The technical team of the Black Stars will likely monitor his progress closely ahead of future international windows to ensure he remains an integral part of the squad’s plans.

Five individuals, including representatives from StarOil and the Rugby League Federation Ghana, stand together for a group photo in front of a branded backdrop. Three of the individuals are wearing official black and kente-patterned jerseys while holding rugby balls, highlighting a corporate sponsorship deal.
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StarOil donates GH₵10,000 to Rugby League Federation Ghana

StarOil has officially presented a donation of GH₵10,000 to the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) to facilitate the organization of the second edition of the Friday Night Footy event. The tournament, which is a key fixture in the federation's calendar, is scheduled to take place on 6 November 2026. This financial contribution is part of a broader effort to promote the sport and engage Ghanaian youth in competitive athletic activities. The donation is specifically designated to cover essential operational and logistical costs associated with hosting a high-quality night-time sporting event. The funds will be used to manage transportation for the participating teams and to secure the necessary stadium lighting required for the evening matches. By subsidizing these overheads, StarOil is helping to ensure that the tournament remains accessible and well-organized for both the athletes and the attending fans. Leadership from the Rugby League Federation Ghana visited StarOil to receive the funds and discuss the future of the partnership. The RLFG has been active in seeking private sector support to foster the growth of Rugby League in the country, emphasizing its potential for talent discovery and character building among the youth. StarOil’s support is seen as a validation of the federation's efforts to create professional platforms for emerging rugby players. As preparations for the November event continue, the federation expects that the second edition of Friday Night Footy will draw significant interest from the public. The collaboration with StarOil underscores the importance of corporate sponsorship in the development of niche sports in Ghana. Moving forward, the RLFG aims to leverage such partnerships to build sustainable league structures and increase the visibility of Rugby League across various regions.

Leopoldo Luque faces 12-year sentence request over Maradona death
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Leopoldo Luque faces 12-year sentence request over Maradona death

Argentine prosecutors have formally requested a 12-year prison sentence for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque in connection with the death of football legend Diego Maradona. Luque, who was Maradona's primary physician, is the lead defendant among six medical professionals accused of providing inadequate care to the 1986 World Cup winner. The prosecution argues that the medical team’s actions, or lack thereof, constituted "simple homicide with eventual intent," implying they knew Maradona could die but did nothing to prevent it. In addition to the 12-year demand for Luque, prosecutors have asked for an eight-year sentence for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. The legal proceedings center on the conditions of Maradona's care at a rented residence in Tigre, Argentina, where he was recovering from brain surgery in November 2020. Investigators previously concluded that the medical treatment was "deficient, reckless, and indifferent," and that Maradona was left to his fate for a prolonged period leading up to his death from heart failure. The trial has been closely watched globally, given Maradona's status as a national icon in Argentina and a figure of immense significance in sports history. The prosecution's sentencing requests mark a pivotal stage in the trial, which seeks to establish whether the medical team ignored clear warning signs regarding Maradona's deteriorating health. The defense is expected to deliver its closing arguments before the court retires to deliberate on a final verdict in the coming months.

Black Queens aim for 2028 Olympic Games debut after decades of near misses
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Black Queens aim for 2028 Olympic Games debut after decades of near misses

The Black Queens are intensifying their focus on securing a first-ever qualification for the Olympic Games after a long history of disappointment on the continental stage. Despite being one of Africa's most established women's football programs, the team has missed out on every Olympic tournament since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1996. The national side is now looking toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a definitive opportunity to break this long-standing drought and finally establish their presence in the global Olympic arena. The journey to the Olympics has been marked by several heartbreaking "near misses" that have defined the team's historical attempts at qualification. The Black Queens came closest to reaching the tournament in 2008 for the Beijing Games but fell just short during the final stages of the qualifying campaign. Over the decades, they have faced significant hurdles from major continental rivals, including narrow defeats against Nigeria and a difficult playoff against Brazil, which have repeatedly stalled their progress. These historical setbacks highlight a persistent gap between the team's strong continental reputation and their ability to secure one of the limited African slots for the Olympics. While the Black Queens have frequently competed in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the past, the Olympic qualification format has proven uniquely difficult. Analysis of recent performances indicates that while the talent pool remains deep, there is a pressing need for improved tactical preparation and more consistent execution to avoid the "crashouts" seen in previous cycles. Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles cycle, the pressure is mounting for the Ghana Football Association and the technical staff to ensure a more successful qualifying path. The Black Queens cannot afford another cycle of narrow misses if they are to maintain their status as a top-tier African side and progress on the international stage. Success in the upcoming qualifiers will require addressing the defensive lapses and mental hurdles that characterized past failures, turning decades of frustration into a historic Olympic debut in the United States.

Prempeh Elite Academy qualifies for KGL U17 Colts semifinals
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Prempeh Elite Academy qualifies for KGL U17 Colts semifinals

Prempeh Elite Academy has secured its place in the semifinals of the 2026 KGL Foundation Inter-Regional U17 Colts Championship after a dominant display in the group stages. The academy finished at the top of Group A, amassing 13 points throughout the opening phase of the competition. Their progression was solidified following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Upper East Region, which confirmed their status as one of the tournament's strongest contenders. In the decisive group match against Upper East, Yusif Sabits emerged as the standout performer for Prempeh Elite Academy. Sabits scored the only goal of the game to secure the three points and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his influential contribution. This victory underscored the academy's consistency and technical discipline, traits that have characterized their run in the 2026 edition of the youth tournament. The tournament organizers have confirmed the semifinal pairings, with Prempeh Elite Academy set to face the Western Region on October 9. While Prempeh Elite enters the match as favorites based on their group stage form, the Western Region side is expected to provide a significant challenge as they aim for an upset. The second semifinal fixture will see Brong Ahafo take on Greater Accra to determine who will proceed to the championship decider. This regional competition, sponsored by the KGL Foundation, serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young Ghanaian football talent. By providing high-stakes competitive experience for Under-17 players, the championship aims to bridge the gap between grassroots football and professional career paths. The winners of the upcoming semifinals will meet in the grand finale scheduled for October 11.

Nana Frimpong alleges Berekum Chelsea sacrificed late son Dominic
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Nana Frimpong alleges Berekum Chelsea sacrificed late son Dominic

Nana Frimpong, the father of the late Berekum Chelsea player Dominic Frimpong, has publicly challenged the official account of his son’s death, alleging that the footballer was sacrificed by the club. While official reports at the time stated that Dominic Frimpong died from a gunshot wound during a highway robbery involving the team bus, his father claims his own observations of the body suggest a different and more sinister narrative. In an interview with Fakye TV, Nana Frimpong asserted that he found no physical evidence of a gunshot wound on his son's remains. This discrepancy led him to believe that the robbery story was a cover for a ritual sacrifice. He specifically alleged that the club orchestrated the act as a spiritual intervention to ensure their survival in the league, stating, "My son was sacrificed by the team to avoid relegation." The death of Dominic Frimpong occurred during a period where the team was reportedly struggling to maintain its position in the top flight of Ghanaian football. Allegations regarding the use of spiritual or ritualistic practices are occasionally discussed in the periphery of local football, but they are rarely backed by such direct public accusations from a family member. Nana Frimpong’s claims have sparked debate among the sporting community, raising questions about the internal culture of professional clubs and the pressures of competition. As of now, Berekum Chelsea has not issued a formal rebuttal to these specific allegations. The father’s testimony adds a layer of controversy to a tragic event that had previously been categorized as a result of the insecurity on Ghanaian roads. The grieving father continues to call for further scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the loss of his son, seeking what he describes as the true story behind the tragedy.

Enzo Maresca says Manchester City squad is unfazed by guilty verdict
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Enzo Maresca says Manchester City squad is unfazed by guilty verdict

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has described the atmosphere within his squad as "fantastic," insisting that his players remain entirely focused on their football despite the club being found guilty of multiple Premier League charges. Speaking following the release of a significant report into the club's financial conduct, Maresca emphasized that the "external noise" surrounding the legal and regulatory battle has not distracted the team as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. This resilience comes as the club continues to integrate international players back into the first-team environment following the recent break. The comments come in the wake of a ruling that found the reigning Premier League champions guilty of the majority of charges brought against them. The investigation revealed the club’s extensive use of sham contracts to conceal over £830m in funding, a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the football world and raised questions about the club's long-term financial reporting. Despite the gravity of these findings and the potential for significant penalties, Maresca maintained a positive outlook on the group’s mental state during recent training sessions. International players returned to the club's training grounds on Thursday, marking a full return to duties and allowing the coaching staff to assess the squad's readiness. According to the head coach, the integration of these players has been seamless, with the group maintaining a professional approach to their daily routines regardless of the administrative challenges facing the organization. The "fantastic" feeling reported by Maresca suggests a concerted effort within the dressing room to insulate the playing staff from the ongoing controversy involving the club's hierarchy and the Premier League authorities. As Manchester City navigates this period of intense scrutiny, the focus remains on maintaining their competitive edge on the pitch. While the long-term implications of the guilty verdict and the revelations regarding hidden funding continue to be debated by analysts and fans alike, the immediate priority for Maresca and his players is to ensure that the off-field distractions do not derail their pursuit of further silverware in domestic and international competitions.

Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill details alleged physical abuse in Tyreek Hill civil trial
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Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill details alleged physical abuse in Tyreek Hill civil trial

Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill has provided emotional testimony in a Miami civil trial, detailing a series of alleged physical assaults during her marriage to NFL wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Speaking before the court, she described a pattern of domestic violence that she claims characterized her relationship with the high-profile athlete, who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins. The proceedings are focused on civil claims arising from several incidents during their time together. During her testimony, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill focused on a specific incident that occurred in July 2024, while she was pregnant. She recounted a distressing moment when Hill allegedly attempted to punch her in the stomach. According to her account, this episode stood out as one of the most severe instances of abuse she endured during their marriage. The testimony also included allegations regarding other forms of physical violence, such as having her hair ripped during confrontations. The civil trial represents a significant legal challenge for Tyreek Hill, whose career has been marked by both professional success and past legal issues. As the proceedings continue in Miami, the court is expected to examine further evidence and hear from additional witnesses regarding the nature of the couple's relationship and the specific claims of assault. The outcome of this trial could have lasting implications for the NFL star’s public standing and professional future.