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Stephen Appiah appointed as Anti-Doping Agency Board member

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Stephen Appiah appointed as Anti-Doping Agency Board member

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Ex skipper of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah has been assigned a fresh role to play as a member of the newly formed Ghana Anti-Doping Agency Board.

The core duty of this Agency is to put in place pragmatic measures that will help fight and eradicate doping among sports personnels in the country to ensure sanity and professionalism.

Stephen Appiah has undoubtedly paid a huge dues to Ghana Football. At tender, he was invited to the national U-17 team, the Black Starlets by coach Sam Arday in the early 90s.

He was part of the invincible Black Starlets team that conquered the world during the Ecuador 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Though there were exceptional players like Awudu Issaka, Baba Sule, Atakora Amaniampong and co who featured prominently in that victorious squad, unregular Stephen Appiah rose to become a big name in the world football.

In the annals of Ghana Football, “Tornado” as he is popularly known remains the first player to captain the Black Stars for their maiden World Cup appearance in Germany 2006.

Though debutants, he led the Black Stars to the 1/16 stage of the tournament and improved on their record four years later at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup where they got to the quarter finals.

He has played for many bigs clubs across Europe including Italian giants Juventus and Turkish champions Fernabache.

Currently, he is a vibrant member of the Black Stars management committee. Together with his able committee, they have inspired the Black Stars to their fifth FIFA World Cup scheduled for June-July in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Ghanaian FIFA Referee Daniel Laryea to handle Morocco – Nigeria clash

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Ghanaian FIFA Referee Daniel Laryea to handle Morocco – Nigeria clash

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

For exibiting total professionalism and courage in all his duties in the AFCON 2025, FIFA Referee Daniel Nii Laryea Ayi has been given a tough task to execute by CAF.

The calm but principle referee has been assigned to direct officiating affairs of the titanic semifinal clash between Morocco and Nigeria.

It is tagged as the mother of all battles judging from the mental fortitude and shape of both teams but Referee Laryea will count on his vast experience to deliver without fear or favour.

When the Super Eagles of Nigeria clash with their Morocco counterparts on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, some keys things will be looked out for.

First is whether Morocco can beat Nigeria and progress to the finals for the ultimate.

In the last 22 years, only three countries have been able to host and win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Tunisia hosted and won the AFCON in 2004. Egypt won the 2006 edition at their home soil. Ivory Coast remains the last nation to host and win the AFCON in 2024 after a poor start in the competition.

The entire continent will be watching how Morocco who defeated Cameroon 2-0 at the quarter finals will fare this time.

Secondly, Nigeria will also try their possible best if they can qualify for the final and fight for their fourth African glory.

Coach Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico.

They qualify from their group as second best but where it mattered most at the knockout stage, DR. Congo stopped them in the finals to book their tickets for the world play-offs.

More also, Ghanaians will be watching how their fellow, Referee Daniel Laryea will mediate the cracker.

Referee Daniel Laryea has performed creditable well in the competition apart from being assigned as Video Match Official in some games.

Kotoko signs young striker Dogo Yakubu

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Kotoko signs young striker Dogo Yakubu

Asante Kotoko have announced the capture of 21-year-old forward Dogo Yakubu.

Yakubu joins the Porcupine Warriors on a three-and-a-half-year contract following the successful completion of his medical.

The young striker signed for the Ghanaian giants from lower-tier side Midcity Football Academy where he continued his development and gained valuable experience at senior level.

Head Coach of Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito indicated that the club’s vision is to get young talented footballers.

“This signing is part of our plan for the future. Dogo is young, hungry, and has the qualities we look for in a modern striker.

“We believe in giving young players the right platform to develop, and this is the right environment for him to grow, gain confidence, and become an important player for the club over time.”

Yakubu, speaking about the move to Asante Kotoko media, said: “I’m still young, and I believe I have a huge chance here to make a name for myself. Joining Kotoko is a big opportunity for my career, and I’m grateful for the trust the club has shown in me.

“I’m ready to work hard, learn every day, and take my chances when they come. I want to improve, score goals, and help the team succeed.”

Dogo is widely known for his pace, movement, and eye for goal as he represents a long-term attacking investment for the former African champions.

Villarreal to part ways with Thomas Partey at the end of the season

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Villarreal to part ways with Thomas Partey at the end of the season

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

If the available information coming from the camp of Villareal is anything to rely on, then it is likely Ghanaian international Thomas Teye Partey will say good bye to the Spanish side after just a short spell with them.

footy.ghpush.com/ has gathered that officials of Villareal are not much convinced about the form of the Black Stars midfield dynamo and might see him off at the end of the season.

Thomas Partey had one of the best seasons in his football career last season in London with Arsenal. He was injury free and offered his utmost best to take the Gunners to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

They were also runners-up for the second consecutive time in the Barclays Premier League (EPL) in England.

Unfortunately, he was accused of rape by three women and was accordingly charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by Southwark Crown Court in England.

Though Partey denied raping the two women and sexually assaulting the third woman, Arsenal showed no interest in him again. The Gunners did not renew his contract allowing the player to move to the Spanish La Liga but this time not to his former club Athletico Madrid.

His contract with Villareal will expire in June 2026 where the ultimate FIFA World Cup will begin. Grapevine source indicates that Villarreal have decided not to extend his relationship with the club.

Should it happen that way, Thomas Partey will be a free agent in the summer and that will pave way for clubs interested in him to pursue his service.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare keeps Black Stars hopes alive

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Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare keeps Black Stars hopes alive

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Black Stars safest pair of hands Benjamin Asare is in no mood to lose his position in the senior national team, the Black Stars as Ghana gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced goalie says he will prove his worth in the goalpost whenever he is called to duty at his club side, Hearts of Oak to justify the great confidence that Ghanaian have in him.

“My recent absence from Hearts of Oak goalpost did not discourage me at all. I am mentally tough and have control over situations that can easily demoralise others”

"I know Ghanaians have big trust in me and I cannot disappoint them. I am training hard to keep good form because that is the only way I can reach my target with Hearts and the Black Stars" he told footy.ghpush.com/.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has been outstanding in the 2025/26 football season. His hard work earned him an invitation into the Black Stars team by Coach Otto Addo last year.

He has so far justified the opportunity given to him by the former Burrusia Dortmond trainer.

Benjamin Asare is yet to lose a competitive match with the Black Stars. He kept cleen sheets in virtually all the matches he kept during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

However, much has not been seen from him since his his return from Asia where the Black Stars lost their two friendly matches to Japan and South Korea.

Former Dreams FC goalie Solomon Agbasi who led Dreams to the semifinals of the Confederation Cup a couple of years ago has taken over the Hearts goalpost with amazing saves.

This situation has left Benjamin Asare on the bench for many weeks. Asare returned to the post only last Sunday to help Hearts of Oak beat Hohoe United 1-0 at Hohoe in match day 18 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League.

Hearts Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says in-form goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi was given a physical and mental break for the Hohoe game and expected to return for the subsequent matches.

AFCON 2025 Semifinals: It’s a battle between West Africans and North Africans

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AFCON 2025 Semifinals: It’s a battle between West Africans and North Africans

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

From all indications, the semifinal matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are going to be uncompromising and cagey.

The upcoming fictures have been termed by most football pundits as a battle between West Africans and North Africans.

Others also believe it is a crash between former players who have now turned into coaches. All shows the importance and seriousness that Africans and the world in general have attached to the games.

Coach Pape Thiaw will lead the Senegalese against Coach Hossam Hassan’s Pharoahs of Egypt in the first semifinals game on Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 at exactly 5pm local time.

The subsequent semifinals encounter will be between Coach Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles of Nigeria and Coach Walid Regragui’s Moroccan side at 8pm that same day.

Senegal eliminated Mali at the quarter finals beating them 1-0. The Pharaoh’s of Egypt also triumphed over defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 at quarter finals.

The host nations, Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 while Nigeria also inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Algeria at the quarter finals.

Now the stage is set for the big games before the grand finale. Interestingly, all the semifinal teams are former AFCON champions.

Egypt have won the AFCON seven times in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and for the last time in 2010.

Their semifinal counterparts, Senegal have been AFCON champions only once in 2021.

Nigeria have won the competition thrice in 1980, 1994 and for the third time in 2013 under the late Coach Stephen Keshie.

The host nations Morocco were AFCON winners in 1976 and they are hoping to make it twice on their home soil as Ivory Coast did last two years.

Coach Otto Addo wishes Mohammed Salisu well

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Coach Otto Addo wishes Mohammed Salisu well

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Black Stars Coach Otto Addo has visited and wished Mohammed Salisu speedy recovery from his career threatening injury.

Otto Addo visited injured center back Mohammed Salisu in France some days after his unfortunate situation when his Monaco side pitched strength against Lyon in a French League 1 match.

He wished Salisu well and lifted his spirits after a successful surgery for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.

“Together with the entire technical staff of the Black Stars we wish u well from your serious injury. We pray you recover soon because we seriously need ur service” he comforted injured Salisu Mohammed.

Having turned his back to the Black Stars after several attempts during his Southampton days, Coach Otto Addo and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) managed to bring Salifu on board.

He has so far been useful in the Black Stars set up. His first major assignment was the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Though the Black Stars could not make any progress like the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, Salisu excelled well in the tournament.

His subsequent test was the AFCON 2023 held in Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, Salisu and his Black Stars teammates also exited the AFCON just after the group stage matches.

The rugged defender was hoping to make amends in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup but he has been hit with a severe injury that might cost him his second FIFA World Cup appearance.

‘Many clubs wanted him’ — Guardiola delighted with Semenyo capture

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‘Many clubs wanted him’ — Guardiola delighted with Semenyo capture

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has praised new recruit Antoine Semenyo, noting that his arrival reflects reflects both long-term planning and fierce competition at the highest level.

The Premier League champions announced a £65 million deal for the Bournemouth winger on Friday, despite several interests from other local clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United.

Pep believes that Semenyo is a great addition to his team because he can function at both sides in attack.

“Many clubs wanted him and he decided to join us so all I can say is thanks to him,” the City manager said.

“We are very pleased. [For] a long time, we follow him,” Guardiola added.

“Everybody knows the qualities. He was extraordinary at Bournemouth and he can play on both sides, right and left. He can play as a striker as well with his pace. He knows the Premier League.”

Semenyo is likely to be named in City’s squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City, and a potential league debut next weekend against Manchester United.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City before enjoying loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland.

His impressive output at Ashton Gate caught the attention of Bournemouth, who signed him midway through the 2022/23 season.

Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers this season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward made 110 appearances for the Cherries, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists across all competitions.

“My best is yet to come” – Manchester City new boy Antoine Semenyo

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“My best is yet to come” – Manchester City new boy Antoine Semenyo

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has indicated that he is yet to reach his peak despite securing a high profile move to Premier League side Manchester City on Friday.

The Black Stars forward penned down a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Citizens, joining from Premier League club, AFC Bournemouth. His deal will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

Semenyo is confident of helping his new club make great strides in the second half of the season as City are involved in four competitions.

“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season.

“The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do.” He told the club’s website.

Semenyo has been in top-scoring form over the past two seasons, becoming one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League. His meteoric rise has earned him a move to Premier League giants Manchester City, where he is expected to provide depth and flexibility up front for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Several Premier League clubs expressed interest in signing Semenyo, but the lanky forward chose to work under manager Pep Guardiola as he looks to win several honours.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City before enjoying loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland.

His impressive output at Ashton Gate caught the attention of Bournemouth, who signed him midway through the 2022/23 season.

Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers this season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward made 110 appearances for the Cherries, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists across all competitions.

OFFICIAL: Antoine Semenyo completes move to EPL giants Manchester City

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OFFICIAL: Antoine Semenyo completes move to EPL giants Manchester City

Ghana forward, Antoine Semenyo, has successfully completed his move to English Premier League giants Manchester City in a deal reported to be £65m in the ongoing transfer window.

The Black Stars forward penned down a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Citizens, joining from Premier League club, AFC Bournemouth. His deal will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

Semenyo has been in top-scoring form over the past two seasons, becoming one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League. His meteoric rise has earned him a move to Premier League giants Manchester City, where he is expected to provide depth and flexibility up front for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Several Premier League clubs expressed interest in signing Semenyo, but the lanky forward chose to work under manager Pep Guardiola as he looks to win several honours.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo began his professional career at Bristol City before enjoying loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland.

His impressive output at Ashton Gate caught the attention of Bournemouth, who signed him midway through the 2022/23 season.

Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s most consistent performers this season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward made 110 appearances for the Cherries, scoring 32 goals and registering 13 assists across all competitions.

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