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Otto Addo names Ghana squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali & Central African Republic

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Otto Addo names Ghana squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali & Central African Republic

Ghana’s squad to take on Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in June’s 2026 World Cup qualifies has been named by Otto Addo.

The Black Stars coach has selected 26 players for the double-header, which starts with a trip to Bamako against the Eagles on June 6.

The Black Stars will then return home to battle the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.

Among the squad, there are debut call-ups for Cagliari midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana and West Bromwich forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare is the only home-based player named in the squad by the Ghana gaffer.

Otto Addo has kept faith with a number of his trusted troops and big name players ahead of the must-win game against Mali on June 6, 2024 in Bamako.

Fit-again Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad, alongside Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens) and Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco).

Striker Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), wingers Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon) and Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade) have been named in the 26-man squad

There are also places for Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge) and Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich) in the squad.

Seven players have been confirmed injured and will miss the double-header next month. They are Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Inaki Williams, Joseph Paintsil, Nathaniel Adjei, Dennis Odoi and Daniel Amartey.

Daniel Kofi Kyere and Joseph Aidoo are also confirmed long-term injuries.

Otto Addo’s 26-man squad will report for duty on Thursday morning as they begin to prepare for the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

The Black Stars will train at the University of Ghana Stadium for six-days before departing for Bamako on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Jojo Wollacot (Hibernian FC), Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)

Defenders: Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre),Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari Calcio), Edmund Addo (FK Radnicki Nis), Thomas Partey (FC Arsenal), Elisha Owusu ( AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge).

Forwards: Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City, loan from Sporting CP), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).

Kotoko sink helpless Hearts of Oak in Super Clash

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Ugandan international Steven Mukwala starred once more in the much-anticipated Super Clash as Asante Kotoko secured a crucial win over their fiercest rivals, Hearts of Oak.

The matchday 31 fixture took place on Sunday at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium, with the fervent Porcupine Warriors fans cheering the home team to a convincing 2-0 victory.

Kotoko had lost their previous game to Berekum Chelsea, despite Mukwala finding the back of the net in that match. Determined to bounce back, the Porcupine Warriors faced a struggling Hearts of Oak side that had also suffered a defeat in their last outing against Aduana FC.

Asante Kotoko wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the ninth minute, Steven Mukwala latched onto a long pass, used his strength to beat two defenders, and placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper, leaving fans in awe. This early strike set the tone for the rest of the match.

Hearts of Oak were determined to avoid back-to-back defeats and pushed hard for an equaliser. However, Prosper Ogum’s men had other plans. Mukwala, seemingly unsatisfied with his earlier efforts, struck again to double the lead after the fourth official had indicated five minutes of added time.

The 24-year-old’s second goal sealed the victory for Kotoko, propelling them to ninth position for the first time in several weeks. With this win, they are now five points away from a top-four spot with three matches remaining, sitting on 43 points.

Meanwhile, the Phobians find themselves in a precarious 14th position on the table with 38 points.

Mukwala’s brace means he has scored four goals in his last two games against the Accra-based side, proving to be a thorn in their flesh.

For Prosper Ogum, the coach, this victory extends his unbeaten run against Hearts of Oak in the Premier League, solidifying his tactical prowess and his team’s resilience.

Asante Kotoko’s triumph in the Super Clash not only boosts their league standing but also highlights Steven Mukwala’s importance to the team, as he continues to deliver crucial goals in high-stakes matches.

With 14 goals, he is one adrift off Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Amankona.

Source: 3news.com

GPL: Accra Lions pick first-ever win over Hearts Of Oak

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Accra Lions clinched a significant victory against Hearts of Oak, triumphing 1-0 in the 28th matchday of the Ghana Premier League.

Ibrahim Issah’s goal in the second half sealed the win, maintaining Lions’ impressive form in the league’s latter stages.

Despite an early offensive surge from the hosts, Lions gradually took control, with Dominic Amponsah nearly scoring before halftime.

Although Lions felt aggrieved by a potential penalty call, they regrouped and capitalized on a swift counterattack, with Yahaya Mohammed setting up Issah for the crucial goal.

While Hearts of Oak attempted a late comeback, their efforts fell short, with Lions’ defense holding firm to secure the victory.

This is the first victory secured by Lions against the Phobians.

University of Ghana Sports Stadium to host WAFU B U-17 tournament

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The WAFU Zone B U17 tournament serves as the qualifying pathway for the 2024 TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

This year’s edition will feature Ghana’s Black Starlets, Cote D’Ivoire and Benin in Group A with Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo making up Group B.

Four training pitches have also been selected for the teams to prepare for their matches. These include the Athletics Oval field, the Mensah Sarbah field, and The Union Ghana soccer field, all located at the University of Ghana.

The newly built University of Ghana Stadium was commissioned on March 2, 2024, and hosted two matches of the Africa Games Men’s Football tournament staged in Accra two months ago.

It is anticipated that football enthusiasts living in around the University of Ghana and nearby suburbs such as Okponglo, Madina, Haatso, East Legon, Bawaleshie and Achimota, amongst others, would throng the stadium to witness what promises to be an exciting tournament.

Ghana’s Fatawu Issahaku wins Leicester City Young Player of the Year award

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Ghanaian forward Abdul Fatawu Issahaku claimed Leicester City’s Men’s Young Player of the Year accolade during the club’s awards night on Tuesday night.

The award caps off the youngster’s impressive campaign with the Foxes after arriving on loan from Sporting CP in the summer.

The event which was held at the King Power Stadium saw the playing and technical staff of the club at all levels come together to recognise vital contributors to their season.

Issahaku, who has delighted the Leicester fans throughout the season scoring seven goals and providing 13 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, was announced the Young Player of the Year.

Issahaku also contributed to 19 goals and assists as Enzo Maresca’s side claimed the 2023/24 Championship title, scoring six and setting up 13.

Last month, he became the first Ghanaian to score a hat-trick in the Championship after netting three times against Southampton in the 5-0 at home.

The Foxes will be playing in the Premier League next season following their success in the second tier of English football and the Ghanaian will be hoping his performances this season will secure him a permanent deal at the club.

2024 Elections: Ex-Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah to contest as Member of Parliament

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Stephen ‘Tornado’ Appiah, the former captain of the Ghanaian national team, has made a firm decision to run as an independent candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency seat in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Having led the Black Stars to their historic World Cup debut in 2006, Appiah faces a challenging contest against incumbent Lydia Seyram Alhassan of the NPP and John Dumelo of the NDC.

Despite the constituency’s strong ties to the two dominant parties, Appiah’s team is optimistic about his chances, banking on his enduring popularity and influence from his illustrious football career.

“Improve the club’s fortunes or face disbandment” – Asantehene warns Kotoko players, Technical team after crucial meeting

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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the owner and life patron of Asante Kotoko, has given the players a clear ultimatum: “swiftly improve the club’s fortunes or face disbandment”.

The Porcupine Warriors of the Ghana Premier League had been struggling lately, going winless in seven straight games before receiving this harsh warning. The burden is on Kotoko to turn around their on-field fortunes because they are in desperate need of a comeback.

A significant discussion that lasted many hours was held on Thursday at the King’s palace in Kumasi to discuss a number of important problems. Given the team’s recent bad performance—six losses in their last seven games—the Asantehene sternly warned the players during this meeting.

Otumfuo had to call the meeting since the club has fallen so far behind, and the fans were becoming more and more irate. On Tuesday, a few supporters broke into the training facility and prevented head coach Prosper Ogum from working with the players. Otumfuo’s intervention was probably the result of this issue being the last straw.

The great king believes that because he has contributed so much to the club, its decline is a reflection of him. Samartex and Kotoko play on Sunday, and winning the match is essential for the team’s progress—especially while playing the league leaders. Another significant outcome of the discussion was Asantehene’s support for Ogum to stay on and carry out his duties in spite of declining support from the supporters.

Following the discussion, players and the coach were spotted having a hearty “jama” session, giving Kotoko fans hope for better performance to avoid relegation.

Kotoko are just three points adrift of the relegation zone with eight matches remaining in this season’s Ghana Premier League.

I’m expecting something better from you – Otumfuo tells Kotoko players

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His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has charged the playing body of Asante Kotoko to turn their ailing season into one that is benefiting of the status and tradition of the club. 

The King, whose side is winless in seven games, opened discussions with the players and technical team to determine the issues accountable for their poor performances and also for them to address their grievances. 

His Royal Majesty, stated explicitly that no member of the team works for any individual but him, and therefore should put their differences aside and fight for the team, as he won’t watch the team go down under his reign. 

“I am expecting something better from you,” The King said. 

“Prove to me that you are capable and if the coach is the problem, then i will take a decision on him. But for now, make sure you go and play and win.”

The Porcupine Warriors take on league leaders FC Samartex on Sunday in the Premier League day 27 encounter and a win for the Warriors will push us up the table in our quest to gain a respectable position on the log. 

Prosper Narteh Ogum stays as Asante Kotoko head coach after meeting Otumfuo

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Following a critical meeting convened by the life patron of Asante Kotoko SC, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has been affirmed in his position to continue leading the team.

The gathering, which included players, the technical team, and the Interim Management Committee (IMC), was held at Otumfuo’s residence in Manhyia on Tuesday, April 18, to address pressing concerns within the club.

With the aim of tackling the performance challenges currently plaguing the team, decisions taken during the meeting are expected to chart the course for Asante Kotoko as they navigate through the Ghana Premier League.

Amidst a recent slump in form, including just one victory in their last seven matches, Asante Kotoko finds themselves positioned at 11th place on the league table with 33 points. Tensions escalated when a faction of supporters disrupted a training session, demanding the resignation of Coach Prosper Ogum and his technical team.

Responding to these developments and taking proactive steps to address the club’s challenges, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II convened the emergency meeting, offering his support for Ogum and the IMC to continue their efforts for the club.

As Asante Kotoko seeks to regain momentum, they will prepare to face league leaders FC Samartex at the Baba Yara Stadium in their upcoming Matchday 27 fixture on Sunday.

GFA confirms Laryea Kingston as Black Starlets head coach

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Former Ghana International Laryea Kingston has been handed the Coaching job of the Black Starlets.

The former Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics winger ,who won 42 caps and played in two Africa Cup of Nations (2006 and 2008) for Ghana, previously worked under Karim Zito as Black Starlets assistant coach.

Laryea spent thirteen years abroad plying his international career in Russia, Scotland, the Netherlands, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Laryea Kingston will be assisted by former Hearts of Oak captain Jacob Nettey and Nana Agyemang.

Jacob Nettey is a former captain of Accra Hearts of Oak who led them to the famous CAF Champions League glory in 2000.

Nettey featured for the Black Stars during the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 (co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria) and a member of the Ghana squad at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA.

The former Black Stars defender won six Premier League titles and three FA Cup trophies during his stint with Accra Hearts of Oak.

Nana Agyemang is a CAF License A and UEFA Licence B holder who previously worked with Adenta United, Barbarossa Academy, the Lizzy Sports Complex Academy and ProGen Football Club.

The new technical team has been tasked to assemble a formidable squad for the next edition of the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations, Accra 2024 and the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

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