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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Kim Lars Bjorkegren takes interim charge of Black Stars

Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the head coach of the Black Queens, has been appointed to lead the senior national male team, the Black Stars, on an interim basis. This appointment comes as the team prepares for a critical 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Somalia during the November international break. Bjorkegren's move into the temporary role occurs while the search for a permanent head coach continues following the team's recent struggles on the continental stage. To support Bjorkegren in this transition, Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been named as his assistant coaches. Bjorkegren is already familiar with the national team environment, having previously served as an assistant for a single match. The decision to utilize the technical leadership of the women's national team highlights a strategy to leverage internal expertise while the Ghana Football Association (GFA) completes its recruitment process for a substantive manager. The interim technical team faces a significant challenge as they look to reverse the Black Stars' fortunes in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team has had a difficult start to the qualifiers, suffering losses to Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia. The upcoming matches against Somalia are viewed as essential opportunities for Ghana to secure its first points and stabilize its position in the group. Collaborating with Tanko and Attram, Bjorkegren will be tasked with restoring confidence and improving on-field performance. Following the conclusion of the double-header against Somalia, Bjorkegren is expected to return his focus to the Black Queens. His primary objective with the women's team will be the upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifying playoffs. Meanwhile, the GFA is expected to provide further updates on the search for a permanent head coach to lead the Black Stars through the remainder of the AFCON qualification process and subsequent international assignments.

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Anthony Baffoe expresses pride in choosing Ghana over Germany

Former Black Stars player Anthony Baffoe has reaffirmed his pride in choosing to represent Ghana internationally over Germany. Despite being born and raised in Germany, the former footballer stated that he has no regrets about his decision to play for his parents' home nation. This commitment to the Ghanaian national team remains a point of significant personal satisfaction for Baffoe as he reflects on his professional career and the path he chose. Baffoe’s decision was notable because of his background, having grown up within the German football system. Born to Ghanaian parents in Germany, he faced the choice between a potential future with the German national team or representing his heritage with the Black Stars. He ultimately chose the latter, a move that underscored his deep connection to his roots. He maintains that throughout his career and in the years since, he has never second-guessed the decision to wear the Ghana jersey. The expression of pride from Baffoe serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Black Stars for players in the diaspora. By highlighting his lack of regret, Baffoe emphasizes the importance of identity and heritage in international football. His reflections offer a perspective on the motivations that drive players to represent their ancestral countries, even when they have been raised in different environments. This sense of pride continues to define his legacy as a former member of the Ghanaian national team.

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Gianni Infantino apologises to FIFA Council for commercial sell-off plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a formal apology to the FIFA Council regarding a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the organisation’s commercial operations to private investors. The apology was delivered during a three-and-a-half-hour Council meeting in Zurich on October 15, 2026. The move follows a period of intense internal debate over the proposed commercialisation of FIFA's assets, which many stakeholders feared would shift the federation's focus toward private profit. The withdrawn proposal specifically targeted a minority share in FIFA's commercial operations, including lucrative rights associated with the World Cup. While the plan was intended to generate significant capital, it met with fierce opposition from various football federations and officials who were concerned about the long-term implications for the governance of the sport. The withdrawal of the plan and subsequent apology represent a significant retreat for Infantino, who has championed several ambitious financial reforms during his tenure. Despite the apology, Infantino faces a deepening leadership crisis as European football officials continue to call for his resignation. The collapse of the investment deal has emboldened critics who argue that the President's vision for the organisation is at odds with the traditional governance of the sport. As pressure mounts from the European contingent, the future of Infantino's leadership and the direction of FIFA's commercial strategy remain uncertain.

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Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu expresses optimism for Black Stars' AFCON recovery

Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced his confidence that the senior national team, the Black Stars, can still turn their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign around. Despite a disastrous start in Group C, where Ghana sits at the bottom of the table with zero points after two matches, Agyemang-Badu remains hopeful of a resurgence in the upcoming fixtures. The midfielder's comments come at a critical juncture for the national team as they face the prospect of missing out on the continental showpiece. To facilitate this recovery, the former international star emphasized the need for a strategic shift in player selection. Specifically, Agyemang-Badu advocated for the increased inclusion of local-based talent into the national setup. He believes that integrating players from the domestic league could provide the necessary depth and commitment required to bolster the squad's performance after their opening defeats. This perspective adds to the ongoing debate regarding the balance between foreign-based stars and homegrown talent in the national team. The backdrop of his optimism is a period of significant technical transition for the Black Stars. Following the team's poor run of form, head coach Carlos Queiroz departed his role, leaving a leadership vacuum at the helm of the technical bench. In response, a search committee has been established to identify a successor capable of steadying the ship and securing the points needed to climb the Group C standings. The new appointment will be expected to restore discipline and tactical direction to a side that has struggled for consistency. Ghana's path to qualification now focuses on forthcoming matches against Somalia, which Agyemang-Badu believes are pivotal for restoring national pride. These fixtures represent a mandatory opportunity for the four-time African champions to secure their first points of the campaign. The next head coach will face the immediate challenge of implementing a system that can effectively navigate the remaining qualifiers and keep the dream of 2027 AFCON qualification alive for the Ghanaian football public.

Anthony Baffoe dismisses immediate GFA presidential ambitions
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Anthony Baffoe dismisses immediate GFA presidential ambitions

Former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe has clarified his position regarding the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following growing calls for a change in leadership. Amidst mounting public pressure on the current administration, the 61-year-old former defender stated that he is not currently driven by the ambition to lead the GFA, though he remained open-ended about what the future might hold. Baffoe, who currently serves in a high-ranking administrative capacity at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), emphasized that his immediate focus remains elsewhere. "It does not drive me, but I don’t know what is going to happen in six months, or twelve or twenty-four months," Baffoe remarked. His comments come as fans and observers increasingly suggest his technical and administrative experience as a potential solution to the recent struggles of the national team. The speculation surrounding Baffoe’s leadership coincides with a difficult period for the current GFA President, Kurt Okraku. The administration is facing significant scrutiny after the Black Stars suffered a poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, recording losses in their opening matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These results have intensified the debate regarding the direction of Ghanaian football and the need for reform at the governing body. Anthony Baffoe remains one of Ghana’s most respected football figures, having represented the Black Stars between 1991 and 1994 before transitioning into international sports management. While he has not launched a formal bid for the GFA presidency, his willingness to consider the role in the long term suggests that he remains a significant figure in the conversation about the future of the sport in Ghana. For now, the GFA continues under its existing leadership as it prepares for upcoming international fixtures.

CAF increases annual financial support for GFA to $700,000
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CAF increases annual financial support for GFA to $700,000

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant 33% increase in the annual financial support provided to its 54 member associations, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA). CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the yearly subvention for each association will rise from $525,000 to $700,000. This move is designed to provide greater fiscal flexibility and resources for domestic football bodies to implement developmental programs across the continent. This financial adjustment represents a substantial commitment from the continental governing body to bolster the growth of the sport at the grassroots and national levels. For the Ghana Football Association, the additional $175,000 in annual funding is expected to support various initiatives ranging from youth development and coaching education to infrastructure improvements and the management of domestic leagues. The decision reflects CAF's broader strategy to ensure that national associations have the necessary capital to sustain their operations and improve the quality of football administration. Under the leadership of Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CAF has been focusing on enhancing the commercial value of African football and redistributing those gains to its members. By increasing the allocation to up to $700,000, CAF aims to narrow the resource gap that often hinders smaller or developing football nations from reaching their full potential. The GFA, which manages multiple national teams and various divisional leagues, stands to benefit from this predictable increase in revenue as it plans its long-term technical and administrative projects. The implementation of this funding increase is anticipated to have an immediate effect on the budgetary planning of the 54 member associations. As the GFA integrates these new resources into its financial strategy, stakeholders within the Ghanaian football community will be looking for transparent and effective utilization of the funds to address critical areas such as talent identification and refereeing standards. This enhancement in support underscores a period of financial growth for CAF and its commitment to ensuring that every member association has the tools required to compete on the global stage.

Kofi Adams remains confident in Black Stars' 2027 AFCON qualification
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Kofi Adams remains confident in Black Stars' 2027 AFCON qualification

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Iddie Adams, has expressed firm confidence that the Black Stars will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign. Ghana currently finds itself at the bottom of Group C after losing its opening two matches, leaving the national team with zero points in a group they were expected to lead. The Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation but maintained that the team has the capacity to recover in the upcoming fixtures. Adams' remarks follow a difficult 4-2 defeat to The Gambia, which the Minister admitted was a painful result to witness. This loss followed a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ivory Coast in the opening match of the qualifiers. Despite these consecutive setbacks, Adams emphasized that the qualification process is a marathon and that the Ministry is committed to ensuring the national team reaches the tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. In response to the poor run of form, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced plans to establish a temporary technical team to support the national side. This intervention is aimed at stabilizing the team’s performance and refining tactical preparations ahead of their next competitive outings. The new technical structure will be expected to address the defensive and creative lapses observed in the matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The Black Stars are now scheduled to face Somalia in a crucial double-header in November. These matches are being treated as must-win encounters to keep Ghana's hopes of participating in the 2027 tournament alive. While the pressure on the playing body and the current technical staff has intensified, the Sports Minister remains adamant that with the right adjustments and support, the Black Stars will secure their place among the continent's elite in two years' time.

Anthony Baffoe reflects on hostile Ghana-Nigeria rivalry
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Anthony Baffoe reflects on hostile Ghana-Nigeria rivalry

Former Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe has provided a vivid account of the intense and often volatile football rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, drawing from his personal experiences on the pitch. Highlighting the historical depth of the competition, Baffoe described the unique pressures faced by the Ghanaian national team when traveling to play their West African neighbors. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the psychological and physical challenges that defined international fixtures during one of the most competitive eras of African football. Central to Baffoe's recollection was the overtly hostile atmosphere the Black Stars encountered during matches held in Lagos. He detailed how the intimidation tactics began well before kickoff, with local fans frequently pelting the Ghanaian players with bottles and other projectiles during their pre-match warm-ups. To manage the high levels of aggression from the crowd, security measures were often described as unusual and extreme, reflecting the volatile environment that players had to navigate to represent their country. Beyond the crowd's behavior, Baffoe recounted specific on-field tensions, most notably a series of encounters with the legendary Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini. He described a particularly tense confrontation with the late forward, illustrating the raw physicality and verbal sparring that characterized their duels. These individual battles mirrored the broader nationalistic fervor of the "Jollof Derby," where the stakes extended far beyond the scoreline to encompass national pride and regional bragging rights. These historical insights serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry, which remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in African sports. While modern regulations and improved stadium security have changed the nature of these encounters, Baffoe’s accounts underscore the grit and mental fortitude required of players in previous decades. For the former defender, these high-pressure matches in Lagos remain some of the most formative experiences of his international career with the Black Stars.

Vinicius Jr. sparks debate after substitution in Real Madrid match
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Vinicius Jr. sparks debate after substitution in Real Madrid match

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has sparked a significant wave of social media debate following his reaction to being substituted during the club's UEFA Champions League fixture against AS Roma on October 15, 2026. The high-stakes match, which concluded in a high-scoring 4-3 result, saw the Brazilian international visibly frustrated as he left the pitch, leading to widespread discussion among football fans and analysts online regarding his conduct and the team's internal atmosphere. The encounter began with an early advantage for AS Roma, who took the lead through a goal by Marten de Roon. Real Madrid responded through star forward Kylian Mbappe, who managed to level the score shortly after the opening strike. The intensity of the competition appeared to boil over when the decision was made to take Vinicius Jr. off the field, an incident that has since been characterized by some observers as an "anger-filled" moment involving a perceived snub of AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho. While the exact nature of the disagreement remains a matter of speculation, the incident has highlighted potential tensions within the squad during a challenging European campaign. As Real Madrid moves forward, the focus will likely shift to how the technical team manages player relations and whether the fallout from this substitution will impact the team's performance in upcoming domestic and continental matches. The trending discussions on social media platforms suggest that the player's reaction has resonated deeply with the club's global fanbase.

A close-up portrait of Ghanaian international footballer Antoine Semenyo. He is seen wearing a red and black striped football jersey with a gold trim, looking towards the side with a neutral expression.
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Mark Mogan denies racially abusing Antoine Semenyo at Liverpool court

A 47-year-old man, Mark Mogan, has appeared before the Liverpool Magistrates’ Court facing charges of racially abusing Ghanaian international footballer Antoine Semenyo. The incident allegedly occurred during a Premier League match at Anfield on August 15, 2025, while Semenyo was playing for his club. The court heard testimony detailing the events that led to the charges, which have sparked significant interest and concern within the Ghanaian sporting community regarding the treatment of African players abroad. The prosecution alleged that while Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in near the stands, Mogan shouted a racial slur at the striker. Witnesses and video evidence presented in court depicted Mogan as being in an agitated state during the match. Beyond the verbal abuse, it was also alleged that Mogan threw chewing gum at the player. The court was told that Semenyo ‘froze’ in response to the abuse, a moment that underscored the immediate impact of the incident on the pitch. In his defense, Mogan denied the use of any racial slurs. While he admitted to being frustrated during the game, he claimed that he felt insulted by the player and that his actions were a reaction to that perceived slight. However, the legal proceedings came to an abrupt halt when Mogan suffered a medical emergency inside the courtroom. This unexpected development forced the magistrate to adjourn the hearing before a verdict could be reached or further testimony concluded. The case has resonated deeply in Ghana, where Semenyo is a key figure for the national team, the Black Stars. The incident has reignited nationwide discussions regarding the persistent issue of racial abuse directed at African players in European leagues and has led to renewed calls for accountability in sports justice. The court is expected to reconvene at a later date to continue the trial once Mogan’s medical condition has been assessed.

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David Kofi Wuaku urges sports federations to submit performance targets

Dr. David Kofi Wuaku, the Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, has called on national sports federations to submit detailed proposals and measurable performance targets to qualify for financial support. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure that state resources are directed toward initiatives that yield tangible results for Ghanaian athletes. Dr. Wuaku emphasized that the era of open-ended funding is transitioning toward a model based on strict accountability and the active management of development plans. A central theme of the Administrator’s address was the critical need for improved governance and financial reporting within the various sports bodies. He stressed that eligibility for support from the Ghana Sports Fund is strictly contingent upon meeting specific transparency criteria and demonstrating how funding will directly boost athlete performance. Federations are now expected to identify their primary development goals and provide professional documentation that justifies their budgetary requests. Beyond the reliance on state support, Dr. Wuaku encouraged federations to forge stronger collaborations with corporate entities and private investors. By preparing credible proposals and setting clear targets, sports organizations can better position themselves to attract private-sector investment, thereby creating a more sustainable financial ecosystem for their respective disciplines. This strategic shift aims to complement the Fund’s resources and reduce the total dependence on public coffers for sports development. The Ghana Sports Fund remains committed to providing sustainable financing to the sports sector, but Dr. Wuaku warned that this support remains a privilege of those who exhibit accountability. By demanding measurable targets, the Fund aims to track the progress of various disciplines and ensure that every cedi spent contributes to the growth of sports in Ghana. This approach signals a more structured and performance-oriented era for sports administration in the country.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe and an official are seen carrying the Confederation of African Football (CAF) flag across a football pitch during a formal ceremony. The background features a red and gold podium, the AFCON trophy on a stand, and several officials in formal attire within a stadium setting.
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CAF monitors stadium delays for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is facing significant logistical and infrastructure challenges as concerns grow over the readiness of co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Despite the ambitious plan to host the tournament across the East African region, stadium construction delays and organizational hurdles have triggered uncertainty about the competition's schedule. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently monitoring the situation closely as the timeline for the continent's premier football event narrows. At the center of the concerns is the Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, which is considered a vital venue for the tournament. The facility remains incomplete, and its progress will be a major factor in determining whether the three-nation bid can fulfill its obligations. While CAF President Patrice Motsepe has publicly stated that there is no alternative plan or intention to change the hosts, reports suggest the governing body has already held preliminary discussions with Morocco, Algeria, and South Africa as potential backup locations should the current hosts fail to meet the required standards. The tournament, originally envisioned for the northern summer, may also face a change in timing. There are ongoing discussions about potentially postponing the event to the December-January period to allow more time for infrastructure completion. A critical evaluation led by Motsepe is scheduled for January 2027, which will serve as the final assessment of the progress made by the host nations. This review will ultimately decide whether the tournament can proceed as planned or if it must be relocated to ensure a successful delivery.