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.

Swedru All Blacks defeat Asante Kotoko 1-0 with late penalty
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Swedru All Blacks defeat Asante Kotoko 1-0 with late penalty

Swedru All Blacks secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko on matchday six of the Ghana Premier League. The decisive moment came late in the match when Darkwah Wiafe converted a penalty to seal all three points for the home side. This result marks a significant win for the Swedru-based club as they continue their campaign in the 2026/27 league season. Throughout the encounter, Asante Kotoko struggled to convert their opportunities despite a solid start to the game. The visitors found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Swedru defense. On the other end of the pitch, Kotoko goalkeeper Aziz Dari was instrumental in keeping the game level for much of the duration, making several key saves. However, his efforts were ultimately overshadowed when a late penalty was awarded to the All Blacks, which Wiafe successfully dispatched. The outcome leaves both clubs level on eight points in the league standings after six matches. For Asante Kotoko, the loss reflects a mixed start to the season, with their record now standing at two wins, two draws, and two losses. Both teams will now shift their focus to upcoming fixtures as they aim to climb higher in a competitive Premier League table.

Black Starlets begin 2027 U-17 AFCON qualifying campaign against Togo
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Black Starlets begin 2027 U-17 AFCON qualifying campaign against Togo

Ghana’s national U-17 team, the Black Starlets, are set to commence their competitive journey toward the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team's opening fixture sees them face off against Togo in a regional clash that marks the beginning of their qualifying campaign. This highly anticipated match is part of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B U-17 Championship, which serves as the critical pathway for teams in the sub-region to secure a spot in the continental tournament. The encounter is scheduled to take place at the August 4 Sports Stadium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Fans and observers of youth football are expected to tune in for the 18:00 GMT kickoff. The stadium, a landmark sporting venue in the Burkinabe capital, will host the regional neighbors as they vie for an early advantage in the group stages of the qualifying series. This regional tournament is the primary mechanism for determining which teams from the WAFU Zone B will advance to the upcoming U-17 AFCON. For the Black Starlets, the game against Togo represents the first step in a rigorous process aimed at returning to the pinnacle of African youth football. Success in this opening fixture will be essential for building momentum in a competitive zone that features several of West Africa's strongest footballing nations.

Dev Vipul Patel wins Boys' Singles title at J100 Accra
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Dev Vipul Patel wins Boys' Singles title at J100 Accra

Dev Vipul Patel has secured the Boys’ Singles championship title at the ninth edition of the Junior World Tennis Tour (J100 Accra). In a hard-fought encounter held at the Accra Sports Stadium National Tennis Centre, Patel demonstrated significant mental fortitude to overcome his opponent, Om Verma, in a three-set thriller. The victory underscores Patel’s rising profile on the international junior circuit as he navigated a challenging final to lift the trophy in the Ghanaian capital. The final match was characterized by dramatic shifts in momentum that kept spectators engaged. Patel started strongly, utilizing his tactical skills to take the first set with a comfortable 6–3 scoreline. However, Verma mounted a formidable comeback in the second set, overwhelming Patel with a 6–0 performance that threatened to derail the eventual champion's campaign. The shutout in the second set forced a high-stakes decider, testing the endurance and focus of both young athletes under the pressure of a championship final. In the deciding third set, Patel managed to regain his composure and discipline. He neutralized Verma's aggressive play to edge out a 6–4 victory, ultimately clinching the match and the tournament title. This successful recovery after a dominant second-set loss by his opponent highlighted the psychological strength required at the J100 level of the ITF World Tour. The match served as a fitting climax to a week of intense competition featuring some of the world's most promising junior tennis players. The conclusion of the J100 Accra tournament further solidifies Ghana’s position as a key destination for International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior events. By hosting its ninth edition, the National Tennis Centre at the Accra Sports Stadium has provided a vital stage for international stars to accumulate ranking points and gain experience in a competitive environment. For winners like Patel, the title represents a significant milestone in their journey toward the professional ranks of global tennis.

Hearts of Oak host Port City in Week 6 Ghana Premier League match
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Hearts of Oak host Port City in Week 6 Ghana Premier League match

Hearts of Oak are preparing to host newly promoted Port City FC in a Week 6 Ghana Premier League encounter this Sunday. The Accra-based club, which started the 2026/27 season with significant promise, finds itself at a crossroads as it seeks to arrest a recent slide in form. This match serves as a pivotal moment for the giants to restore confidence among their supporters and maintain their pursuit of the league title. The early stages of the season saw Hearts of Oak claim two impressive victories, suggesting a strong campaign ahead. However, the team's momentum has been dampened by a loss and a draw in their most recent two fixtures. This inconsistency has raised questions about the squad's ability to maintain high-level performances throughout the season. The technical staff is now under pressure to fine-tune the lineup and ensure the players are mentally prepared to handle the expectations of the home crowd. In contrast, Port City FC enters the tie as the underdog, eager to make a statement in their debut top-flight campaign. While the newcomers face a daunting task playing away against one of the country's most successful clubs, they will look to exploit any lapses in the Hearts of Oak defense. For the home side, the focus will be on dominating possession and converting scoring opportunities, areas that have been highlighted as needing improvement following their recent dropped points. As the Sunday fixture approaches, the stakes remain high for Hearts of Oak. A victory would not only provide three essential points but also help stabilize the team’s position in the league standings. Conversely, failing to secure a win against a newly promoted side could intensify the scrutiny on the team’s performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the club can successfully navigate this challenge and return to their winning ways.

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Carlos Queiroz dismissal triggers debate on systemic flaws in Ghana football

The termination of Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of Ghana’s senior national team has ignited intense debate over the persistent structural deficiencies within the country's football ecosystem. The decision to part ways with the veteran manager follows a string of disappointing results, most notably a winless streak in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and a poor opening to the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign. Critics and sports analysts argue that while the results were undeniably poor, the frequent turnover of coaching staff has failed to address the fundamental issues plaguing the Black Stars. Under Queiroz’s tenure, the national team struggled significantly, recording three draws and three defeats during the AFCON 2025 qualifying cycle. This underwhelming performance is seen as part of a broader trend of decline in international tournaments. However, observers point out that the problems Queiroz faced did not originate solely with his tactical approach. The lack of continuity in player pathways and the absence of a sustainable model for domestic clubs have created a volatile environment where successive coaches have been unable to find long-term success. Despite significant investments in youth coaching and resources over the years, fundamental challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and weak grassroots development persist. The current system is increasingly characterized by repeated coaching changes that act as temporary fixes rather than solutions to deep-seated organizational problems. Stakeholders emphasize that without a robust framework to nurture talent from the youth level through to the senior team, the cycle of failure is likely to continue regardless of who occupies the dugout. Moving forward, the focus is shifting toward the need for comprehensive reform of Ghana's football governance. Observers suggest that the Ghana Football Association must prioritize addressing structural deficiencies, including improving local league standards and building better infrastructure, over the reactive sacking of technical staff. Addressing these root causes is viewed as the only viable path to restoring Ghana’s status as a dominant force in African football and ensuring the long-term success of the national sport.

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.