by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 14, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to settling all outstanding bonuses and per diems owed to the Black Starlets, Black Princesses, and Black Queens.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, the Minister — who also serves as Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency — admitted that the Ministry is aware of the arrears owed to the three national teams but assured that payments will be made once funds are released into the Ministry’s account.
> “It is not as if we had the money and decided not to pay the Black Starlets during the WAFU B tournament. Per diems for the Black Starlets will be paid — and not only them but the Black Princesses as well,” Mr. Adams clarified.
“I have gotten the approval, and once the money hits the Ministry’s account, we will pay them. The Black Queens also have some arrears, and we are doing everything possible to clear all of them,” he added.
The Black Starlets are awaiting their rewards after a strong showing at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ivory Coast, where they finished as runners-up.
The Black Princesses, who recently advanced in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after eliminating Tunisia, are also due for payment.
Meanwhile, the Black Queens — fresh from their third-place finish at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, marking their first podium finish since 2018 — are among the teams expecting their outstanding entitlements.
With the Minister’s assurance, optimism grows among players and fans that long-standing financial commitments will finally be fulfilled, ensuring morale and motivation remain high across Ghana’s national teams.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho has opened up about his time at Anfield, admitting that his spell with the Reds “didn’t go to plan” — but it was still a period of immense learning and growth.
The Portuguese talent, who joined Liverpool with big ambitions, revealed how watching Mohamed Salah and other top professionals up close reshaped his mindset.
“I went to Liverpool with high expectations, and it didn’t really go to plan. But I got to see how the best of the best perform. If I see someone like Mo Salah staying out and doing extras, being the first in the gym, then I realise I need to be there before him. If he’s doing it, why am I not doing it?”
Though his Liverpool chapter may not have unfolded as he hoped, Carvalho’s words show a player who has matured — one who carries the lessons of Anfield’s elite wherever his career takes him next.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 13, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
In a moment that will echo through African football history, Cape Verde have officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
With a population of just around 600,000, the Blue Sharks have defied all odds to become the second smallest nation ever to reach the global football showpiece. From the bustling streets of Praia to the farthest islands of the archipelago, jubilation fills the air as the nation celebrates this extraordinary milestone.
Cape Verde’s journey from underdogs to world contenders is a story of resilience, unity, and passion — a shining example of how heart and belief can conquer all. ✨
History made. Dream realized. The Blue Sharks are going to the World Cup!
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 13, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Africa’s flag will be flying high once again on football’s grandest stage as five powerhouses have officially sealed their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From North Africa’s tactical masters to West Africa’s relentless warriors, the continent’s best have booked their tickets in style — blending grit, class, and unshakeable belief.
The Black Stars of Ghana joined North African heavyweights Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria to complete the first batch of African qualifiers for the expanded 48-team tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Each of these nations showcased consistency and dominance throughout the CAF qualifiers, confirming their status among the continent’s elite.
1. Morocco
The Atlas Lions were the first African team to seal qualification, topping Group E with an impressive 21 points from seven matches. Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco combined tactical discipline with attacking flair led by Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and Hakim Ziyech.
Their qualification was a statement of intent — proving their 2022 semi-final run in Qatar was no fluke. Morocco will enter 2026 as Africa’s benchmark for excellence and one of the dark horses on the global stage.
2. Tunisia
Calm, compact, and clinical — Tunisia once again underlined their hallmark of consistency. The Eagles of Carthage cruised through Group H with 22 points from eight games. Coach Sami Trabelsi’s well-drilled side mixed experienced heads with youthful energy, earning their seventh World Cup ticket.
Their defensive solidity and composure make them one of Africa’s most reliable forces heading into North America.
3. Egypt
The Pharaohs returned to the world stage in emphatic fashion, defeating Djibouti 3–0 to seal qualification. Captain Mohamed Salah led by example with a brace, supported by Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed.
This marks Egypt’s fifth World Cup appearance and serves as redemption after missing Qatar 2022. Under Rui Vitória, the North African giants are ready to remind the world of their pedigree and passion.
4. Algeria
Les Fennecs, the 2019 AFCON champions, confirmed their place after a commanding 3–0 victory over Somalia. Mohamed Amoura’s brace and Riyad Mahrez’s strike saw Algeria accumulate 22 points in nine matches — enough to secure their return to the World Cup.
With an explosive attack and disciplined structure, Algeria are once again among Africa’s most formidable representatives.
5. Ghana
The Black Stars completed Africa’s initial five by clinching qualification after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium. Mohammed Kudus’ first-half strike sealed the victory that sent Otto Addo’s side back to the global showpiece for a fifth time.
Having topped Group I with 23 points from 10 matches, Ghana’s qualification reflects their resurgence, unity, and hunger to make another memorable run at the World Cup.
As the countdown continues, these five African nations will carry the continent’s hopes and dreams to North America, each determined to make history in 2026.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 13, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper, Benjamin “Cleansheet” Asare, has become more than just a dependable shot-stopper — he’s now the life of the Black Stars dressing room and the team’s self-appointed Shatta Movement ambassador.
Asare Brings Shatta Vibes to the Black Stars
In a viral video making waves across social media, Asare was seen leading a lively dance session to Shatta Wale’s “Mahama Paper”, joined by teammates Antoine Semenyo, Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Gideon Mensah.
The jubilant atmosphere came as the team celebrated Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with music, dancing, and laughter uniting players and fans alike.
Asare’s affection for Shatta Wale and his Shatta Movement (SM4Lyf) identity has long been public. The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper often celebrates victories with the famous SM salute, and he even dedicated a recent hairstyle to the dancehall star — complete with artistic designs of Shatta Wale’s name.
Loved by teammates for his humor and infectious spirit, Asare has turned the Black Stars’ camp into a place of high morale and togetherness — earning him the nickname “SM” among his colleagues.
From Olympics to Ghana’s No.1
While his charisma shines off the pitch, Asare’s performances on it have been equally commanding. Rising from Accra Great Olympics to Hearts of Oak, he completed his remarkable journey to become Ghana’s number one.
After missing the early rounds of the qualifiers, Asare debuted against Chad — a match that ended in a 5–0 victory and a clean sheet. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, recording five clean sheets in six appearances and conceding just one goal throughout the campaign.
His consistency and leadership at the back were instrumental as Otto Addo’s side topped Group I with 25 points — winning eight, drawing one, and losing one — to seal a memorable ticket to North America 2026.
FIFA President Hails Ghana’s Achievement
In a separate development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana on their qualification, praising the Black Stars’ “passion, resilience, and commitment” throughout the campaign.
His message, shared by Sportsblog247.com, echoed the sentiments of millions of fans celebrating across Ghana and beyond — a nation once again ready to shine on football’s biggest stage.
