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.

Kelvin Osei Asibey wins Man of the Match in Hearts of Oak 1-0 victory
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Kelvin Osei Asibey wins Man of the Match in Hearts of Oak 1-0 victory

Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Osei Asibey has been named the NASCO Man of the Match following his strong performance in the Phobians' 1-0 victory against Vision FC. The Week 7 Ghana Premier League fixture, played at the Nii Adjei Kraku Complex, saw Asibey anchoring a defense that successfully repelled the home side's attacks to secure a crucial clean sheet and all three points for the visitors. The match was decided in the final minutes of play when substitute Kwesi Asmah found the back of the net in the 86th minute. Asmah took full advantage of a defensive error and a poor clearance by a Vision FC player to score the only goal of the game. While the late strike secured the win, Asibey’s consistent presence and leadership in the backline throughout the match were instrumental in keeping Hearts of Oak in a position to claim the victory. Asibey’s recognition is part of the weekly honors provided by league sponsors Electroland Ghana Limited, with each Man of the Match recipient receiving a 32-inch NASCO television set. Other winners from the Week 7 round of games included Berekum Chelsea defender Fuseini Zachariah, who was honored for his role in a 2-0 win over Heart of Lions at the Kpando Stadium. Other players from clubs such as Asante Kotoko, FC Samartex 1996, and Basake Holy Stars also picked up individual accolades during this round of fixtures. This result marks an important step for Hearts of Oak as they look to climb the league table and find consistency in their performance. For Kelvin Osei Asibey, the award highlights his emergence as a key figure in the squad's defensive setup. The Phobians will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches, while the individual excellence shown by players like Asibey continues to be a highlight of the domestic top-flight competition.

Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim Black Stars head coach
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Kim Lars Björkegren appointed interim Black Stars head coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Kim Lars Björkegren as the interim head coach of the Black Stars. Björkegren, who currently serves as the head coach of the Black Queens, takes over the senior men's national team following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. He will be supported by an interim technical team including assistants Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram as they prepare for upcoming assignments, including qualifiers against Somalia. The selection process was conducted by a five-member committee led by Fred Pappoe, a former Vice-President of the GFA. According to reports, the committee opted for the Swedish manager after several local coaches who were interviewed for the position did not meet the expectations required for the role. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum defended the choice, describing Björkegren as the "best-performing coach" across the various national team structures at this time. While the appointment has been met with some concern regarding potential conflicts with the Black Queens' preparations for the World Cup, the GFA has expressed full confidence in Björkegren's ability to balance both responsibilities. Technical expert Didi Dramani has also voiced his support for the new interim setup, stating that the collective experience of Björkegren, Tanko, and Attram provides the necessary quality to stabilize the team during this period of transition. This interim arrangement is intended to provide leadership for the Black Stars while the GFA continues its search for a substantive head coach. Beyond the immediate coaching needs, stakeholders like Dramani have emphasized that this period should also be used to focus on establishing a more sustainable football system to ensure long-term success for Ghana’s national teams. The new technical team is expected to begin work immediately to ensure the squad is ready for their next competitive fixtures.

Nico Williams stayed at Athletic Bilbao over registration risks
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Nico Williams stayed at Athletic Bilbao over registration risks

Nico Williams' agent, Félix Tainta, has disclosed that the Spanish winger's anticipated transfer to FC Barcelona in 2025 collapsed because the Catalan club could not guarantee his registration. Amid lingering financial constraints within the Spanish league, the risk of Williams being unable to play led him to remain at Athletic Bilbao, where he continues to be a central figure. The revelation ends months of speculation regarding why one of Europe’s most sought-after players did not complete the high-profile move. According to Tainta, negotiations between the two clubs had been ongoing for two summers, following Williams’ standout performances for Spain and his pivotal role in helping Athletic Bilbao secure the Copa del Rey. However, La Liga’s stringent financial regulations presented a significant hurdle. Tainta emphasized that the primary concern was the potential for Williams to be sidelined if Barcelona failed to clear enough salary cap space to register his contract, a situation that has frequently challenged the club in recent transfer windows. The decision to stay in Bilbao was heavily influenced by the upcoming World Cup. Williams and his representative prioritized guaranteed playing time to ensure his place in the national team squad remained secure. Tainta noted that taking a gamble on Barcelona’s financial situation was too great a risk for a player at a critical juncture in his career. By staying with Athletic, Williams ensured he would remain a regular starter in a familiar environment where he is already established as a key asset. While Barcelona’s interest in the winger was clear, the administrative uncertainty ultimately derailed the deal. Williams’ decision to commit to Athletic Bilbao reinforces his loyalty to his boyhood club while securing his immediate professional future and competitive rhythm. For Barcelona, the failed pursuit highlights the ongoing challenges the club faces in the transfer market as it continues to navigate the complexities of La Liga’s economic controls.

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Andre Ayew urges GFA to organize ceremonial matches for legends

Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, the former captain of the Black Stars, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to institutionalize ceremonial matches to honor the nation’s retired football legends. Ayew argued that players who have given significant service to the national team deserve a formal and public recognition of their contributions. He emphasized that such events would serve as a fitting tribute to those who have worn the national colors with distinction over the years. Highlighting specific examples, Ayew noted that iconic figures such as Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah are among those who merit these high-profile send-offs. He suggested that while the legacies of these players are already secured by their achievements on the field, a ceremonial match would provide a dedicated platform for fans and the football community to express their gratitude. Ayew also included himself in the category of players whose careers at the international level should be celebrated through such official GFA-led initiatives. The proposal addresses a recurring sentiment in Ghanaian football regarding the perceived lack of formal transition for national team icons. By creating a culture of honoring past players, Ayew believes the GFA can help preserve the history of the Black Stars and provide inspiration for the next generation of talent. While the football association has yet to comment on the proposal, the suggestion has reignited discussions on how Ghana can better manage the transition and retirement of its most distinguished sports ambassadors.

Harry Kane marks 100th Bundesliga game with goal in 6-1 Leipzig win
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Harry Kane marks 100th Bundesliga game with goal in 6-1 Leipzig win

Harry Kane celebrated his 100th Bundesliga appearance with a milestone goal as Bayern Munich moved to the top of the league table following a comprehensive 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig. The match featured a clinical offensive display from the defending champions, highlighted by a dominant hat-trick from Luis Diaz. This result solidifies Bayern's position at the summit of German football and underscores their significant attacking depth this season. The scoring opened early when Luis Diaz found the net in the 12th minute, setting the tone for the encounter. Bayern Munich continued to press their advantage relentlessly, with Aleksandar Pavlovic and Michael Olise adding further goals before the halftime whistle. By the break, the Bavarians held a commanding lead, leaving RB Leipzig struggling to contain a strike force that eventually registered 17 shots on target throughout the ninety minutes. In the second half, the momentum remained firmly with the home side as Luis Diaz completed his hat-trick, further showcasing his prolific form. The highlight for the home crowd was Harry Kane’s goal, which capped off his centenary of appearances in the German top flight. Although Andrija Maksimovic managed a late consolation goal for the visitors, it did little to dampen the celebrations or affect the eventual outcome of the one-sided contest. This victory leaves RB Leipzig in seventh place, trailing significantly behind the pace-setters. For Bayern Munich, the win not only returns them to the top of the Bundesliga standings but also serves as a major statement of intent to their domestic rivals. The combination of Kane’s consistency and the offensive prowess of Diaz suggests a team operating at the peak of its powers as the title race progresses.

Kylian Mbappe scores twice in Real Madrid victory over Sevilla
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Kylian Mbappe scores twice in Real Madrid victory over Sevilla

Kylian Mbappe delivered a standout performance for Real Madrid, scoring twice to help his side secure a vital victory over Sevilla. The French forward’s brace took his season tally to 11 goals and ensured the Spanish giants remain firmly in the title race. This win keeps Real Madrid six points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, maintaining pressure at the top of the table as the domestic season intensifies. The match began with Real Madrid asserting their dominance at home, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute through a goal from Arda Guler. Just seven minutes later, Mbappe doubled the lead with a clinical finish, marking his 10th goal of the campaign. Sevilla attempted to fight back and create opportunities, with Felix Correia coming close to scoring, but the Madrid defense held firm during critical moments of the first half to preserve the two-goal cushion. In the second half, Mbappe continued to be a focal point of the Madrid attack. He successfully earned a penalty after being fouled inside the box and stepped up to convert it, securing his second goal of the night and his 11th overall this season. Although Manu Bueno managed to pull one back for Sevilla to give the visitors a glimmer of hope, Yan Diomande’s late strike effectively ended any chance of a comeback, sealing a comprehensive victory for Los Blancos. This victory serves as a significant morale boost for the squad as they prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the global football calendar. Real Madrid is now scheduled to face Barcelona in El Clasico on 25 October. With the gap at the top of the standings remaining at six points, the upcoming clash will be a pivotal moment in determining the momentum of the La Liga title race.

Nana Boateng Gyimah denies $611,000 World Cup visa fraud allegations
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Nana Boateng Gyimah denies $611,000 World Cup visa fraud allegations

Nana Boateng Gyimah, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe CultureFest, has strongly denied allegations that his organisation was involved in a $611,000 visa fraud scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The claims, reportedly made by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, suggested that Gyimah’s firm illegally obtained the funds through a deal with the National Sports Authority (NSA) to facilitate travel for Ghanaians to the upcoming global tournament. According to Gyimah, the partnership between Tribe CultureFest and the NSA was strictly professional and limited to event logistics rather than individual visa procurement. He clarified that the firm provided specific services for which fixed fees were charged, and at no point did the organisation engage in personal visa deals. The CEO emphasised that the allegations are unfounded and misrepresent the nature of their collaboration with the sports authority. Addressing the financial aspect of the controversy, Gyimah stated that Tribe CultureFest never received the $611,000 mentioned by the Minister. He suggested that while some individuals may have allegedly paid significant sums to the NSA for visa-related services, those funds were not directed to his company. In a bid to clear his firm’s name, Gyimah has demanded that those making the claims provide documented proof of any contested payments made to Tribe CultureFest. This development comes amid increased scrutiny over travel arrangements for international sporting events following past controversies in Ghanaian sports administration. As preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue, the back-and-forth between the Ministry and private event partners highlights ongoing concerns regarding transparency in national sports logistics. Gyimah’s firm maintains its innocence, insisting that its operations have been conducted within legal and ethical boundaries.

Debibi United defeats Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0 to exit relegation zone
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Debibi United defeats Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0 to exit relegation zone

Debibi United secured a vital 1-0 victory over Bibiani Gold Stars during their Week 7 encounter of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. Playing at the Debibi Presby Park on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the home side managed to edge past their opponents in a tightly contested match. The result proved pivotal for the hosts, as it successfully propelled them out of the relegation zone and provided much-needed relief for the team and its supporters. The decisive moment of the match arrived just before the halftime whistle. Maxwell Agyemang found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the game. This crucial strike not only secured the three points but also ended a frustrating three-match winless streak for Debibi United. The home fans witnessed a resilient performance that demonstrated the team's determination to turn their season around after a difficult opening set of fixtures in the top flight. The win has significant implications for the league standings as the competition intensifies. Both Debibi United and Bibiani Gold Stars now sit on seven points each, highlighting the competitive nature of the mid-table and lower-tier positions in the early stages of the campaign. By claiming maximum points at home, Debibi United has established a platform to build momentum for their upcoming fixtures, while Bibiani Gold Stars will need to reassess their strategy to avoid slipping further down the table in the weeks to come.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scores brace in FC Aarau win over FC Zurich
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Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scores brace in FC Aarau win over FC Zurich

Ghanaian forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh delivered a standout performance for FC Aarau, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over FC Zurich. The match, played in the Swiss Cup competition, saw the home side secure a hard-fought win to advance to the tournament's Round of 16. Barnieh’s clinical finishing proved decisive in a contest where the Ghanaian attacker dominated the second-half proceedings to ensure his side's progression. The breakthrough came after the interval as Barnieh spearheaded the Aarau offensive. His two goals effectively silenced the visitors and ensured that the Swiss giants, FC Zurich, were eliminated from the cup competition. The victory marks a significant milestone for FC Aarau as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware, with Barnieh emerging as a central figure in their current tactical setup and attacking threat. Barnieh’s exploits were part of a broader trend of success for Ghanaian footballers playing in international leagues during the same period. His brace mirrored similar achievements by compatriots Rahim Ibrahim and Bismark Charles, who also found the net twice for their respective clubs in Europe. Other notable contributors during this prolific window for Ghanaian talent included Osman Bukari, Frank Acheampong, and Matthew Cudjoe, all of whom recorded goals to help their teams to victory. This performance further solidifies Barnieh’s reputation as a rising talent following his transition to European football from the Ghanaian domestic league. By leading FC Aarau into the next stage of the Swiss Cup, the attacker has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against top-tier opposition. Fans and analysts will be monitoring his progress closely as the Swiss season continues and the Round of 16 fixtures approach.

Ishmeal Arthur wins 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon
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Ishmeal Arthur wins 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon

Ishmeal Arthur of the Ghana Armed Forces emerged as the champion of the 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon, finishing the 21-kilometer race with a time of 1:10:44.97. The event, which drew more than 2,000 participants to the capital, also saw Portia Anaba from the Ghana Police Service Training School secure the top spot in the women's division with a time of 1:23:01. Arthur navigated a competitive field of more than 1,000 runners in the men’s category to claim the title. He was followed by Kooga Atia and Ebenezer Martey, both from the University College of Education, Winneba (UEW), who finished in second and third place respectively. The presence of top-tier athletes from both the security services and academic institutions underscored the high level of competition at this year's race. As the winner of the half-marathon, Arthur was awarded a cash prize of GH₵18,000 and products from the lead sponsor, Tampico. In a significant boost to his career, Acadia Industries Limited also pledged to sponsor his participation in an upcoming international marathon. This incentive aims to provide local talent with the exposure necessary to compete at the highest levels of global distance running. The 2026 edition of the marathon was noted for its excellent organization and growing popularity within the athletic community. By providing a structured platform for long-distance runners, the event continues to play a vital role in identifying and rewarding endurance talent in Ghana. Organizers and sponsors noted that the success of the race reflects a commitment to promoting sports and healthy lifestyles across the country.

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Yaw Ampofo Ankrah expresses confidence in exoneration over visa scandal

Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has declared his "200% confidence" that he will be exonerated following an investigation into an alleged World Cup visa scandal. President John Dramani Mahama suspended Ankrah after reports emerged involving a failed travel arrangement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which reportedly collected over US$623,000 from applicants. Ankrah has urged the public to let the official investigation proceed without speculation or misinformation. The controversy stems from allegations that approximately US$623,000 was collected to facilitate visas for fans and stakeholders traveling for the tournament. However, despite the significant financial contributions, only five out of nearly 90 applicants were reportedly successful in securing their travel documents. In the wake of these allegations and the subsequent suspension of the Director-General, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed as the acting head of the NSA to ensure administrative continuity during the probe. Speaking on the ongoing investigation, Ankrah emphasized the importance of factual verification in reporting and maintained his innocence regarding any wrongdoing. He stated that he is certain that once the Presidency concludes its review of the facts, his name will be cleared. Ankrah noted that he remains cooperative with the process and is confident that the truth behind the visa facilitation process will vindicate his leadership at the sports authority. The outcome of this investigation is highly anticipated within the Ghanaian sports community, as it touches on issues of transparency and governance within the National Sports Authority. While Professor Sarpong oversees current operations, the findings from the investigation directed by the Presidency will determine Ankrah's future in the role. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in managing international tournament logistics and the government's stated commitment to investigating financial irregularities in public institutions.

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Thomas Christiansen applies for vacant Black Stars head coach role

Thomas Christiansen Tarín, the current head coach of Panama, has officially submitted his application to lead the Ghana national team, the Black Stars. His candidacy follows the recent resignation of Carlos Queiroz and adds a high-profile name to the search for a permanent successor. Christiansen, who has managed several notable European clubs, is among hundreds of candidates vying for one of the most prestigious roles in African football. The 51-year-old coach possesses unique insight into the Ghanaian squad, having recently faced the Black Stars during the 2026 World Cup while at the helm of the Panamanian national team. This firsthand experience of Ghana's playstyle and tactical strengths is seen as a potential advantage in his bid to secure the position. His professional resume includes stints at clubs such as Leeds United in England, APOEL in Cyprus, and Union SG in Belgium, providing him with a diverse blend of European tactical knowledge and international management experience. The search committee tasked with finding the new head coach is currently managing an unprecedented influx of interest. Reports indicate that over 400 applications have been received since the vacancy was announced. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has established a clear timeline for the recruitment process, setting a deadline of October 15 for all formal submissions. This high volume of interest reflects the enduring global appeal of the Black Stars brand, despite recent fluctuations in technical leadership. While the search committee evaluates the extensive pool of applicants, the GFA has ensured continuity for the national team. Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed to serve as the interim head coach. Björkegren will lead the squad in their upcoming competitive fixtures against Somalia. The final decision on a permanent appointment is expected to follow the conclusion of the application window and a thorough vetting process by the search committee.