by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 6, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Bafana Bafana could qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday by beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria at home.
Bafana Bafana are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and could secure a spot in next year’s tournament should they beat Nigeria on Tuesday evening.
Having thumped Lesotho 2-0 at the Free State Stadium on Friday, South Africa extends their lead in Group C and sit on 16 points from seven matches. With three more rounds to go, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions could secure qualification with a win against Nigeria if Benin fails to win against Lesotho.
Bafana will host the Super Eagles at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday evening knowing that a win could potentially secure their ticket to the USA next year. Kick off is set for 18:00. Even if South Africa wins, they will have to wait for the match between Lesotho and Benin to confirm qualification. If Benin wins, then Hugo Broos’ men will need to win against Zimbabwe or Rwana next month to book their ticket.
Bafana go into the Nigeria match without Nyiko Mobbie, who was injured against Lesotho. He has since been replaced with Thabiso Monyane from Kaizer Chiefs.
In the Super Eagles’ camp, the West Africans could be without their biggest star, Victor Osimhen. The tall striker had to be subbed off in the 30th minute against Rwanda due to injury.
Will SA qualify on Tuesday?
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Jordan Ayew etched his name into Ghana’s football history during the Black Stars’ hard-fought 1–1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the CAF World Cup qualifiers.
The Leicester City forward, currently playing in the English Championship, not only gave Ghana the lead with a composed 17th-minute finish from a Mohammed Kudus assist but also reached a unique milestone. Ayew became only the second player to captain the Black Stars while turning out for a Championship club — following in the footsteps of his elder brother, André Ayew, who once led the team while at Swansea City.
Despite Ayew’s early strike, Ghana failed to hold on. The Black Stars dictated much of the game at the scorching Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno but were punished late when substitute Célestin Ecua’s precise 89th-minute strike handed Chad their first-ever point in the qualifiers.
The result leaves Ghana still top of Group I with 16 points, though Comoros and Madagascar remain in striking distance, making the race to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico increasingly tense.
Focus turns to Mali clash
Attention now shifts to the Accra Sports Stadium, where Ghana hosts Mali on Monday in a pivotal Group I fixture. Otto Addo’s men know victory is crucial, especially with the Eagles of Mali sitting four points behind but buoyed by their emphatic win over Comoros.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2–1 win for Ghana in Bamako, with Ernest Appiah Nuamah and Jordan Ayew on target. This time, with qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the stakes are even higher.
Former Black Starlets defender Fuseini Adams has warned Otto Addo’s charges to avoid complacency:
> “This is not the time to relax or underestimate any opponent. Every team in the qualifiers is hungry, and Ghana must approach the game with total focus and discipline if they want to secure qualification.”
With Ayew’s historic captaincy adding extra inspiration, Ghana will look to seize home advantage and edge closer to another World Cup appearance.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 6, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
After stumbling in Chad, the Black Stars have vowed to bounce back stronger when they lock horns with Mali in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana’s hopes of early qualification took a slight knock after a frustrating 1-1 draw in N’Djamena last Thursday, leaving fans and officials eager for a swift response. Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, visited the camp to rally the team, urging them to rise to the challenge.
In turn, the players assured him and the entire nation of their hunger for victory.
> “We know what went wrong, and we are determined to correct it. The win is coming,” one senior player confidently declared.
Currently leading Group I with 16 points after seven matches, Ghana remains in pole position ahead of Madagascar (13), Mali (12), and Comoros (12). The Black Stars will wrap up their qualification journey in October with encounters against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
With the Eagles of Mali breathing down their necks, the showdown in Accra is more than just a game—it’s a battle for pride, redemption, and a step closer to the grand stage of world football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
In a dramatic transfer twist, Trabzonspor and Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement for André Onana to join the Turkish side on loan.
The deal now hangs in the balance, resting solely on the goalkeeper’s decision. Will Onana swap the pressure of Old Trafford for a fresh start in Turkey? The ball is firmly in his court.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 6, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A fair point from the Liverpool striker, as the Dutchman showcased blistering speed on the opening weekend of the Premier League, clocking over 36km/h. That kind of pace is enough to leave defenders chasing shadows!
