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.

Young Apostles Host Eleven Wonders in Crucial Relegation Six-Pointer at Wenchi
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Young Apostles Host Eleven Wonders in Crucial Relegation Six-Pointer at Wenchi

The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League enters a critical phase as Match Week 21 features a high-stakes encounter between Young Apostles and Eleven Wonders at the Wenchi Sports Stadium. Scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, this fixture represents a quintessential relegation battle, with both sides desperate for points to secure their top-flight status. For the hosts, Young Apostles, the match offers a prime opportunity to arrest a worrying slump in form and pull away from the immediate danger of the bottom three. Young Apostles currently sit in 15th position on the league table with 23 points. While they remain outside the relegation zone thanks to a superior goal difference, their recent trajectory has caused significant concern. The team is currently enduring a grueling six-match winless streak, a run that has seen them slide down the standings. However, there is cause for optimism; of their five victories this season, four have been secured on home turf. Management and fans alike will be hoping that the familiar surroundings of the Wenchi Sports Stadium will provide the necessary spark to reignite their campaign. The visitors, Eleven Wonders, arrive in even more dire straits. Anchored at the bottom of the table, their season has been characterized by inconsistency and a lack of clinical finishing. With only one victory in their last eight outings, the pressure has reached a boiling point for the club. To maintain any realistic hope of survival, Eleven Wonders must find a way to secure all three points on the road, a task that has proven difficult for them throughout the 2025/26 campaign. A loss this weekend could leave them further adrift and make their path to safety increasingly narrow. As both teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown, the tactical battle will likely center on which side can overcome their recent psychological hurdles. For Young Apostles, the objective is to leverage their home advantage and convert possession into goals, something they have struggled with during their winless run. For Eleven Wonders, the focus must be on defensive solidity and clinical counter-attacks. With so much at stake, this Match Week 21 fixture promises to be a tense and hard-fought battle, as both clubs fight to preserve their place in the upper echelon of Ghanaian football.

Coventry City Striker Brandon Thomas-Asante Handed Three-Game Ban for Violent Conduct
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Coventry City Striker Brandon Thomas-Asante Handed Three-Game Ban for Violent Conduct

Coventry City’s offensive line has suffered a significant setback as striker Brandon Thomas-Asante has been handed a three-match suspension for violent conduct. The Football Association (FA) issued the ban following an off-the-ball incident during a recent EFL Championship clash against Norwich City on January 26, 2026. This disciplinary action comes at a critical juncture for the club as they navigate a demanding segment of their season, with the FA utilizing retrospective video evidence to ensure the integrity of the game. The suspension stems from an altercation where Thomas-Asante was seen swinging an arm into the face of Norwich midfielder Pelle Mattsson. While the match officials failed to spot the incident during live play, subsequent video analysis provided a clear view of the infraction, prompting a formal FA review. The Ghanaian forward opted not to contest the findings, formally admitting to the charge of violent conduct. His decision to accept the ban ensures the disciplinary process concludes quickly, though it leaves his team without their primary attacking threat for the immediate future. The loss of Thomas-Asante is a heavy blow for Coventry City, as he currently sits as the team’s joint top scorer with 10 goals this season. His absence will be particularly felt in the upcoming league fixtures against Oxford United, Middlesbrough, and West Bromwich Albion—all of which are vital for the club's promotion or table-standing ambitions. The coaching staff will now be forced to look toward alternative options in the squad to fill the void left by their leading marksman as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the Championship.

Chelsea Faces Potential Champions League Venue Shift Due to London Scheduling Conflict
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Chelsea Faces Potential Champions League Venue Shift Due to London Scheduling Conflict

Chelsea Football Club faces a potential logistical crisis that could see them forced to relocate their crucial Champions League round-of-16 home fixture away from Stamford Bridge. The situation arises from a rare scheduling clash involving fellow London-based rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom are also scheduled for European action during the same matchweek in March 2026. This conflict places Chelsea’s home advantage at risk, as UEFA regulations strictly limit the number of high-profile matches held in a single city simultaneously to ensure public safety and manage policing resources. The specific fixtures in question are slated for the nights of March 18 and 19, 2026. Under current UEFA governing rules, multiple European matches cannot occur within the same city on the same evening due to the immense security and logistical strain it places on local infrastructure and law enforcement. Reports indicate that Arsenal and Tottenham have been granted priority for their respective home ties during this period. Consequently, Chelsea finds itself in a precarious position where it may be required to find a neutral venue or request a fixture shift, unless a rare exception—known as special dispensation—is granted by European football’s governing body. Historically, Stamford Bridge has served as a fortress for Chelsea in European competitions, providing a significant psychological and tactical edge during the knockout stages. Moving a home leg away from their traditional grounds could undermine their campaign at a critical juncture. The club is currently awaiting official confirmation from UEFA regarding whether an exception will be granted. If denied, the administrative challenge of securing an alternative venue that meets UEFA’s stringent Category 4 stadium requirements will become a primary concern for the Blues' management as they look to navigate the path to the quarter-finals.

CAF Clears Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of Misconduct Following Dramatic 2025 AFCON Final
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CAF Clears Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of Misconduct Following Dramatic 2025 AFCON Final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially cleared Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala of any wrongdoing following the high-stakes and chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal. The decision comes after an intensive review of the officiating during the match, which was marred by significant controversy and on-field protests. Despite the friction during the game, CAF's investigative body affirmed that Ndala maintained the highest standards of professionalism and integrity throughout the fixture, dismissing claims of bias or technical failure. The final, hosted in Morocco, descended into tension after Ndala made several pivotal decisions that sparked outrage from the Senegalese camp. Key incidents under scrutiny included the disallowing of a late goal for Senegal and the subsequent awarding of a penalty to the Moroccan hosts. These decisions led to a temporary walkout by the Senegalese squad and heated confrontations involving coaching staff and players from both sides. However, in a display of resilience, Senegal eventually returned to the pitch and secured the continental title despite the officiating drama. While Ndala has been fully exonerated, the governing body has not overlooked the behavior of the participants during the match. CAF announced that various players and members of the coaching staff from both the Moroccan and Senegalese national teams will face formal sanctions for their roles in the unrest. By clearing the Congolese official, CAF emphasized that his technical decisions were consistent with the laws of the game, effectively shifting the responsibility for the disorder onto the conduct of the competing teams' personnel. This clearance serves as a significant boost for Jean-Jacques Ndala’s career, as he is widely regarded as one of Africa's premier officiating talents. With his reputation intact and the investigation concluded, the Congolese referee is now fully expected to represent the continent on the global stage at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ruling reinforces CAF's commitment to supporting its elite officials while maintaining discipline within African football's flagship competitions.

Ghana Armed Forces Secure Historic Bronze at 2026 US Army Best Medic Competition in Italy
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Ghana Armed Forces Secure Historic Bronze at 2026 US Army Best Medic Competition in Italy

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have achieved a historic milestone on the international stage, securing a third-place finish at the 2026 U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Best Medic Competition held in Italy. Representing the nation with distinction, the Ghanaian joint-service team demonstrated exceptional medical proficiency and operational readiness during the rigorous event, which took place between January 5 and 15 at Caserma Del Din. This accomplishment underscores the growing expertise of Ghana’s military medical personnel and their ability to perform under high-pressure, combat-simulated conditions alongside elite international teams from the United States, Italy, and Liberia. The Ghanaian duo of Sergeant Cornelius Adagbe from the Army and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo-Rockson from the Navy led the charge, earning the bronze medal with a remarkable score of 2,789 out of a possible 3,000 points. Their performance was part of a broader joint effort that included personnel from the Air Force, showcasing the seamless synergy across the GAF’s medical branches. In addition to the overall bronze, Captain Emmanuel Oti-Boateng was singled out for excellence, sharing top honors in the highly technical Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) category. The competition tested participants across a variety of demanding scenarios designed to mimic modern warfare, including physical endurance, medical triage, and field trauma care. Organized by the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), the event is designed to evaluate the combat medical proficiency of soldiers through physically and mentally taxing drills. This marks the second consecutive year that Ghana has participated in this prestigious challenge, reflecting a sustained commitment to military medical excellence. The U.S. Embassy in Ghana, which announced the results on January 30, emphasized that the competition highlights the strong bilateral partnership between Ghana and the United States, particularly in the realm of medical readiness and military-to-military cooperation. This achievement reflects a significant step forward in the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining world-class standards in military medicine. By excelling in an environment that simulates the complexities of real-world combat, the GAF has proven its capability to provide life-saving support on the front lines. The recognition serves not only as a point of national pride but also as an indicator of the strategic value of international collaboration in military training. As the GAF continues to integrate these high-level competencies into its operations, this success provides a solid foundation for future participation and further professional development within its medical corps.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu Defends Thomas Partey and Issues Strategic Warning for Black Stars' World Cup Campaign
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Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu Defends Thomas Partey and Issues Strategic Warning for Black Stars' World Cup Campaign

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has emerged as a vocal advocate for professional standards and strategic discipline within Ghanaian football, addressing both the treatment of individual stars abroad and the national team's roadmap to success. Badu recently directed sharp criticism toward Villarreal coach Marcelino García Toral following the manager's public condemnation of midfielder Thomas Partey. Simultaneously, the former midfielder has offered pragmatic advice to the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, urging a shift in mindset to ensure a successful tournament. The controversy involving Thomas Partey intensified following Villarreal’s 3–0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League. Coach Marcelino publicly questioned Partey’s consistency, suggesting a significant decline in form compared to the midfielder's previous tenure at Arsenal. Badu described these remarks as "unnecessary" and "harsh," asserting that it is a coach’s responsibility to identify and internalize performance issues rather than airing them publicly. Despite Partey appearing in 21 games this season with limited impact, Badu remains confident that the midfielder will rebound if given the proper support and tactical guidance. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Badu has warned the national team against the dangers of over-looking their immediate challenges. He specifically urged the Black Stars to concentrate entirely on their opening match against Panama, rather than being distracted by the prestige of potential matches against England or Croatia. Badu emphasized that starting the campaign on the right foot is the only way to ensure progression from the group stage, framing the Panama fixture as the most critical step in their entire journey across the three host nations. In addition to tactical focus, Badu issued a firm mandate regarding squad selection, insisting that the technical team must prioritize peak physical fitness over reputation. He argued that the demanding nature of a World Cup requires players to be in their best possible condition to compete at the highest level. By defending Partey’s professional integrity and calling for a disciplined, one-game-at-a-time approach, Badu continues to leverage his experience to influence the narrative surrounding Ghanaian football on both the club and international stages.

Majeed Ashimeru Joins RAAL La Louvière on Loan to Revive Career and National Team Hopes
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Majeed Ashimeru Joins RAAL La Louvière on Loan to Revive Career and National Team Hopes

Ghana international midfielder Majeed Ashimeru is set to embark on a new chapter in his career with a six-month loan move from Belgian giants Anderlecht to RAAL La Louvière. The 28-year-old, who has faced a challenging period due to recurring injuries, has reportedly finalized the agreement to join the Jupiler Pro League side for the remainder of the season. This strategic move is designed to provide Ashimeru with the consistent first-team action he has lacked at Anderlecht, where he has been limited to appearances with the U23 squad recently. Despite his technical talent, Ashimeru’s recent tenure at Anderlecht has been hampered by physical setbacks that have kept him out of the senior team’s rotation this season. Having made four appearances for the club's U23 side to maintain some level of match fitness, the midfielder is now focused on proving his readiness at a higher competitive level. In a show of confidence and support for his recovery, Anderlecht has reportedly agreed to cover his full salary during the loan period, ensuring a smooth transition as he joins a RAAL La Louvière side currently positioned 13th in the league and fighting to avoid relegation. Beyond the immediate club objectives, the move carries significant weight for Ashimeru’s international career. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Black Stars midfielder is eager to regain the form and fitness that made him a staple in the national setup. By securing regular playing time in the Belgian top flight, he aims to convince the Ghana national team coaching staff of his readiness, thereby solidifying his place in the squad for upcoming international assignments and high-stakes qualifiers.

Black Stars Coach Otto Addo Meets Thomas Partey in Spain for 2026 World Cup Planning
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Black Stars Coach Otto Addo Meets Thomas Partey in Spain for 2026 World Cup Planning

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has officially launched his strategic tour of Europe by meeting with deputy captain Thomas Partey in Spain to discuss the nation's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The meeting, which took place on January 28, 2026, serves as a cornerstone of Addo's mission to unify the squad and set clear expectations ahead of the global tournament. By engaging with senior players like Partey, the coaching staff aims to ensure that the leadership core is fully committed to the technical and tactical vision required to compete at the highest level. The discussions between Addo and Partey were described as productive, with a heavy emphasis on three critical areas: physical conditioning, professional discipline, and squad cohesion. Given the grueling nature of a World Cup, Addo highlighted the necessity for every player to maintain peak fitness levels in the months leading up to the competition. The technical team is expected to continue monitoring player performance across European leagues, using these face-to-face meetings to foster a sense of accountability and shared purpose among the Black Stars' ranks. In addition to team dynamics, the visit provided an opportunity to observe Partey in high-stakes club action. Shortly after his meeting with Addo, the midfielder represented Villarreal in a UEFA Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen. Although the Spanish side suffered a 3-0 defeat, Partey's continued participation in elite European football is viewed as a significant advantage for the national team. Looking ahead, Ghana faces a daunting task in Group L, where they are scheduled to play Panama, England, and Croatia. This proactive engagement by Coach Addo signals a determined effort to prepare the Black Stars for the rigors of the group stage and beyond.

Manchester City to Bolster Champions League Squad with Ghana's Antoine Semenyo for Knockout Rounds
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Manchester City to Bolster Champions League Squad with Ghana's Antoine Semenyo for Knockout Rounds

Manchester City is set to integrate Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo into their UEFA Champions League squad for the upcoming knockout rounds. The decision follows the English champions' successful qualification for the Round of 16, a feat secured after a decisive 2-0 victory over Turkish side Galatasaray. This move marks a significant step for the Black Stars attacker, who has been waiting for his opportunity to represent the club on Europe’s biggest stage. Semenyo, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window, was previously ineligible to represent the club during the group stages due to UEFA’s registration deadlines. However, governing body regulations permit participating clubs to register up to three new eligible players on their 'List A' prior to the start of the knockout phase. This window provides the perfect opportunity for City to formally include the versatile forward in their European campaign as they look to defend or pursue the continental title. The inclusion of Semenyo is viewed as a strategic move by manager Pep Guardiola to enhance the team’s attacking versatility and depth. As the competition moves into its most high-stakes phase, having a fresh, dynamic forward option will be crucial for squad rotation and tactical flexibility. Semenyo’s presence adds a different dimension to City’s front line, offering pace and a physical presence that could prove vital in breaking down elite European defenses in the latter stages of the tournament. Looking ahead, further official squad updates and the final registration list are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, just before the highly anticipated Round of 16 draw. For Semenyo, this transition from a mid-season signing to a registered Champions League player represents a milestone in his professional career. Ghanaian football enthusiasts will be watching closely as one of their own prepares to make an impact in the world's most prestigious club competition.

Ghana FA Celebrates Daniel Laryea's Role in AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Amid Criticism
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Ghana FA Celebrates Daniel Laryea's Role in AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Amid Criticism

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed pride in referee Daniel Laryea following his officiating of the AFCON 2025 semi-final match between Morocco and Nigeria. GFA President Kurt Okraku commended Laryea's selection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), viewing it as a recognition of his skill, professionalism, and bravery. Okraku emphasized that Laryea's appointment reflects a strong vote of confidence from CAF in his abilities. Despite the accolades from the GFA and CAF officials, Laryea's performance faced significant criticism, particularly from Nigerian fans who alleged bias and poor judgment during the match, which ended in a penalty shootout loss for Nigeria. The backlash was amplified on social media, where fans expressed their frustrations, underscoring the intense rivalries that often accompany such high-stakes matches.

Benfica Stuns Real Madrid with Last-Minute Goal by Trubin in Champions League Thriller
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Benfica Stuns Real Madrid with Last-Minute Goal by Trubin in Champions League Thriller

In a breathtaking UEFA Champions League encounter, Benfica triumphed over Real Madrid with a dramatic 3-2 victory, thanks to an extraordinary last-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin. The match, held in October 2023, saw Trubin venture forward for a free-kick during added time, where he scored with a powerful header, keeping Benfica's hopes alive in the tournament. Coach Jose Mourinho, who celebrated his first victory against Real Madrid since managing the club, hailed the win as a significant achievement for both himself and Benfica. Despite the team's struggles in their domestic league, this stunning victory has revitalized their Champions League ambitions, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football.

CAF Sanctions Following Controversial AFCON 2025 Final: Coach Suspended, Morocco's Protest Dismissed
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CAF Sanctions Following Controversial AFCON 2025 Final: Coach Suspended, Morocco's Protest Dismissed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken significant disciplinary actions following the chaotic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Senegal triumphed over Morocco 1-0. Senegal's head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, has been suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting conduct after he urged his players to walk off the pitch during the match. Additionally, two Senegalese players, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, received two-match suspensions for their misconduct during the final. The Senegalese Football Federation faces a total financial penalty of $615,000 due to various infractions, including supporter behavior. In a related development, Morocco's protest to strip Senegal of the title was dismissed by CAF, which deemed the complaint without merit. The Moroccan Football Federation had alleged that Senegal violated AFCON regulations during the final, but CAF upheld Senegal's victory, confirming their status as champions. However, Morocco was not spared from penalties; they were fined $300,000 for the misconduct of ball boys and players, with defender Achraf Hakimi receiving a two-match suspension and midfielder Ismaël Saibari facing a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. CAF's Second Vice President, Kurt Okraku, defended the referees amidst the controversies, acknowledging that while some decisions were questionable, they should not overshadow the tournament's overall success. The final match has been characterized as one of the most controversial in AFCON history, highlighting ongoing issues of discipline and fair play in African football.