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.

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Thomas Christiansen applies for Black Stars head coach position

Thomas Christiansen Tarin, the current head coach of the Panama national team, has officially expressed his interest in the vacant head coach position for Ghana's national team, the Black Stars. The Spanish-Danish manager's decision to apply for the role adds a high-profile international name to the list of candidates vying to lead one of Africa's most storied football teams. His candidacy comes at a time when the Ghana Football Association is actively seeking a new technical leader to take charge of the team following a period of transition. Christiansen, who has been leading the Panama national team since 2020, represents the international caliber of talent attracted to the Black Stars vacancy. His application is part of a broader trend of both local and foreign coaches seeking the opportunity to manage the Ghanaian side. The interest from an active national team coach highlights the prestige still associated with the Black Stars position, despite the competitive and demanding nature of the role. The Ghana Football Association is expected to review his credentials alongside other applicants as they look for a coach who can bring stability and success to the team. The search for a new head coach is a critical step for the future of Ghanaian football, as the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures and tournament qualifiers. Christiansen's entry into the race intensifies the selection process, providing the GFA with a variety of technical options. As the association moves forward with its evaluation of candidates, the focus remains on finding a leader who can meet the high expectations of the fans and restore the Black Stars to their competitive peak on the continent and the world stage.

A headshot portrait of football coach Otto Björkegren, who has been appointed to lead the Black Stars interim technical team. He is captured with a serious expression, wearing a navy blue blazer and a white open-collar shirt against a blurred stadium background.
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GFA appoints Kim Lars Björkegren as interim Black Stars head coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has appointed Kim Lars Björkegren to lead an interim technical team for the Black Stars. This appointment is specifically for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Somalia, scheduled for November. The move aims to provide stable leadership for the senior national team during a critical transitional period as the search for a permanent head coach continues. Björkegren will be supported by a team of experienced former Ghana internationals. Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been named as assistant coaches, while Fatawu Dauda will serve as the goalkeeping coach. This technical setup was recommended by the Black Stars Coach Search Committee, which has been tasked with evaluating candidates for the permanent role. The inclusion of local legends like Tanko and Attram is seen as a way to maintain continuity and provide the interim head coach with deep knowledge of the Ghanaian football landscape. The GFA has indicated that this arrangement is strictly for the November international window, which features a double-header against Somalia. During this time, the association will also appoint additional support staff to ensure the team is fully prepared for the qualifiers. Both the GFA and the Ministry of Sports have called on the Ghanaian public to rally behind the Black Stars and the new technical team during this brief but important phase. Following the November fixtures, the GFA is expected to finalize its search for a long-term replacement to lead the team through the rest of the qualification cycle.

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is captured in action during a cricket match, delivering a ball in his white Test kit. The background features a crowded stadium and advertising hoardings for Emirates and Aramco.
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Kagiso Rabada returns to South Africa squad for second Australia Test

South African captain Temba Bavuma has confirmed the return of premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for the second Test against Australia, scheduled to begin this Sunday at St George’s Park. Rabada, who missed the series opener in Durban due to a hamstring injury, has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is ready to rejoin the starting lineup. His inclusion is seen as a major boost for the Proteas as they look to level the series following a defeat in the first match. Rabada’s return brings significant experience and a formidable track record against the Australian side, having claimed 58 wickets in just 11 Tests against them. Bavuma emphasized that the bowler’s presence provides a vital morale lift to a squad that struggled to contain the Australian batting lineup in the previous encounter. The team management is eager to utilize Rabada's pace and skill on the St George’s Park surface, though the final composition of the bowling attack will only be confirmed on match day due to potential weather disruptions. In addition to the bowling reinforcements, the South African camp is contemplating changes to its batting order to address recent performance issues. Batsman Matthew Breetzke and the uncapped Marques Ackerman are both under consideration for selection as the Proteas search for greater stability at the crease. These potential adjustments come as the team faces pressure to improve their scoring output after a disappointing outing in Durban. On the Australian side, the visitors are maintaining a stable lineup while managing their own injury concerns. Matt Renshaw is confirmed to retain his position at number five, while all-rounder Cameron Green remains sidelined. Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis is reportedly nearing full fitness after a finger injury but remains a doubt for the start of the match. With rain forecast for the opening day, both captains are keeping their options open regarding their final team selections.

A promotional digital graphic for the MidCity Football Academy's International Scouts Visit event. The image highlights a scouting opportunity for young talents and features the logos of several European football clubs including RSC Anderlecht from Belgium, FC Midtjylland from Denmark, and CD Mafra from Portugal against a blue stadium-themed background.
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MidCity Football Academy hosts tournament for European scouts in October

MidCity Football Academy has announced its upcoming Agency Tournament, scheduled to take place in October 2026. The event is designed to provide a high-profile platform for Ghana's emerging football talents to showcase their abilities to international scouts. By organizing this talent identification exercise, the academy aims to enhance youth development and create direct pathways for local players to enter the international football market. The tournament will be conducted in two phases across Ghana's major football hubs. The first leg is set for Accra on October 19 and 20, 2026, followed immediately by a second session in Kumasi on October 21 and 22. This multi-city approach is intended to maximize the reach of the event, allowing a broader range of young athletes the opportunity to be seen by professional evaluators without the need for extensive travel. Prominent European clubs are expected to send representatives to monitor the proceedings and identify potential recruits. Among the organizations slated to attend are Belgium's RSC Anderlecht, Denmark's FC Midtjylland, and Portugal's CD Mafra. The presence of these scouts highlights the growing interest in West African talent and provides participants with a rare chance to secure professional contracts or development opportunities abroad. This initiative serves as a critical bridge between the local grassroot football scene and the global professional stage. By hosting such tournaments, MidCity Football Academy continues to position itself as a key facilitator for player career advancement. The event is expected to draw significant attention from the domestic football community, as young players vie for the chance to follow in the footsteps of successful Ghanaian internationals currently playing in European leagues.

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Black Starlets face Ivory Coast in WAFU Zone B semi-final

Ghana's U17 national team, the Black Starlets, are set to face Ivory Coast in a pivotal semi-final encounter at the 2026 WAFU Zone B Championship. The match, scheduled for Tuesday at 16:00 GMT, represents the final hurdle for the Ghanaian side in their quest to return to the continental stage. Having performed strongly in the opening rounds, the Starlets enter the knockout phase with significant momentum and the weight of national expectation. The path to the semi-finals saw Ghana dominate Group A, finishing the group stage unbeaten to secure the top spot. Their opponents, Ivory Coast, advanced after finishing second in Group B following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nigeria. While the Black Starlets have been clinical in their previous outings, the Ivorian side is expected to present a formidable challenge, characterized by the physical and tactical discipline typical of their youth setups. The stakes for Tuesday’s clash extend beyond a place in the regional tournament's final. A victory for the Black Starlets will officially secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. For the Ghanaian technical team and the young squad, the match is a critical opportunity to ensure the nation's presence at the continental showpiece after missing out on previous editions. As the team prepares for the showdown, the focus remains on maintaining their unbeaten record and clinical finishing. Football enthusiasts across the country are closely monitoring the progress of this generation of talent, hoping that a win against their West African rivals will signal a resurgence for Ghana’s youth football development on the international stage.

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Kofi Adams outlines government plans to reform Ghana Football Association

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that the government is preparing to implement significant reforms within the country’s football sector. This move follows growing public pressure and numerous calls for the dissolution of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) due to ongoing governance concerns. While acknowledging the intensity of these demands, the Minister emphasized that the government is seeking a structured approach to address institutional challenges rather than opting for a total shutdown of the association. Speaking on the matter, Minister Adams clarified the government’s position regarding the legal status of the GFA. He noted that because the association operates as a private entity, the government must be cautious in its intervention. According to Adams, dissolving the entire body simply to facilitate personnel changes is not an advisable or sustainable strategy. Instead, the government’s reformative agenda aims to target specific governance issues to ensure transparency and accountability without disrupting the fundamental structure of the sport in Ghana. The proposed reforms are expected to address systemic weaknesses that have sparked public outcry and demands for change. By prioritizing a reformative approach over a total dissolution, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation intends to stabilize the sector while ensuring that the GFA adheres to better management practices. This development marks a critical step in the government's efforts to restore confidence in national football administration, balancing the need for accountability with the legal realities of the association's status.

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Manchester City faces difficult legal battle over £830m financial breaches

Manchester City is preparing for a challenging legal confrontation as the club appeals against a series of Premier League financial rule violations. The club was previously found guilty of numerous breaches spanning nearly a decade, specifically from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18. Legal experts have suggested that the English champions face a steep climb to overturn the verdict, which centers on claims of systemic financial misconduct that allowed the club to dominate the domestic league during that period. At the heart of the case are allegations that Manchester City utilised fraudulent contracts to bypass league regulations. According to reports cited by legal experts, the club was found to have artificially inflated its sponsorship revenues by a staggering £830 million. These financial maneuvers were allegedly designed to provide a veneer of sustainability, allowing the club to spend heavily on players and infrastructure while technically appearing to follow Profit and Sustainability Rules. The complexity of these arrangements and the weight of the previous findings are primary reasons why experts believe the appeal will be difficult to win. As the appeal process begins, the football world is closely monitoring the situation, as the final outcome could result in severe sanctions. Potential penalties if the appeal fails range from significant points deductions to heavy fines or, in the most extreme scenarios, expulsion from the Premier League. The resolution of this case is expected to take considerable time, but it will undoubtedly set a major precedent for financial regulation in global football and determine the future of the league’s oversight mechanisms.

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Kofi Adams demands next Black Stars coach reside in Ghana

Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has issued a directive that the next head coach of the Black Stars must be prepared to spend a significant amount of time living within the country. This residency requirement is intended to bridge the gap between the national team leadership and the local football environment, ensuring that whoever takes the helm is fully committed to the development of the sport in Ghana. The Minister emphasized that this condition is particularly crucial for foreign candidates who may otherwise be tempted to manage the team from abroad. The push for a resident coach comes at a critical juncture for the senior national team following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. The former head coach left his position at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The Ministry believes that the team's poor performance was partly due to a lack of consistent engagement with the domestic football scene, a trend they are determined to reverse with the new appointment. According to Adams, having a coach physically present in Ghana will allow for better monitoring of local talent in the Ghana Premier League and more effective collaboration with technical stakeholders. This strategy aims to build a more cohesive unit and ensure that the national team benefits from a coach who is intimately familiar with the strengths and challenges of Ghanaian players across all levels. The Minister's stance reflects a broader government desire to see more tangible returns on the investments made into the national team. As the GFA intensifies its search for a successor to Queiroz, the residency clause is expected to be a non-negotiable part of the upcoming contract discussions. This move has been welcomed by many football enthusiasts who have long advocated for a more hands-on approach from the national team's technical leadership. The final decision on the appointment will be pivotal as Ghana seeks to stabilize its qualifying campaign and restore its status as a dominant force in African football.

Medeama SC defend unbeaten record against FC Samartex 1996
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Medeama SC defend unbeaten record against FC Samartex 1996

Ghana Premier League leaders and reigning champions Medeama SC are set to put their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season on the line as they face FC Samartex 1996. The highly anticipated Matchday 7 encounter, billed as a Western derby, will take place at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena this Sunday. Medeama currently sits at the top of the table with 14 points from six matches as they aim to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. The Mauve and Yellow enter the fixture following a convincing 3-1 victory over Heart of Lions last weekend, a result that solidified their position at the summit of the league. With four wins and two draws in their opening six games, the Tarkwa-based side remains the only unbeaten team in the competition. Their performance so far in this title defense has established them as the frontrunners in the race for the 2026/27 trophy. FC Samartex 1996 will provide a stern test for the champions at their home ground in Samreboi. The Nsenkyire Sports Arena is expected to be packed for this local rivalry, where the hosts will look to capitalize on home advantage to halt Medeama’s momentum. While Medeama leads the pack, Samartex will be motivated by the derby atmosphere to improve their own standing in the league table. This fixture is the standout match of a weekend that also sees other league heavyweights seeking to recover their form. Traditional giants like Asante Kotoko SC and Aduana FC, alongside Port City FC, are all looking for redemption in Matchday 7 after suffering defeats in the previous round. For Medeama, however, the focus remains squarely on navigating this difficult away trip to remain clear of the chasing pack at the top of the standings.

TV XYZ journalist criticizes Kofi Adams over World Cup visa list exclusion
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TV XYZ journalist criticizes Kofi Adams over World Cup visa list exclusion

A sports journalist from TV XYZ has publicly criticized the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, following the exclusion of the media outlet’s staff from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation list. The broadcaster expressed profound disappointment during a recent segment, asserting that the ministry had overlooked a media house that played a pivotal role in the political landscape leading up to the current administration's term. The journalist specifically pointed to the lack of recognition for the station's efforts in providing a platform for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election cycle. According to the journalist, TV XYZ was a staunch advocate for the NDC, dedicating significant airtime and resources to support the party’s campaign which ultimately saw President John Mahama return to office. The presenter argued that the exclusion from the World Cup list felt like a "poor reward" for the advocacy and loyalty shown by the media house. The journalist emphasized that despite their hard work to aid the party's victory, they were being denied the opportunity to cover a major international sporting event that requires government-backed accreditation and visa support. The 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a high-priority event for Ghanaian sports media, requiring early logistical planning and government coordination for travel documentation. While the ministry typically manages a list of accredited journalists for such international assignments, this public outburst highlights burgeoning friction between the government and its perceived media allies. The situation underscores the challenges of balancing official accreditation standards with political expectations. At the time of reporting, Minister Kofi Adams has not provided a public response to the journalist's claims or clarified the specific selection criteria for the visa list.

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Kofi Adams warns against low home-based player count in Black Queens

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced significant concerns regarding the dwindling representation of local-based players within the senior national women's football team, the Black Queens. The Minister highlighted a growing trend where the national side relies heavily on foreign-based professionals, a shift he believes could undermine the development and long-term viability of the domestic women's football infrastructure in Ghana. Adams emphasized that while foreign-based players bring valuable international experience, the current selection patterns raise serious questions about the opportunities available to talent competing in Ghana's domestic leagues. He warned that if the gap between local and international call-ups continues to widen, it may stifle the effectiveness of local player development programs. The Minister suggested that a healthy national team should reflect a robust balance between those playing abroad and those excelling in the home-grown Women’s Premier League to ensure the sport's growth remains inclusive. The Minister further noted that neglecting home-based talent risks discouraging young athletes within the country and could potentially lead to a decline in the standard and competitiveness of local competitions. By ensuring that local players have a clear pathway to the national team, the Ministry aims to bolster the domestic football ecosystem. Adams’ remarks serve as a directive to technical staff and football administrators to reassess scouting strategies and prioritize the sustainability of Ghanaian football talent across all levels of the game.