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Black Stars New Assistant Coach Alain Ravera Begins Work

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Black Stars New Assistant Coach Alain Ravera Begins Work

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Coach Alain Ravera who has just been appointed to assist Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo has began work in high spirits. The coach was at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, 8th February 2026 to witness the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 clash between Kotoko and Medeama to the admiration of many Ghanaians.

The game ended goalless in regulation time after Kotoko’s captain Samba Oniel missed a great scoring chance from the spot.

Aduana Stars went ahead to triumph 4-2 in penalty shootout to send Kotoko, the defending champions home packing.

The French Tactician, Alain Ravera, according to what footy.ghpush.com/ gathered, enjoyed the Ghanaian local match particularly from the standard of play.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in consultation with the Black Stars management committee have made five new additions to the Black Stars technical bench.

Coaches Alain Ravera, Kim Lars, Martinez Alfonso, Carlos Romero, and Dwayne Pease Paa Kwasi were appointed few days ago to further boost the Black Stars technical brain as the 2026 FIFA Mundial draws nearer.

The Black Stars now boast of about 20 technical crew members with five deputy coaches, the first of it kind for FIFA World Cup or any other major tournament.

These five assistant coaches are John Paintsil, Desmond Offei, Kim Kars, Alain Ravera and Martinez Alfonso.

Though the composition of these numerous technical staff has received great backlash from many Ghanaians, to the leadership of the GFA it is a right step.

“We know what we are up to. We want to go to the world cup and live up to expectation. We have confidence in these technical people that they will help us achieve our goals” said the Communication Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum.

Kotoko Cross Swords With Aduana Stars In MTN FA Cup Round Of 16

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Kotoko Cross Swords With Aduana Stars In MTN FA Cup Round Of 16

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium will certainly be the cynosure of all eyes when Asante Kotoko clash with Aduana Stars in the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup round of 16.

The Porcupine Warriors showed class in last season’s edition of the FA Cup to clinch the ultimate trophy. They beat Golden Kick 2-1 in the final at the University Ghana Sports Stadium.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito have been strong this season beating regional rivals King Faisal 1-0 at the round of 32.

They face a herculean task on Sunday, 8th February, 2026 when they host Aduana Stars at their backyard. On paper, Kotoko have the upper hand but Aduana Stars have proven to be tough customers for Kotoko anytime they visit Kumasi.

The last time Aduana Stars trekked to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on 16th November, 2025, they held Kotoko to a 1-1 draw in a league match.

Having failed to win the FA Cup in their 16 years stay in the Ghana Premiership, Aduana Stars are gritty to conquer this time round.

But they will definitely face a stern test from Coach Karim Zito and his men. Coach Zito has won the FA Cup twice in the last three years. He led Dreams FC to win the competition in 2023 before guiding Kotoko to another success last season to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The FA Cup round of 16 matches began on Friday, 6th February, 2026 with Attram De Visser thrashing Eleven Wonders 4-0.

The thrills are expected to continue on Saturday, 7th February, 2026. Nations FC takes on Swedru All Blacks while Medeama engages FC Samartex.

These are the remaining fixtures for Sunday, 8th February, 2026. True Life vrs Heart of Lions; Dreams FC vrs Inter Allies; Techiman Liberty Youth vrs RTU and Berekum Chelsea vrs Ramale City.

GFA strengthens Black Stars technical team with five key appointments ahead of 2026 World Cup

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GFA strengthens Black Stars technical team with five key appointments ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in consultation with key stakeholders, has moved to significantly bolster the Black Stars’ technical setup with the appointment of five highly experienced professionals ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The strategic additions are aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness and ensuring a well-balanced technical structure as Ghana prepares for the global showpiece to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.

French tactician Alain Ravera has been named as an Assistant Coach. Ravera brings significant international experience, having previously served as an assistant coach with the Guinea national team and top French side AS Monaco.

He is joined in the role by Black Queens Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The Swedish guided the Black Queens to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and has successfully led the team to qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, which he will also oversee.

To ensure maximum scouting, enhance match preparation and performance analysis, the FA has appointed Spanish national José Daniel Martínez Alfonso.  Martínez Alfonso currently serves as an assistant coach and video analyst with Major League Soccer side Atlanta FC.

The medical department has also been reinforced with the return of Carlos Lozano Romero as Team Physiotherapist. Lozano previously worked with the Black Stars during Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, and his reappointment ensures continuity, familiarity with the team environment and proven professionalism.

Completing the technical additions is British-born Ghanaian performance specialist Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi, who has been appointed Performance Coach. A long-serving support figure when called upon, his role will focus on physical conditioning, player optimisation and overall performance enhancement throughout the World Cup campaign.

The appointments are strictly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and are in line with long-standing GFA tradition, which sees the Black Stars’ technical team augmented whenever Ghana qualifies for major tournaments.

The five experts will work alongside the existing technical team led by Head Coach Otto Addo, as Ghana intensifies preparations for the summer tournament and aims to make a strong impact on the global stage.

Source: GFA

Black Stars Deputy Coach For CAF Lincence A Coaching Course

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Black Stars Deputy Coach For CAF Lincence A Coaching Course

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Assistant Coach of Ghana Black Stars, John Paintsil is billed to undertake CAF Lincence A course together with some notable coaches who are making impact in the local scene.

The former Black Stars defender was appointed to assist Coach Otto Addo about a year ago and has helped the senior national team gain qualification to the 2026 FIFA World.

John Paintsil played actively in three world cups in 2006, 2010 and 2014 but this time round he will be directing affairs from the technical bench in his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.

In order to deepen his technical knowledge in the game and also meet coaching requirement in terms of Lincence for international competitions, John Paintsil will take part of the prestigious CAF Licence A Coaching Course.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to host the programme which will begin from February 17 to 26, 2026, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) at Prampram.

The 10-day coaching course, fully supported by CAF, will bring on board different coaches from the Africa continent.

Among the coaches from Ghana who are named to take part of the upcoming event include former Black Stars midfielder and coach of Black Starlets, Laryea Kingston.

Experienced Coach Henry Wellington will also be on board. Others include Emmanuel Mensah, Welbeck Oppong, Abega Wilson, Mohammed Hamza Obeng, Yakubu Mohammed, Isaac Armah and Seth Osei.

Former national stars Winfred Dormon and Godwin Attram who is the founder of division side Attram De Visser are also named in the first batch of the CAF Lincence A coaching programme.

Ladies Dora Zuta and Anita Wiredu will also seek to earn one of CAF’s highest coaching qualifications.

Football World Celebrates CR7 As He Turns 41 Years Today

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Football World Celebrates CR7 As He Turns 41 Years Today

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Football Icon Cristiano Ronaldo has received one of the best wishes in his entire life on his 41st birthday.

Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5th February, 1985 at Funchai, Madeira in Portugal.

He rose from Sporting Lisbon in Portugal to become the greatest footballer of all time.

He has won many accolades and trophies in life including 5 Ballon d’Ors and 4 European Golden Boots awards.

He has played for almost all the big clubs across the world. He played for Manchester United under Sir Alex Furguson from 2003 to 2009. He made 196 appearances for the Reds and scored 84 goals winning almost every trophy with Manchester United.

From 2009 to 2018 that he stayed with Real Madrid, he scored 311 goals in 292 appearances before moving to Juventus.

In Italy he banged in 81 goals in 98 games for Juventus from 2018 to 2021. On his return to Old Tradford in the 2021/2022 football season, he managed to score 19 goals in 40 appearances.

He has been with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr from 2023 up to date and keeps making wonders.

At the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has left a great legacy for himself with one European Cup and two European Nations League trophies which they have won back to back.

He is the all time top scorer in the world football with 961 career goals for both clubs and country and still counting.

He is the first ever player to have scored in five different FIFA World Cup appearances. Ronaldo is hoping to play in his final World Cup in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico

Both active and retired footballers, coaches, administrators, football fans and other sports personalities across the globe have poured in their warm birthday messages on the social media on this special day for CR7.

Today is the anniversary of the only footballer who can proudly say he has been champion, MVP, and top scorer in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. And today we commemorate the phenomenon who has racked up 961 goals and 260 assists in 1,308 matches.

  • 35 trophies
  • All-time international top scorer
  • Portugal top scorer
  • Real Madrid top scorer
  • UCL top scorer
  • Euro top scorer

Tribute to the ultimate competitor who, in the final stretch of his career, will aim to win the World Cup with Portugal and try to become the first player ever to reach 1,000 official goals in professional football.

Eternal respect for the limitless footballer.
Thank you for all these years of glory, Bicho.

HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY, CRISTIANO RONALDO!

Antoine Semenyo Equals Tony Yeboah and Dede Ayew Premier League Goals Record

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Antoine Semenyo Equals Tony Yeboah and Dede Ayew Premier League Goals Record

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Red hot Manchester City goal machine, Antoine Semenyo is currently at par with Ghanaian legends Tony Yeboah and Andre Dede Ayew in terms of the highest number of goals scored in a single season in the English Premier League (EPL).

For the records, the highest number of goals scored by a Ghanaian international in a season in England remains 12 goals.

Antoine Semenyo has scored the same number of goals in the ongoing 2025/26 football season. However, it is most likely the striker will surpass that long standing achievement looking at the matches left to be cleared before the curtains are drawn.

Tony Yeboah

Former Black Stars prolific striker Tony Yeboah netted 12 goals for Leeds United in the 1994/95 league season. He repeated the same number of goals for the former English Premiership giants the subsequent season (1995/96).

Ex Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew came close to breaking Tony Yeboah’s goal record in 2015/16 but he also hit the back of the net 12 times for Swansea City.

Dede Ayew

Striker Antoine Semenyo during his stint with Bournemouth last season (2024/25) banged in 11 goals in the EPL. He scored 7 goals for Bournemouth this season before moving to the Ethihad Stadium to add five more goals for Manchester City.

Antoine Semenyo

In all, he has 12 goals to his credit after 24 rounds of EPL matches. There are 14 league matches left to honour and the striker is praying against any setbacks to bang in more goals.

“I love Ghana but I believe Ivory Coast have the potential to reach the 2026 World Cup final” – France legend Desailly

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“I love Ghana but I believe Ivory Coast have the potential to reach the 2026 World Cup final” – France legend Desailly

Former French international Marcel Desailly has predicted that the African side to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be the reigning Africa Cup of Nations titleholders.

Desailly suggests that with the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, African nations now have a genuine chance to compete for a place in the championship match.

The former Chelsea defender shared this view in Abidjan as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, a celebration that has enthralled supporters throughout Africa.

Addressing the press, he identified Côte d’Ivoire as the continent’s most credible candidate to advance to the final of the 2026 global tournament.

“Remember statistically Morocco managed to reach the semi-final during the past World Cup. We are now hoping now that we are nine African teams in the system that one of them will reach the final so maybe Ivory Coast.” Desailly said.

“You don’t know even though I love Ghana to go to the final I believe that Ivorians have the potential to reach the final and the hope and the belief gives you know an excitement and to every single fan that loves the game because the game is absolutely magnificent.”

Côte d’Ivoire will be aiming to progress beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time, having fallen short in their three previous appearances in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

The Black Stars of Ghana also harbour a major ambition: to advance to the semi-finals in 2026, building on their historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa back in 2010.

Desailly himself has deep ties to Ghana. Born in Accra to Ghanaian parents, he moved to France at the age of four with his mother and stepfather. He later chose to represent the French national team, earning over 100 caps and playing a pivotal role in securing France’s first World Cup triumph in 1998.

Semenyo Looks Up To Black Stars Success in 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Semenyo Looks Up To Black Stars Success in 2026 FIFA World Cup

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Striker of the moment, Antoine Semenyo, is brimming with confidence that the Black Stars of Ghana will live up to the billing in the upcoming FIFA Mundial to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars made their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006 under Serbian Trainer Ratomir “Doya” Djukovic. They sailed through the group stage but was shown the exit by Brazil at the 1/16 stage.

Four years later in South Africa, the Bkack Stars improved on their show by reaching the quarter finals where they lost to Uruguay on penalties.

Their last two FIFA World Cup tournaments have been disastrous. The Black Stars were sent home packing after the group stage matches in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.

Coach Otto Addo who guided the Black Stars at their last FIFA World Cup in Qatar is hoping to rewrite the story this time round.

It is going to be the first ever FIFA World Cup appearance for most Black Stars players around. One of these debutants is in-form Manchester City striker Antoine Semenyo.

Having missed the opportunity to represent his nation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Semenyo is eager to take the Black Stars to places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The world cup is going to be amazing and I hope we will do well. I am looking forward to enjoy it” he assured.

The Black Stars are in Group L together with Panama, England and Croatia. They will open the group with a crucial game against Panama on 17th June 2026 at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. It will be followed with a game against England at Boston in USA and Croatia in Philadelphia.

Russia To Bounce Back To International Football As FIFA Set To Lift Their Ban

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Russia To Bounce Back To International Football As FIFA Set To Lift Their Ban

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Having stayed away from FIFA organised activities for close to four years, Russia are most likely to stage a comeback to international football as FIFA is considering lifting the ban imposed on them.

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the ban imposed on Russia for breaching some international protocols some years ago has had not positive impact.

“The ban has not achieved anything but it has rather created more frustration and hatred” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino according to BBC.

Russia, who hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup won by France suffered a ban from the world’s football governing body football their strong attack on Ukraine.

It has affected the growth of football in Russia at least in the last four years as they have been denied access to any FIFA organised activities.

Players, coaches, referees and football administrators from Russia have had their fair share of the ban. Roman Abramovic for instance lost ownership of his Chelsea team in England.

Years after this trauma, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened up saying the ban has failed to achieve it purpose since the tussle between Russia and Ukraine is in no mood to cease.

Going by these words, most people believe Russia will soon have their freedom to play in international football again.

Referee Laryea Gets Another CAF Job After AFCON Splendid Show

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Referee Laryea Gets Another CAF Job After AFCON Splendid Show

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has reposed big trust and confidence in FIFA Referee Daniel Nii Laryea by giving him another big assignment in this weekend’s continental matches.

The fearless referee will be in the center to direct affairs of Confederation Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and El Masry on Sunday 8th February, 2026.

The CAF Inter Club competitions will return to action this weekend with some tricky fixtures. Definitely, the encounter between South African side Kaizer Chiefs and El Masry of Egypt will attract much attention from football followers in Africa.

Referee Daniel Laryea will have to stamp his authority on the game to ensure good game and fair results.

The Ghanaian referee not long ago played a great role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

He handled some games with high class performance. He was the man in the center when host nation Morocco triumphed over Nigeria on penalty shootout at the semifinals.

In addition to his credit, he was appointed a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) member during the tournament.

Referee Daniel Laryea hopes to prove his worth in the upcoming continental test to justify why he is counted among the best referees in Africa now.

Daniel Laryea was among the 23 Referees who received FIFA badges to handle international matches in the year 2026. He will play dual role as center and VAR referee.

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