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Asante Kotoko name Eric Tinkler as new Head Coach

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Asante Kotoko name Eric Tinkler as new Head Coach

Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has announced the appointment of Eric Tinkler as the club’s new head coach with immediate effect.

The Porcupine Warriors, in a bid to reshape their technical bench, announced the capture of the Portuguese-South African tactician on Friday, 17th July, 2026. Tinkler comes in with vast experience, having managed top clubs in the South African league.

“Asante Kotoko Sporting Club is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Tinkler as the club’s new Head Coach with immediate effect.

“The appointment brings to the Porcupine Warriors family a world-class coach of proven pedigree, extensive top-flight experience, and a distinguished playing career at the highest level of the game,” a club statement said on Friday.

He has managed clubs such as SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United, and a host of other teams. Tinkler — a former captain of the South African national team — holds a CAF A License, with over 30 years’ experience in top-flight football.

Speaking on the appointment, club chairman James Osei Brown said Tinkler’s arrival brings “a wealth of experience, discipline, and winning pedigree” to the technical bench, adding that his record made him “the right man to lead our team at this important time.”

For his part, Tinkler expressed pride at joining the club, describing Asante Kotoko as “one of Africa’s most storied football institutions” and stating that he looks forward to building a team capable of competing both locally and on the continental stage.

Tinkler secured a runner-up finish in the CAF Champions League with Orlando Pirates, a CAF Confederation Cup runner-up finish with Supersport United, and domestic cup honours including MTN 8 championships and a Telkom Knockout Winners Medal.

As a player, Coach Tinkler managed 48 caps for South Africa, and was the captain of the national team at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.

He also represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France. Again, he was part of the South African squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

“This is far from the end” – Alidu Seidu vows to bounce back after Ghana’s World Cup exit

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“This is far from the end” – Alidu Seidu vows to bounce back after Ghana’s World Cup exit

Ghana defender Alidu Seidu is hoping to bounce back stronger following the Black Stars’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that he will keep working hard to shrug off any future disappointment.

The Rennes defender wrote an emotional message on X, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support. He is, however, confident that the days ahead are positive and will make amends.

“A lot of disappointments, but this is far from the end,” Seidu wrote.

“The only thing that can change my opinion is hard work, and that is exactly what I’ll keep doing every single day. I truly believe there are great things ahead; I’ll keep trusting God’s plan.”

The 26-year-old also took time to thank those who have continued to support him throughout his career.

“To everyone who stood by me and continues to support me, thank you!”

Seidu was part of Ghana’s squad at the World Cup, where the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. He came on as a substitute for Marvin Senaya, who suffered a groin injury early in the game.

The Black Stars now shift their attention to the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin later this year.

World Cup 2026: Mbappe bounces back from penalty miss as France sink Morocco to reach semi-finals

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World Cup 2026: Mbappe bounces back from penalty miss as France sink Morocco to reach semi-finals

France have advanced to the last four of the ongoing FIFA World Cup after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over an enterprising Morocco side on Thursday.

Kylian Mbappe bagged his eighth goal of the tournament to make up for an earlier missed penalty in the first half, as Les Bleus proved too strong for the Atlas Lions.

Mbappe won the penalty for his side after being brought down in the box by defender Noussair Mazraoui. However, his poorly taken spot kick was superbly saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The Real Madrid striker rewrote the script, opening the scoring in the 60th minute with an amazing curling effort from just inside the penalty area to hand France a deserved lead, having gone close on several earlier attempts.

Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele doubled France’s lead six minutes later, finding the net with a low strike after cutting through the Morocco defence. Bounou got a hand to the ball, but it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.

Mbappe’s goal sees him draw level with Lionel Messi in the scoring standings, and the Frenchman now finds himself ahead in the Golden Boot race, having provided more assists than his former PSG teammate so far.

The two are also engaged in a thrilling race to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, with 27-year-old Mbappe now on 20 goals compared to the record 21 held by 39-year-old Messi.

France will now play either Spain or Belgium in the semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday (20:00 BST). The two-time winners lost to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar and will be hoping to reach the final for a second consecutive time.

“If you can’t sing the national anthem, you can’t be in the team” — President Mahama tells Black Stars players

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“If you can’t sing the national anthem, you can’t be in the team” — President Mahama tells Black Stars players

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed shock over the inability of most Black Stars players to proudly sing the national anthem during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to him, players should demonstrate patriotism by singing the anthem on such occasions, as was exhibited by players from other countries.

The President shared this sentiment while reflecting on Ghana’s performance at the World Cup, where the Black Stars were knocked out in the round of 32 by Colombia.

Mahama expressed disappointment that several Ghanaian players remained silent during the anthem.

“During the World Cup, our players did not sing the national anthem. All the other players sang their national anthems with pride. Ours were quiet. It should be a qualification for playing for the national team. If you cannot sing the anthem, you cannot be on the team,” Mahama said.

The President’s remarks, which drew laughter from those gathered, were made in a light-hearted manner. He nonetheless stressed the need to exhibit great pride while representing Ghana on the global stage.

The President’s comments have sparked considerable conversation among Ghanaians, with some supporting the sentiment and others disagreeing, even though the statement was made in jest.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are expected to commence later this year.

Berekum Chelsea Appoint Kwaku Danso as New Head Coach

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Berekum Chelsea Appoint Kwaku Danso as New Head Coach

Ghana Premier League outfit Berekum Chelsea have announced the appointment of Kwaku Danso as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 football season.

Danso comes in as a replacement for Samuel Boadu, who recently joined fellow top-flight side Aduana FC after the 2025/26 season.

The experienced coach joins Berekum Chelsea after a one-year stint with lower-tier side Rainmakers FC, where he was responsible for player development.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new coach, Mr. Kwaku Danso.”Welcome, Coach KD,” Berekum Chelsea revealed on their social media platforms.

Danso brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached in the Ghana Premier League, where he enjoyed a successful stint with Bechem United.

The club believes his leadership qualities and technical acumen will be of immense benefit, hence the decision to hire him as they look to improve in the upcoming season.

Kwaku Danso is expected to begin his new role with immediate effect, as the 2026/27 season is set to commence early in September.

The Berekum Senior High School headmaster will take charge of Berekum Chelsea’s senior side.

Rainmakers FC expressed gratitude to Coach Danso for his commitment and leadership during his tenure as head coach of the side.

“A new chapter begins. Thank you, Coach Kwaku Danso, for your dedication, leadership, and service to Rainmakers FC. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new journey with Berekum Chelsea. Once a Rainmaker, always a Rainmaker,” the club said in a farewell message.

World Cup 2026: Argentina survive another scare as Messi inspires late comeback against Egypt

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World Cup 2026: Argentina survive another scare as Messi inspires late comeback against Egypt

Messi’s Argentina once again did the unthinkable as they survived another scare before staging a second-half comeback to break Egyptian hearts and reach the last eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The defending champions, who had needed extra time to progress to this stage in a fierce encounter against Cape Verde, looked set to head home against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Atlanta, who held a 2-0 advantage thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

But Cristian Romero halved the deficit 11 minutes from time before Lionel Messi – who had missed a first-half penalty – equalised five minutes later to set up a nail-biting finish.

Enzo Fernandez sent Argentina fans into wild jubilation as he completed the comeback two minutes into injury time, heading home Lautaro Martinez’s cross. The South American giants thus set up a quarter-final clash against Colombia or Switzerland.

Before the winner that sent Argentina through, Egypt felt they had been denied a legitimate penalty for a trip on Mohamed Salah, which infuriated many on their bench.

Egypt opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when Ibrahim outjumped Lisandro Martinez to nod Marwan Attia’s cross into the bottom corner.

Argentina – and tournament top scorer Messi – then had the opportunity to level the scores when Haissem Hassan tripped Nicolas Tagliafico inside the penalty area five minutes later.

However, Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was equal to the task, saving to deny the 39-year-old, who had also had a penalty saved in a 2-0 victory over Austria in the group stage.

Shobeir again denied Alexis Mac Allister’s header from entering the net before delivering a superb one-handed stop to keep out Julian Alvarez’s goal-bound effort three minutes before the interval.

Zico then snatched Egypt’s second goal, after having an earlier one disallowed by the video assistant referee.

Up until that moment, Argentina had barely threatened, but everything changed in the 79th minute when Romero rose to head home, jolting Lionel Scaloni’s side back into the game. Messi then struck again, netting his 21st World Cup goal to set the stage for a chaotic finish to what had become a thrilling match.

It was Fernandez who had the last word, guiding in a precisely placed header that not only capped off one of the most remarkable comebacks in World Cup history but also happened to be the tournament’s 3,000th goal ever scored.

World Cup 2026: Belgium thrash USA 4-1 to reach last eight, set up Spain clash

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World Cup 2026: Belgium thrash USA 4-1 to reach last eight, set up Spain clash

Belgium advanced to the quarter-final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating the United States 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice for Belgium. The United States became the third and final co-host nation to exit the tournament.

The United States had the opportunity to feature star striker Folarin Balogun in their starting line-up after President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review his ban following a red card in the previous round. FIFA subsequently suspended the one-match ban for 12 months. However, the presence of Balogun — the tournament’s leading scorer for the US with three goals — was not felt, as Belgium dominated proceedings.

The Red Devils opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Nicolas Raskin’s pass across the face of goal was tapped in lby De Ketelaere.

The co-hosts drew level in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman, whose free-kick took a wicked deflection off Belgium’s Hans Vanaken.

But Belgium went back in front two minutes later when De Ketelaere headed in Leandro Trossard’s cross.

In the second half, Belgium made it three with relative ease: De Ketelaere pressured a hesitant US keeper, Matt Freese, into an lerror, and Vanaken side-footed the loose ball into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area.

Then, in the 93rd minute, substitute Romelu Lukaku put the icing on the cake, slotting in Belgium’s fourth with a low shot into the far corner from a tight angle.

Belgium will now face their European counterparts, Spain, in the last eight in Los Angeles on Friday (20:00 BST), after the European champions beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday.

World Cup 2026: Substitute Merino scores late to send Portugal home

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World Cup 2026: Substitute Merino scores late to send Portugal home

Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag the only goal of the match as Spain eliminated Portugal in a fierce last-16 encounter in Dallas at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Spain secured the all-important victory, although they failed to produce clear-cut opportunities in the second half, before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

The European champions will next play co-hosts United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July.

Portugal’s defeat also ends Ronaldo’s World Cup ambitions, as the 41-year-old confirmed prior to the start of this World Cup that it would be his last.

Spain made their intentions clear as early as three minutes into the game, as Dani Olmo’s pass found Mikel Oyarzabal behind the Portugal defence, but the Real Sociedad striker shot wide.

Costa then produced some great goalkeeping heroics, pulling off a double save to deny Spanish duo Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena in quick succession as La Roja pushed for an opener. However, Portugal nearly made Spain pay for their profligacy.

Spain were saved by the woodwork in the 41st minute, as Nuno Mendes’ ferocious left-foot strike took a deflection off Pedro Porro and rattled the crossbar as the half ended goalless.

Roberto Martinez’s charges continued to grow into the game after the break, but failed to make it count.

Bruno Fernandes hit the side-netting in the 76th minute, but Olmo responded with a shot from inside the box, which was blocked by a brave Ruben Dias, before the two Spain substitutes combined to produce the match-winning moment.

Carlos Quieroz announces departure as Black Stars head coach

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Carlos Quieroz announces departure as Black Stars head coach

Carlos Queiroz has officially confirmed he will not renew his short-term contract with the Ghana Football Association as Black Stars head coach following the team’s exit from the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese trainer penned down a four-month contract to head Ghana’s technical team through the tournament. The experienced tactician announced his decision in a heartfelt message on his official social media platforms on Sunday.

Queiroz indicated that the setback should be seen as an opportunity to grow as a Football nation.

“Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn.”

“I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination – it should be the beginning of even greater ambitions.”

“The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch. Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent.”

The veteran coach took time to thank the Ghana Football Association leadership for entrusting him with the national team during his brief tenure.

“To my President and Board, thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the Ghana National Football Team. It was an honor and privilege to serve the Country and the Black Stars.”

He also paid tribute to his players and technical staff for their commitment throughout the World Cup campaign.

“To my players and staff, my deepest gratitude for your courage, commitment and unwavering dedication to the team.”

“To the fans, we cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honoured the colours of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football’s greatest stage.”

“Thank you, Ghana. The journey starts now.

To the future.”

Queiroz steered the affairs of Ghana at the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010 after taking charge on a short-term contract.

Queiroz managed a win, two draws and two defeats in his short term as Ghana head coach.

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World Cup 2026: Arias strike sends Colombia past toothless Ghana into last 16

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World Cup 2026: Arias strike sends Colombia past toothless Ghana into last 16

Colombia advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 with a vintage display, as Jhon Arias’ early first-half strike sank a disappointing Ghana side that ended the night without a single shot on target.

Nestor Lorenzo’s charges will now face Switzerland in Vancouver, with the winner of that tie expected to meet Argentina in the quarter-final stage, should both progress.

Ghana managed zero shots on target in the match, and surprisingly only four across the entire tournament — the lowest by any team at this World Cup. Colombia deservedly won the day, having registered as many shots on target in this single game as Ghana managed in the whole tournament.

Ghana, however, were the first to threaten, but Thomas Partey’s long-range effort inside the opening minute missed the post by inches.

The first ten minutes proved chaotic for both sides, as Colombia forward Jhon Córdoba was substituted with a groin injury, replaced by Luis Suárez, while Ghana lost enterprising right-back Marvin Senaya to a hamstring injury, with Alidu Seidu coming on in his place.

Substitute Suárez then delivered a cross from the right for the unmarked Arias, who guided home a far-post volley from close range, with Yirenkyi failing to track the midfielder’s run.

Ghana understandably pushed forward in response, and in one such attack, Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo saw his effort deflected over the bar.

Colombia’s Luis Díaz fired a low shot wide of the near post, before Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a fine save. Suárez then sent in a powerful header from Jefferson Lerma’s cross, but it drifted off target. In added time, Ati-Zigi kept the Black Stars in the game, doing well to claw Johan Mojica’s downward header off the line, after a cross from Daniel Munoz found him at the far post.

Colombia carried their momentum into the second half, with Ati-Zigi pulling off another flying save to deny Gustavo Puerta. Díaz thought he had scored shortly after, sliding home Lerma’s cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Soon after, Díaz had another chance following Puerta’s unselfish pass on the break, but was again denied by an Ati-Zigi block.

Partey almost levelled the score in the 69th minute, but his low drive drifted wide.

Colombia continued to carve out chances to the delight of their supporters. Juan Fernando Quintero blazed just wide from distance, Díaz saw another curling effort deflected off target, and Davínson Sánchez’s downward header from a corner was once again kept out by a busy Ati-Zigi.

Ghana searched for a late equalizer to force extra time, but it was not to be. Ghana became the seventh of the nine African sides that had secured last-32 berths to be eliminated, leaving only Morocco and Egypt still chasing the dream at this year’s Mundial.

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