by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the countdown continues to Monday’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Mali in Accra, Eagles boss Tom Saintfiet has dropped a revelation that adds spice to the clash: he nearly became the head coach of the Black Stars earlier this year.
The Belgian tactician, who rose to prominence after guiding The Gambia to the AFCON 2021 quarterfinals, confirmed that he held lengthy discussions with the Ghana Football Association following Ghana’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. That exit cost Chris Hughton his job, and Saintfiet emerged as one of the names on Ghana’s shortlist.
> “It’s true that around AFCON, there were talks… I felt I was close to the Black Stars job,” Saintfiet revealed.
“I spoke for about four hours with the Ghana Federation—Kurt [Okraku] and Mark [Addo], the President and Vice President. But in the end, they decided to go with another coach.”
Instead of leading Ghana, the 51-year-old was unveiled as Mali’s new manager on August 28, replacing Eric Chelle. Since then, Saintfiet has enjoyed a dream start, going six matches unbeaten and reigniting Mali’s hopes of booking a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Now, fate has brought him face-to-face with the very team he almost coached. Monday night at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars and the Eagles battle not only for points but also for pride—with Saintfiet right at the center of the storyline.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 8, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Africa’s Group I just got tighter after Comoros stunned the Central African Republic with a composed 2-0 victory on Sunday, September 7, in Meknes, Morocco.
Veteran talisman Youssouf M’Changama, at 35, rolled back the years with an ice-cool finish in the 20th minute to set the Coelacanths on their way. Soon after, striker Myziane Maolida of Al-Kholood doubled the lead before halftime, leaving CAR chasing shadows for the rest of the contest.
With their resolute defending and controlled second-half display, Comoros sealed three priceless points, moving to 15 points from eight matches—just a point behind leaders Ghana, though having played a game more. The islanders’ dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance is alive and roaring.
Pressure Shifts to Accra
The victory puts Ghana under the spotlight as they prepare for a mouth-watering clash against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday. Otto Addo’s Black Stars sit narrowly top with 16 points, but Comoros’ win means anything short of victory could swing momentum in the group.
Madagascar, lurking with 13 points from seven matches, and Mali with 12, also remain firmly in the hunt. With only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification and just four best runners-up advancing to the play-offs, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
⚔️ Ghana vs Mali: History Favors Stars, but Eagles Soar Too
This will be the 26th meeting between Ghana and Mali. Historically, Ghana edge it with 12 wins to Mali’s six, while seven clashes have ended all square. Yet recent duels tell a tighter tale: in their last 15 meetings, Ghana have won six, Mali five, with four draws.
With so much history, rivalry, and a World Cup dream on the line, Monday’s showdown in Accra is more than a qualifier—it’s a potential group decider.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Comoros reignited their World Cup dream with a composed 2–0 victory over the Central African Republic on Sunday, moving within touching distance of Group I leaders Ghana in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Coelacanths, smarting from a 3–0 defeat to Mali earlier in the window, responded in style in Meknès. After surviving an early scare when CAR’s Moustapha Djimet struck the post, Comoros took control of the game.
Captain Youssouf M’Changama broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a thunderous long-range strike, before Myziane Maolida doubled the lead nine minutes before half-time with a sharp finish from Faïz Selemani’s cross.
Despite enjoying more possession after the break, the Wild Beasts struggled to break down a disciplined Comoros defence, sealing their elimination from the qualification race.
The win lifts Comoros to 15 points from eight matches, just one behind Ghana on 16. Madagascar (13 points) and Mali (12 points) also remain firmly in contention, ensuring the race for top spot — and Africa’s direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup — remains wide open.
With Ghana hosting Mali in Accra and Madagascar facing Chad on Monday, the battle for qualification is set for more twists in what is shaping into one of CAF’s most competitive groups.
For Comoros, this was more than just three points — it was a statement of intent as they chase a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. For CAR, the focus now turns to playing for pride in their final fixtures.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Callum Hudson-Odoi has finally put an end to years of speculation over his international future. The Nottingham Forest winger, who was eligible to play for Ghana through his parents, has confirmed his commitment to representing England as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
The 24-year-old, once hailed as one of England’s brightest young prospects, broke through Chelsea’s youth system and earned his first senior cap for the Three Lions at just 18. However, his last appearance came back in November 2019, leaving the door open for Ghana to try and lure him.
After years of weighing the decision, Hudson-Odoi told the BBC that he remains determined to prove himself again with England:
> “If the possibility and chance [for England] comes – I will have to go there and prove myself all over again.”
At club level, Hudson-Odoi has found new life at Nottingham Forest. Having just signed a three-year extension to stay at the City Ground until 2028, he has become a central figure in Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Last season, he chipped in with 5 goals and 3 assists across 36 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Forest’s 7th-place Premier League finish.
Although he previously admitted to considering the Black Stars, his latest comments signal a firm decision to chase his dream with England rather than switch allegiance. With the World Cup on the horizon, Hudson-Odoi is ready to write a new chapter in his career, fueled by the belief that he can still rise to the level once expected of him.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 7, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Presnel Kimpembe has officially signed for Qatar Sports Club following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French defender joins the Qatari side on a free transfer, ending a long spell with PSG where he rose through the academy ranks to become a first-team regular and a World Cup winner with France.
Kimpembe’s switch marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he brings top-level European and international experience to the Qatar Stars League.
