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FC Samartex suspend youth team coach Eric Bekoe

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FC Samartex suspend youth team coach Eric Bekoe

FC Samartex 1996 have confirmed the suspension of Eric Bekoe the club’s assistant and youth team coach.

The former Black Stars and Asante Kotoko forward joined the Samartex in October 2025 as the Head of the Samartex Youth Team and Strikers Coach for the senior men’s side.

In a statement released by the club, dated on Wednesday, February 3, 2026, the club announced suspending Bekoe temporarily or insubordination and breach of the ethics guiding members of the FC Samartex 1996 technical team.

Bekoe has subsequently been referred to the club’s disciplinary committee.

“Management has taken the decision to temporarily suspend Eric Bekoe from his role as Assistant Coach and youth team coach for insubordination and breach of the ethics guiding members of the FC Samartex 1996 technical team,” the statement read.

“He has subsequently been referred to the club’s disciplinary committee for hearing. The public shall be updated on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.”

The former Kotoko star, fondly remembered for finishing as the Ghana Premier League’s top scorer in the 2007/08 season, also enjoyed spells abroad with Petrojet in Egypt and Berekum Chelsea in the Ghanaian topflight.

Hearts Of Oak appoints Julius Emunah as new Managing Director

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Hearts Of Oak appoints Julius Emunah as new Managing Director

The Board of Directors of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has announced the appointment of Mr. Julius Ben Emunah as the new Managing Director of the Club, effective February 2, 2026.

He takes over the mantle of leadership from Dr. Delali Anku-Adiamah, who has stepped down from the role.

Mr. Emunah brings to the position nearly a decade of distinguished experience in football administration, governance, sports broadcasting, and sports management at both national and continental levels. Most recently, he served as Head of Competitions at the Ghana Football Association (GFA). His earlier roles include Regional Administrator at the Western Regional Football Association, National Safety and Security Officer, and Club Licensing Manager at the GFA.

Throughout his career, Mr. Emunah has demonstrated outstanding leadership in competition management, club licensing, sports event organization, media relations, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. He has contributed significantly to major continental and international tournaments, including the CAF Interclub Finals, AFCON Qualifiers, CHAN, and the African Games.

Mr. Emunah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Coast and a Global Master’s in Sports Management and Legal Skills with FC Barcelona at ISDE Law Business School in Spain.

The Board of Directors has expressed its full confidence in Mr. Emunah’s ability to guide Accra Hearts of Oak into a new era of professionalism, transparency, and competitiveness, in alignment with international best practices.

As Managing Director, Mr. Emunah will oversee the Club’s administrative, commercial, and sporting operations, working closely with the technical staff, players, supporters, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.

Accra Hearts of Oak remains committed to excellence both on and off the pitch and looks forward to this new chapter under Mr. Emunah’s leadership.

Echoes From The Past: Bafana Bafana Mark 30 years Of AFCON Glory

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Echoes From The Past: Bafana Bafana Mark 30 years Of AFCON Glory

By: Bernard Nyankomago

In such a historic year where Senegal are still celebrating over their second continental glory, footy.ghpush.com/ has also delved deep into archives searching for some vital AFCON tips.

It has emerged that on this day, 3rd February 1996 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa defied all odds to beat Tunisia 2-0 for their maiden and only AFCON title.

The late President Nelson Mandela had fought gallantly to secure freedom from the Apartheid system and the opportunity came for them to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.

There could not be any other means for the South Africans to celebrate their independence than hosting the 1996 AFCON. But it was always going to be a tough assignment for South Africa because teams like Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria and co had come with great players.

South Africa could only boast of few players with names like Mark Fish and Benny McCarthy who later rose to become giants.

Though they enjoyed a great home support, many soccer pundits had tipped Tunisia as favourites for the ultimate but the end story was entirely different.

South Africa proved beyond reasonable doubt to carry the day in the presence of the late President Nelson Mandela, late CAF President Issah Hayatou and other host of dignitaries.

Below are some few records of the game:

Date: February 3, 1996

Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Attendance: 80,000

Referee: Charles Massembé

Results: South Africa 2 Tunisia 0

Scorers: Mark Williams 73′ 75′

SOUTH AFRICA LINE UP:
Andre Arendse (1), Sizwe Motaung (2), Lucas Radebe (4), Mark Fish (5), Neil Tovey (9 C), Eric Tinkler (21), Linda Buthelezi (8), Doctor Khumalo (15), John Moshoeu (10), Phil Masinga (6), Shaun Bartlett (17).

SUBSTITUTES:
Helman Mkhalele (19), Mark Williams (11)

TUNISIA LINE UP:
1- Chokri El Ouaer (C), 14- Sabri Jaballah,
6- Ferid Chouchane, 4- Mounir Boukadida,
5- Hédi Berrekhissa, 20- Riadh Bouazizi 77th,
10- Kaïs Ghodhbane 46e, 12- Sofiane Fekih,
8- Zoubair Baya, 11- Adel Sellimi, 18- Mehdi Ben Slimane

SUBSTITUTES:
21- Lassaad Hanini, 9 – Abdelkader Ben Hassen

Ghana defender Jonas Adjetey joins Bundesliga side Wolfsburg

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Ghana defender Jonas Adjetey joins Bundesliga side Wolfsburg

Black Stars centre-back Jonas Adjetey has completed a move to German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg during the winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old has committed his future to the German side by signing a four-and-a-half-year contract after leaving Swiss heavyweights FC Basel.

Adjetey makes the switch following an outstanding spell in Switzerland, where he clinched both the league title and domestic cup last season. He registered 73 appearances in all competitions for Basel, including six outings in European tournaments.

“It means a lot to me to be in the Bundesliga now and to take this step with VfL Wolfsburg. I’m looking forward to getting started right away and will invest everything every day so that we can achieve the results we need together,” said the towering centre-back.

Wolfsburg sporting director Pirmin Schwegler is confident the Ghanaian defender fits perfectly into the club’s plans.

“Jonas is a very strong physical player, fast and good in tackles. He brings exactly the qualities we need for our defense,” Schwegler said. “At FC Basel, he proved himself both in the league and internationally over the past three and a half years. We have high hopes for Jonas and are convinced that he will strengthen our team immediately.”

At international level, the tall defender has been instrumental in Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning seven caps for the Black Stars.

Kotoko Remember Nana Pooley On His One Year Anniversary

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Kotoko Remember Nana Pooley On His One Year Anniversary

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

African Club of the century, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, have paid emotional tribute to their stauch supporter, Nana Yaw Frimpong popularly known as “Nana Pooley” who was stabbed to death exactly a year ago.

“One year ago, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club was shattered by the tragic and untimely passing of Francis Frimpong also known as Nana Pooley at Nsoatre. We stand together to remember a fallen supporter whose life was cut short by mindless hooligans; a tragedy which should never happen again”.

These words were captured in a press statement from management of Asante Kotoko on Monday, 2nd February, 2026.

Nana Pooley painfully lost his life during a league match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at the Nana Kormantsa Park at Nsoatre exactly a year ago in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.

The highly famous Kotoko die in the wool fan, without any provocation, was stabbed by a notorious assailaint who is still on the run.

Kotoko lost the controversial game 1-0 but the pains brought to the entire Porcupine family following the death of Nana Pooley is still etching in the minds of many supporters.

The Nsoatre team owned by former Sunyani West Member of Parliament (MP), Ignatius Baffour Awuah withdrew from Ghana Football.

But the management of Kotoko believes that is not enough. They have called for total justice for the departed soul to at least comfort the bereaved family and also serve as a deterent to others.

“Today we call for continued justice and recommit ourselves to ensuring our gane centers remain a place for safety and unity, free from violence”

“We mark the one year with heavy heart but we focus on the light Pooley brought. The game continues, but it less bright without you” the release stated.

Godwin Attram And Co Leaves Ghana For Coaching Course In UK

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Godwin Attram And Co Leaves Ghana For Coaching Course In UK

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

In their effort to further enhance their coaching profession, four technical experts from the local scene have left the shores of Ghana to pursue UEFA Lincence B coaching course in Wales in the United Kingdom.

The four coaches are Godwin Attram, Winfred Dormon, Fatawu Salifu and Abdulai Gazale.

They left the Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, 1st February, 2026 for Wales where they are expected to spend days for the programme.

The UEFA Licence B Coaching Course is being organised by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

It forms part of the technical collaboration between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The idea behind the programme is to strengthen and refresh their mind in coaching as well as broadening their knowledge in football development.

Godwin Attram has been very active in coaching since he retired from football. The former Black Satellites captain owns a lower division side Attram De Visser, based in Accra.

Attram De Visser have qualified for the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup round of 16. They are also making a great impact in Zone 3 of the Division One League.

Coach Godwin Attram will definitely return home with vast technical education to help his team.

Abdulai Gazale, Fatawu Salifu and Winfred Dormond are also among the fast growing coaches in the country and this course will certainly boost their technical skills.

2025/26 GPL: Kotoko stumble in Kpando as Vision snatch late point to deny Dreams

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2025/26 GPL: Kotoko stumble in Kpando as Vision snatch late point to deny Dreams

Asante Kotoko squandered a golden opportunity to close the gap on the Premier League summit after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Heart of Lions in Kpando on Saturday.

With league leaders Medeama dropping points a day earlier, the Porcupine Warriors knew victory would significantly boost their title ambitions. Instead, they were outplayed by a disciplined and inspired Heart of Lions side that shook off recent inconsistencies to deliver a commanding performance in front of their home fans.

The hosts took firm control in the first half, with Seedorf Asante and Fawzi Ali finding the net to put Lions in a strong position at the interval. Kotoko attempted to mount a comeback after the break when captain Samba O’Neil reduced the deficit, briefly igniting hopes of a turnaround. However, Lions remained composed and sealed a deserved victory through Michael Ephson, who restored the two-goal cushion and secured all three points.

The defeat leaves Kotoko third on the league table, eight points adrift of leaders Medeama, with their position now under threat as Hearts of Oak close in with a game in hand. Heart of Lions climb back into seventh place on 30 points and will hope the result signals a turning point in their campaign.

Elsewhere in Matchweek 21, Dreams FC were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema Newtown.

Dreams started strongly and took the lead in the 24th minute through experienced striker John Antwi, who reacted quickest inside the box to slot home. Antwi doubled his tally in the 35th minute, finishing calmly after another well-orchestrated attacking move to put the visitors firmly in control.

Vision FC found a lifeline just before halftime when Nana Kwesi Amoah  pulled one back, shifting momentum ahead of the second half. The hosts grew in confidence after the break and pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when substitute Sherif Mohammed Iddrisu struck a dramatic equaliser, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters and ensuring the points were shared.

The late drama capped an entertaining contest, leaving both Dreams FC and Vision FC to rue missed chances as the Premier League season continues to gather momentum.

Source: ghanafa.org

2025/26 GPL: Medeama fall to Nations FC

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2025/26 GPL: Medeama fall to Nations FC

Medeama SC’s 17-game unbeaten run in the Premier League ended on Friday afternoon after a determined 2-1 defeat to Nations FC at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.

The league leaders made a bright start and took an early lead in the 8th minute when in-form striker Kingsley Braye powered home a superb header from an inch-perfect corner delivered by Fuzy Taylor, handing the Mauve and Yellow an early advantage.

Nations FC responded with resilience, drawing inspiration from captain Razak Simpson. The defender restored parity in the 19th minute, rising highest to meet a corner kick and heading past goalkeeper Felix Kyei.

Simpson then completed a memorable brace just before halftime. Nations FC were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute, and the skipper calmly dispatched the spot kick into the bottom corner to turn the game on its head and give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.

After the restart, Medeama SC applied sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, but Nations FC’s defence remained disciplined and composed. The home side stood firm under repeated attacks to protect their lead and secure all three points at full time.

The defeat is only Medeama SC’s second of the season and their first in 18 matches, bringing to an end an impressive unbeaten run that had stretched back to September 2025.

“He is not mentally ready” – Villarreal manager Marcelino slams Thomas Partey

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“He is not mentally ready” – Villarreal manager Marcelino slams Thomas Partey

Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia has openly criticized Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, saying the player has failed to regain his form and is not mentally prepared as previously indicated.

Partey, 32, joined the Yellow Submarines on a free transfer last summer, signing a two-year contract. However, he has struggled to settle at the club and has not reproduced the performances he showed during his time at Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.

Since moving to the Estadio de la Cerámica, Partey has seen limited playing time, often appearing from the bench. He has also dropped down the midfield pecking order, now behind 17-year-old Carlos Marcia.

Despite his difficulties, the midfielder has featured in 19 matches across all competitions, including 14 in La Liga and five in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking after Villarreal’s midweek defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, Marcelino did not hold back. Partey, who did not return for the second half of that match, was described by the coach as a very different player from the one he previously knew.

Marcelino added that Partey’s recent court case has affected him and insisted the midfielder is currently not mentally ready to compete at the highest level.

“There’s a world of difference between the [#16] we knew at Arsenal and the current one. You can’t play at this pace in today’s football. It’s been 6 months now, and he’s had enough time to show us what he’s capable of.

“We are talking about a player who was brought here to provide experience and stability. Instead, what do we have? We have a player who is mentally elsewhere. I am tired of making excuses. I am tired of the press conferences being about court dates instead of corner kicks.

“You cannot have five rape charges and a sexual assault charge following you into the dressing room and expect to play at the highest level. It is a cloud that covers everything. I was told he was ‘mentally prepared.’ He is not. He is a shadow.”

Partey has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and reports suggest he is unlikely to remain at Villarreal beyond the current season, with the manager seemingly not including him in his plans.

The midfielder will be hoping to earn a place in Ghana’s Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala Cleared By CAF

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Referee Jean Jacques Ndala Cleared By CAF

BY: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Congolese Referee Jean Jacques Ndala who officiated the final AFCON duel between Morocco and Senegal at the Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday 18th January, 2026 has been found not guilty of any misbehaviour.

Following a tough investigation and review, the Disciplinary Committee of CAF found no fault against the Congolese official.

He has therefore been cleared and received massive endorsement from the continent’s football governing body to handle any international match including the upcoming June – July FIFA World Cup.

Host nation Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in extra time to miss the AFCON trophy they last won in 1976.

Prior to this defeat, the match came to a halt for some minutes before both teams gathered themselves for Referee Jean Jacques Ndala to blow his whistle for proceedings to continue.

After the game Moroccan MP Mohamed Simou called for Referee Jean Jacques Ndala to be suspended and put on trial. Simou claimed the referee improperly restarted the match after the Senegal team had left the field.

He accused the Senegalese squad of practicing “black magic” in the locker room prior to Brahim Díaz’s penalty kick.

But CAF has found no case in these allegations. They believe Referee Ndala applied the rules well and deserves no punishment.

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