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.

FIFA selects Rabat to host 2027 Women's World Cup play-off phase
sports|

FIFA selects Rabat to host 2027 Women's World Cup play-off phase

FIFA has officially designated Rabat, Morocco, as the host city for the preliminary phase of the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place from 28 November to 5 December 2026. This stage is a critical step for nations aiming to secure a place in the global tournament, which will be hosted in Brazil in 2027. Six nations from across the globe will compete at the Mohammed VI Football Complex for a chance to advance to the final phase. The participating teams include Ghana and South Africa, alongside Chinese Taipei, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan. The choice of venue highlights Morocco's established infrastructure and its frequent role as a host for major international women's football events. The stakes for this week-long preliminary tournament are significant, as only two slots are available for the final phase of the play-off tournament. For teams like Ghana’s Black Queens and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the matches in Rabat represent a vital opportunity to maintain their pursuit of a World Cup appearance. The tournament format is designed to filter the field down to the most competitive challengers for the remaining global spots. This selection by FIFA underscores Morocco's ongoing commitment to the development of the women's game and its position as a footballing hub in Africa. As the international football community turns its attention toward 2027, the results of this preliminary phase will determine which nations move one step closer to the 10th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Accra Hearts of Oak record 10th consecutive home clean sheet
sports|

Accra Hearts of Oak record 10th consecutive home clean sheet

Accra Hearts of Oak have reached a significant defensive milestone in the Ghana Premier League, securing their 10th consecutive clean sheet at the University of Ghana (UG) Stadium. This achievement highlights the club's successful transformation of their home ground into a defensive fortress, where visiting teams have consistently struggled to find the back of the net. The streak, spanning 10 home matches, reflects a level of tactical discipline and defensive organization that has become a hallmark of the Phobians' recent performances under their current technical setup. The defensive resilience shown by the team has made the UG Stadium one of the most formidable venues for any opponent in the league. By maintaining 10 straight shutouts on home turf, Hearts of Oak have demonstrated a robust structure that prioritizes solid positioning, communication, and collective responsibility. This consistency at the back has provided a reliable foundation for the club, ensuring they remain competitive and difficult to beat even when offensive opportunities are limited. As the league season progresses, this record serves as both a psychological advantage for the players and a significant challenge for rival clubs. The ability to keep clean sheets consistently at home is often a key indicator of a disciplined side with aspirations for the top of the table. Moving forward, maintaining this "fortress" status at the University of Ghana Stadium will be crucial as Accra Hearts of Oak look to climb the standings and build momentum for the remainder of the campaign.

Predrag Jaredic resigns from Vision FC with one win in eight matches
sports|

Predrag Jaredic resigns from Vision FC with one win in eight matches

Predrag Jaredic has stepped down from his role as the head coach of Vision FC with immediate effect. The Montenegrin tactician’s departure follows a challenging period for the club in the Ghana Premier League, where the team struggled to maintain consistent form in their debut top-flight campaign. The decision was finalized and announced on October 24, 2026, shortly after the squad suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Accra Hearts of Oak, a result that ultimately concluded Jaredic’s brief tenure. Jaredic was appointed to lead the side on June 29, 2026, taking over the reins from his predecessor, Nana Kwaku Agyemang. Despite expectations for a stable season, his time on the sidelines was marked by difficulty in securing points, resulting in only one victory across his eight league matches in charge. This run of results placed significant pressure on the technical team, leading to a mutual agreement that a change in leadership would be the best course of action for the club's future prospects. In an official statement, Vision FC management expressed their gratitude to Jaredic for his hard work and professional commitment during his stay and offered well wishes for his future career. The club now faces a quick turnaround as they prepare for their next league encounter against Dreams FC on October 25, 2026. The technical team is expected to implement interim measures while the board begins the search for a permanent successor to guide the team away from the lower reaches of the league table.

Mohammed Kudus sustains injury in Tottenham victory over Coventry City
sports|

Mohammed Kudus sustains injury in Tottenham victory over Coventry City

Black Stars forward Mohammed Kudus sustained a fresh injury during Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City on October 19, 2026. While the match served as a positive result for the North London club, the sight of their Ghanaian playmaker limping in the final minutes of the encounter has cast a shadow over the win. Kudus, who has become a focal point of the Tottenham attack, appeared to be in discomfort as the game drew to a close, raising immediate red flags for both his club and the Ghana national team. Before the injury occurred, Kudus delivered a standout performance that reminded fans and pundits of his immense technical ability. Deployed on the right wing, he was a constant threat to the Coventry City defense, utilizing his trademark dribbling skills and intelligent movement to bypass opponents. He was instrumental in creating multiple scoring opportunities, playing a key role in the sequences that led to Tottenham's three goals. His work rate and ability to transition quickly from midfield to attack were highlights of the match until his physical setback late in the game. The injury comes at a precarious time for Ghana, as the Black Stars are preparing for critical upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. As one of the most influential players in the national squad, Kudus’ fitness is central to Ghana’s tactical plans. The technical team will be monitoring the situation closely and awaiting a formal medical report from Tottenham Hotspur’s medical department to determine the severity of the knock and whether he will be available for international duty. While the extent of the injury remains unknown, the prospect of losing Kudus for any length of time is a significant concern. For Tottenham, he has been a consistent performer in their domestic campaign, and for Ghana, he is the creative engine required to secure qualification for continental tournaments. Supporters of both teams are hopeful that the limping was merely a minor strain rather than a long-term setback that could sideline the midfielder during a crucial period of the football calendar.

Temba Bavuma hits career-best 179 runs in second Test against Australia
sports|

Temba Bavuma hits career-best 179 runs in second Test against Australia

South African captain Temba Bavuma produced a monumental career-best performance, scoring 179 runs to anchor his team’s first innings in the second Test against Australia at St George's Park. His resilient knock was the cornerstone of a total of 425 for nine declared, placing the Proteas in a commanding position by the end of the third day. Bavuma's effort is particularly significant as it successfully navigated South Africa through a period of extreme pressure following a top-order collapse that left the team vulnerable. The innings was a masterclass in endurance and concentration, spanning over nine hours and 334 deliveries. Bavuma struck 18 boundaries and one six during his stay at the crease. When he was joined in the middle, South Africa was reeling at 97 for five, facing the prospect of a low total. However, the captain found reliable partners in the lower order, building crucial stands with Marco Jansen, who scored 85, and Simon Harmer, who contributed 82. Together, these partnerships systematically dismantled the Australian bowling attack and shifted the momentum of the match decisively in favor of the hosts. The dominance continued into the final moments of the day as South Africa’s bowlers immediately applied pressure on the visitors. Kagiso Rabada made an early breakthrough by dismissing Australian opener Nic Maddinson for a duck. This left Australia struggling at three runs for the loss of one wicket at stumps. With a substantial first-innings lead and the pitch showing signs of wear, South Africa enters the fourth day as the clear favorites to maintain their advantage and press for a victory.

Dwight Yorke confirms interest in Black Stars head coach job
sports|

Dwight Yorke confirms interest in Black Stars head coach job

Dwight Yorke, the former Manchester United and Trinidad and Tobago striker, has officially confirmed his interest in becoming the head coach of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars. His declaration comes at a pivotal moment for the squad following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. Yorke, who has recently transitioned into coaching, cited the abundance of talent within the Ghanaian setup as a primary motivation for his desire to lead the four-time African champions. The former Premier League star emphasized that while individual talent is evident, the Black Stars currently suffer from a lack of a cohesive team culture and a unified vision. Yorke noted that fixing the national team’s performance requires more than tactical adjustments; it necessitates fostering a stronger sense of commitment and discipline among the players. He identified this lack of cohesion as a critical barrier that has hindered the team’s success in recent international competitions. Currently, the Black Stars find themselves in a challenging position, sitting at the bottom of Group C in their qualifying campaign after suffering two consecutive losses. To manage the immediate crisis, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed an interim technical team led by Kim Lars Björkegren. This temporary leadership is tasked with navigating upcoming qualifiers while the GFA evaluates potential permanent candidates to steer the national team back to its former prominence. Yorke’s interest adds a high-profile name to the potential pool of candidates for the GFA to consider. As a former captain and world-class forward, his focus on establishing a new team culture aligns with the concerns of many supporters who have called for structural reforms. The coming weeks will determine whether the GFA pursues Yorke’s interest or opts for a different direction to revive Ghana’s qualifying hopes.

Cristiano Ronaldo is captured in a close-up shot during a football match, looking upwards with a frustrated or disappointed expression. He is wearing his yellow Al Nassr FC jersey with a captain's armband against a blurred background of stadium spectators.
sports|

Cristiano Ronaldo receives 30-day suspension from Portuguese FA

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has handed national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a €255 (£215) fine following his unauthorized departure from the international camp in September. The disciplinary action follows a dispute over the 41-year-old forward's role in the squad, which led to him leaving the team hotel prematurely. Despite the suspension, the FPF cited Ronaldo’s remorse and his historic contributions to the sport as mitigating factors in their final ruling. The friction between the veteran striker and head coach Jorge Jesus reached a breaking point during the September international break. After remaining an unused substitute in a match against Norway, Ronaldo was reportedly informed he would also start on the bench for the subsequent game against Denmark. In his defense, Ronaldo alleged that the coach had broken specific promises regarding his starting status, describing the situation as an "absolute breach of trust." While Jesus has publicly denied making any such agreements with the player, the FPF disciplinary committee reviewed Ronaldo's extensive achievements as part of his formal defense. Despite the 30-day duration of the ban, the practical impact on Portugal’s upcoming competitive schedule is minimal. Ronaldo has already served 19 days of the suspension, meaning he will be eligible for selection in the forthcoming matches against Denmark and Wales. The federation emphasized that the sanction was necessary to maintain squad discipline, yet they opted for a modest fine and a timeline that ensures the captain's availability for the next round of international fixtures. Looking forward, the door remains open for the legendary forward to return to the national setup. Coach Jorge Jesus has indicated a willingness to reintegrate the captain, provided the internal rift is settled. As the all-time leading scorer in international football with 146 goals in 234 appearances, Ronaldo remains a central figure for Portugal. This resolution allows the team to move past the September incident as they continue their qualifying campaigns with their most experienced player back in the fold.

Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim Black Stars head coach
sports|

Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim Black Stars head coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has named Kim Lars Björkegren as the interim head coach of the Black Stars for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Björkegren, who currently serves as the head coach of the senior women's national team, the Black Queens, will take charge of the men’s senior team for a crucial double-header against Somalia in November. This decision follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz and aims to stabilize the team during a critical phase of the qualification campaign. Björkegren will be supported by a technical staff including assistant coaches Godwin Attram and Ibrahim Tanko. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum explained that the association opted for Björkegren due to the distinct schedules of the men’s and women’s international football windows, which allow him to manage both roles temporarily without conflict. A specialized committee recommended the appointment to ensure the Black Stars have experienced leadership for the immediate fixtures while the search for a permanent solution continues. The GFA has clarified that this arrangement is strictly transitional, with plans to appoint a substantive head coach by the end of November 2026. Asante Twum emphasized that the primary objective for the interim technical team is to secure the necessary points against Somalia to put Ghana’s qualifying efforts back on track. The association expects to complete the recruitment process for a permanent successor to Queiroz within the next two years, following a thorough assessment of potential candidates.

Sekondi Sports Stadium hosts first competitive match in seven years
sports|

Sekondi Sports Stadium hosts first competitive match in seven years

The Sekondi Sports Stadium returned to active service on October 13, 2025, hosting its first competitive football match in seven years. The reopening was headlined by a dominant performance from Ghana’s national women’s team, the Black Queens, who secured a 7-0 victory over Mauritius in an Olympic qualifying fixture. This milestone event followed a period of essential renovations aimed at restoring the facility, which had been largely dormant for high-level competitive play for nearly a decade. The renovation efforts focused on several critical areas of the stadium's infrastructure to prepare for the fixture. Work included the replacement of thousands of damaged seats and the restoration of the electronic scoreboard, which had long been non-functional. While these improvements allowed for the successful hosting of the international football match, the facility's overall utility remains limited. Technical assessments indicate that the track and field infrastructure still does not meet the international standards required for major athletics competitions, restricting the venue's ability to host diverse sporting events. Historical management issues continue to shadow the stadium’s return to service. Since its completion for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, the venue has faced persistent maintenance challenges and the underutilization of its auxiliary facilities, including the on-site hotel spaces which have remained largely inactive. These concerns highlight ongoing debate regarding the sustainability of national sports infrastructure and the need for a comprehensive management plan to prevent further deterioration. The return of international football to the Western Region is a significant boost for local fans and the broader sporting community. However, the long-term success of the Sekondi Sports Stadium depends on the government's ability to provide consistent maintenance and further investment to address technical shortcomings in the athletics facilities. Stakeholders remain watchful to see if the current administration can ensure the stadium remains a functional and self-sustaining asset for Ghanaian sports.

Black Starlets miss AFCON qualification after 1-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire
sports|

Black Starlets miss AFCON qualification after 1-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire

Ghana’s Under-17 national team, the Black Starlets, have failed to qualify for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. The match was part of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship, where a victory was required to secure a spot in the continental tournament. This defeat carries significant consequences for the youth side, as missing the AFCON also means the team will not participate in the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Coach Kassim Mingle’s side entered the semi-final with high expectations after an impressive performance in the group stages. The Black Starlets finished at the top of Group A, remaining unbeaten and securing seven points from three matches. However, the semi-final encounter proved challenging, particularly after Ghana was reduced to 10 men. The Ivorian team capitalized on the numerical advantage to score the decisive goal, securing their place in the tournament final and confirming their own AFCON qualification. The elimination marks a disappointing conclusion to a campaign that had initially shown great promise for Ghana’s youth development. By failing to reach the final of the WAFU Zone B tournament, the Starlets lose out on critical competitive experience at both the continental and global levels. Moving forward, Coach Mingle and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are expected to evaluate the team's performance and review development strategies to ensure the squad is better prepared for future international qualifying cycles.

A close-up photograph of a professional football player wearing a black carbon-fiber protective facial mask. The subject is looking upwards with a serious expression, highlighting the specialized equipment often used by athletes to play through facial injuries.
sports|

Barcelona lose Jules Koundé and Eric García ahead of PSG clash

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is facing a significant defensive selection crisis following news that both Jules Koundé and Eric García have been ruled out of the team's upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. The double injury blow comes at a critical juncture for the Catalan club as they prepare for high-stakes matches in both European and domestic competitions. French international Jules Koundé has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, an injury that immediately removes him from contention for the PSG clash. Beyond the immediate European fixture, there are growing concerns regarding his availability for the upcoming Clásico against Real Madrid. Koundé has been a mainstay in Flick's defensive setup, and his absence creates a significant void on the right side of the defense that will be difficult to fill against elite opposition. Compounding the team's defensive woes, Eric García is set for a more extended period on the sidelines. The Spanish defender is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks due to a muscle injury. García’s versatility across the backline and into the midfield had provided valuable depth for Barcelona, making his month-long absence a difficult obstacle for the technical team to navigate as the schedule intensifies. The simultaneous loss of these two key players leaves Hansi Flick with limited tactical options as he prepares to face a formidable Paris Saint-Germain attack. The coaching staff will now have to look toward their remaining defensive assets and potentially promote talent from the youth ranks to fill the gaps. How the squad manages this period will be instrumental in determining their momentum as they head into the business end of the season and navigate crucial matches in both the Champions League and La Liga.

sports|

George Afriyie alleges GFA owes prize money to recent league winners

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has raised serious concerns regarding the disbursement of prize money to champions of the Ghana Premier League (GPL). According to Mr. Afriyie, two of the league’s recent titleholders, Bibiani Gold Stars and Medeama SC, are yet to receive the official financial rewards associated with their respective championship victories. These allegations suggest a significant delay in the fulfillment of financial obligations by the nation's football governing body to its top-tier clubs. The claims involve the two most recent domestic campaigns. Bibiani Gold Stars made history by clinching the Ghana Premier League title during the 2024/25 season, an achievement that was expected to come with a substantial cash prize to aid the club's operations and continental ambitions. Similarly, Medeama SC, who secured the championship in the subsequent 2025/26 campaign, are also reportedly waiting for their prize money. Mr. Afriyie’s public statements highlight what he describes as a failure by the GFA to settle these outstanding debts to the clubs that have reached the pinnacle of Ghanaian football. The non-payment of prize money poses significant challenges for domestic clubs, which often rely on these funds to offset the high costs of competing at the highest level, including player salaries, travel expenses, and infrastructure development. As a former high-ranking official within the GFA, George Afriyie’s allegations bring renewed scrutiny to the association's financial management and its commitment to supporting its member clubs. The GFA has yet to issue a formal response to these specific claims regarding the 2024/25 and 2025/26 championship payouts.