by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 25, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars are just one victory away from sealing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an impressive qualifying run that has left them atop Group I with 19 points from eight matches. Their next challenge comes on Tuesday, October 8, when they face the Central African Republic (CAR) at the El Abdi Stadium in Morocco—a decisive clash that could secure their ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Head coach Otto Addo’s side will then return to Accra for their final qualifier against Comoros on Friday, October 11, needing only a win from either of the two fixtures to guarantee passage to the world stage. Ghana, four-time African champions, are targeting a fifth World Cup appearance after competing in 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), 2014 (Brazil), and 2022 (Qatar).
The Black Stars have also made a slight leap in the latest FIFA rankings, climbing from 76th to 75th globally, though they remain 14th in Africa. This rise follows a solid qualifying campaign, including a draw away to Chad and a hard-fought victory over Mali.
Coach Addo, however, has warned his players and fans against complacency. After the 1–1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena—where Jordan Ayew’s early strike was cancelled out by Celestine Ecua’s late equaliser—Addo expressed frustration at his side’s wastefulness.
> “The result is everything; we had many corners and chances but didn’t execute. This is not good enough—we must improve,” he said, also citing the dry pitch as a factor that slowed Ghana’s tempo.
Despite that setback, Ghana responded with a spirited win over Mali. Addo praised Antoine Semenyo’s relentless runs and the defence’s late resilience, while urging more decisive attacking play:
> “Sometimes you don’t need the perfect solution—just rip the ball in. Even if it’s one against three, something can happen.”
The coach reiterated the need for focus, warning:
> “Everybody was talking before the Chad game that we had already won. It’s dangerous. We are not at the World Cup yet. Every opponent must be respected.”
As the countdown begins to the Morocco showdown, Ghanaian fans will be hoping the Black Stars can finish the job and book their place on football’s biggest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
Senegal’s preparations for the October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have suffered another setback, with midfielder Dion Lopy now a major doubt for the upcoming international window.
After already losing Habib Diarra, head coach Pape Thiaw may also be without the influential Lopy, who has picked up an injury and was left out of UD Almeria’s traveling squad to Las Palmas. The Spanish club confirmed he is doubtful for their October 4 clash with Deportivo La Coruña, casting further uncertainty over his availability for national duty.
The Lions of Teranga face two pivotal Group B fixtures—against South Sudan on October 6 and Mauritania on October 13—as they look to protect their narrow lead over DR Congo, who trail by just two points.
With Sadio Mané and the rest of the squad aiming to lock down top spot, Lopy’s absence would be a significant blow to Senegal’s midfield balance as the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup intensifies.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Bibiani Gold Stars remain optimistic about overturning their deficit when they face Algeria’s JS Kabylie in the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie this Sunday, despite a 2–0 setback in Accra.
Chief Executive Officer Akwasi Adu insists the Ghanaian side is undaunted by the first-leg result and believes the team can still pull off a remarkable turnaround. Speaking to Citi Sports after receiving a morale-boosting donation from Peeva Beverages ahead of the trip to Algeria, Adu shared his confidence.
“We are mapping out our plans and strategies to get the players fully prepared when we arrive in Kabylie,” he said. “We are not perturbed by the last result. It’s still football. A club has come to score 2–0 at our home; we can equally turn around the result.”
Gold Stars will need a near-perfect display on Sunday, September 28, to overturn the deficit and keep their continental dream alive, but the CEO’s bold words underscore the belief running through the squad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
When opportunity knocked for Kwasi Sibo, he was more than ready to answer. The Real Oviedo midfielder earned his long-awaited Ghana debut in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali, stepping into the spotlight after injuries and suspension reshaped the Black Stars’ midfield.
With Elisha Owusu suspended and Ibrahim Sulemana ruled out at the last minute, Sibo was thrust into the starting lineup alongside Thomas Partey. The 26-year-old delivered a composed performance, helping Ghana grind out a hard-fought 1–0 victory and proving he belongs on the international stage.
“Everything happens for a reason, and I believe I have the power to change situations,” Sibo reflected after the match, acknowledging how the misfortunes of teammates paved the way for his breakthrough.
Having impressed consistently for Oviedo in Spain’s La Liga, Sibo’s readiness turned an unexpected call-up into a statement debut. His calm presence and tactical awareness have now given Ghana’s coaching staff another trusted option in midfield as the World Cup qualifiers continue.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 25, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Queens are set for a decisive showdown with Egypt in the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to be hosted in Morocco next March.
The two-legged tie will kick off next month, with the first encounter taking place in Cairo. The aggregate winner will secure a coveted spot at the continental showpiece, which also doubles as a qualifier for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana returned to WAFCON action in style earlier this year after missing the tournament since 2018, claiming a bronze medal by edging South Africa in the third-place playoff. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, meanwhile, reaffirmed their dominance by defeating hosts Morocco to win a record-extending tenth title.
With confidence high following their strong comeback, the Black Queens will regroup and aim to outclass the Egyptian Cleopatras to seal back-to-back appearances at Africa’s premier women’s football event.
