by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 1, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies as Black Stars head coach Otto Addo prepares to unveil his squad for Ghana’s decisive qualifying matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
Ghana sit firmly at the top of Group I with 19 points, needing just a single victory from their remaining two games to book their ticket to the global stage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Their closest rivals, Madagascar, trail by three points and will be hoping for a stumble, but the Stars remain in control of their own destiny.
The Black Stars open their final push on Wednesday, October 8, when they face CAR at the Al Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, before returning home to host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12. Preparations are expected to begin in Accra, with Otto Addo naming his squad on Thursday, October 4.
All eyes will be on big names such as Thomas Partey, who brings leadership and composure in midfield, and Mohammed Kudus, the Tottenham Hotspur star whose attacking brilliance has lit up the qualifiers. Rising stars like Jerry Afriyie and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku are also tipped to inject youthful energy and creativity into the side.
For Ghana, this campaign is more than just qualification. After the heartbreak of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup qualifiers represent a chance at redemption—a chance to restore national pride and reignite the belief of millions of supporters.
With the job almost complete, Addo’s selections and tactical approach will be scrutinized as the Black Stars aim to secure their fifth World Cup appearance in style.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 1, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Starlets rose to the occasion in grand style, defeating arch-rivals Nigeria 2-0 in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.
The young Ghanaians showed composure, flair, and fighting spirit to silence the Flying Eagles and, in the process, secured a precious ticket to the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With the win, the Starlets not only storm into the grand finale of the regional tournament but also rekindle hopes of Ghana’s dominance at the youth level. The victory over Nigeria makes this qualification even sweeter, as the rivalry added extra fire to the clash.
Now, the boys in red, yellow, and green turn their focus to the final, carrying the dreams of a nation and a reminder that Ghana’s football future burns bright.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Kamaldeen Sulemana is making waves in Italy, and what an entrance it has been! The Ghanaian winger has quickly become the name on every Serie A fan’s lips after his dazzling display and crucial impact in recent games. From his blistering pace to his fearless dribbles, Sulemana is proving he’s not just in Serie A to participate—he’s here to dominate.
Ghana has yet another gem shining on the European stage, and Italy is feeling the heat. ✨
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Sportsblog247.com’s Atanga Emmanuel brings you a comprehensive weekend round-up of Ghanaian footballers lighting up leagues across the globe — from Europe to the MLS.
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil stole the spotlight in the USA, netting his first-ever career hat-trick in a 4-1 triumph over Sporting Kansas City. Over in Italy, Kamaldeen Sulemana scored a jaw-dropping solo goal in Atalanta’s 1-1 stalemate with Juventus, further solidifying his reputation as one of Serie A’s most exciting attackers.
Elsewhere, Eugene Ansah bagged a brace for Ashdod in Israel, Bernard Tekpetey powered Ludogorets to a 3-0 win in Bulgaria, and Ibrahim Sadiq was on target in the Dutch Eredivisie despite AZ Alkmaar’s defeat to Nijmegen.
In England, Antoine Semenyo grabbed his fourth Premier League goal of the season for Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw with Leeds United, while Brandon Thomas-Asante struck for Coventry in the Championship. Mohammed Kudus featured the full 90 minutes in Tottenham’s 1-1 clash with Wolves.
Across Europe’s top leagues, Ghanaian internationals were everywhere: Thomas Partey helped Villarreal secure a 1-0 win in Spain, Inaki Williams battled for Athletic Bilbao, while Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Alidu Seidu, and Salis Abdul Samed all saw action in France. In Germany, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer and Patrick Pfeiffer kept Ghana’s flag flying in the Bundesliga.
From Austria to Albania, Cyprus to Sweden, Switzerland to Saudi Arabia, Ghanaian players were in the thick of the action — proving once again that Black Stars are not only carrying their country’s hopes but also shining in every corner of the football world.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 30, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Matchday one of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile wrapped up with heartbreak for Africa’s representatives, South Africa and Nigeria, while the United States and Colombia impressed with commanding wins.
At the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, South Africa’s Amajita pushed France all the way but fell 2-1 after conceding a late goal. Anthony Bermont gave France the lead in the 25th minute, but Jody Ahshene equalized from the penalty spot following Kutlwano Letlhaku’s foul in the box. The game looked destined for a draw until Lucas Michel broke South African hearts in the 80th minute with a clinical finish.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles also suffered defeat, losing 1-0 to Norway at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Kparobo Arierhi came close early, rattling the crossbar in the third minute, but Norway capitalized on a ninth-minute penalty, with Rasmus Holten converting what proved to be the winner.
Elsewhere, Colombia opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, thanks to Óscar Perea’s second-half strike from close range after Jordan Barrera’s clever interception.
The USA, however, delivered the most emphatic performance of the day, thrashing New Caledonia 9-1. Benjamin Cremaschi netted a first-half hat-trick, while Niko Tsakiris, Frankie Westfield, Nolan Harris (brace), Taha Habroune, and Cole Campbell all got on the scoresheet. Wapae Simane salvaged a moment of pride for New Caledonia, scoring the nation’s first-ever U-20 World Cup goal in the 70th minute.
Matchday two promises more action, with Panama facing Ukraine and Egypt taking on New Zealand in the early kick-offs, before hosts Chile clash with Japan and South Korea battle Paraguay. Having lost their opener, Egypt will be eager to bounce back and join Morocco as Africa’s only winners so far after their shock triumph over Spain.
