by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has paid a morale-boosting visit to the Black Starlets’ training camp as Ghana’s U-17 side prepares for the upcoming WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship in Ivory Coast.
Konadu was warmly received by Starlets boss Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical staff at the University of Ghana Stadium annexe. The visit, part of a broader collaborative effort among Ghana’s youth national teams, was aimed at strengthening player development and ensuring smooth progression from the U-17 to the U-20 level.
The Starlets are currently stepping up preparations for the September tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Over the weekend, they secured a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Division Two side Zilina FC before resuming tactical and physical drills on Monday.
Addressing the young players, Konadu emphasized the importance of discipline, focus, and national pride, reminding them of the weight of representing Ghana on the international stage. His words resonated with the squad, many of whom dream of breaking into the Black Satellites in the near future.
With spirits lifted and training in full swing, the Starlets remain determined to make a strong statement in Yamoussoukro.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Ghana Football Association has announced special winning packages for the Black Stars ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Each player will earn $5,000 for every victory in the qualifiers, while head coach Otto Addo will receive $10,000—double the players’ share—in recognition of his leadership role.
The incentive package comes as Ghana gears up for crucial encounters against Chad and Mali this September. The move is expected to fire up both the players and technical team as they chase qualification for the expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With the stakes higher than ever, the bonuses serve as both a morale booster and a reminder of the confidence the nation has in the team and its head coach. Fans will be eager to see whether this added motivation translates into strong performances on the pitch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with football’s biggest spectacle set to return in less than 280 days. For the first time ever, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, creating a North American festival of football.
So far, 13 nations have already booked their tickets to the expanded 48-team finals, leaving 35 spots still up for grabs.
The Automatic Hosts
The United States will host the competition for the second time after staging it in 1994, boasting a new golden generation led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna. Neighbours Canada and Mexico also qualified automatically as co-hosts, with both sides eager to make a statement on home soil.
Asia Leads the Charge
Japan were among the first to secure their place, topping AFC Third Round Group C in March 2025. They’ll be making their eighth consecutive appearance since 1998. South Korea soon followed, qualifying for their 12th World Cup after winning Group B.
History was made in Central and West Asia as Uzbekistan and Jordan booked their maiden World Cup appearances, both sealing qualification in June 2025. Australia also ensured their place, continuing their impressive run of six straight tournaments.
Oceania’s Comeback
New Zealand confirmed their long-awaited return to the global stage in March 2025 after clinching the OFC Third Round, ending a 16-year absence from the finals.
South America’s Giants
Argentina, reigning world champions led by Lionel Messi, were among the first from South America to qualify, topping the CONMEBOL table in March 2025. Brazil, the only nation to feature in every edition of the World Cup, later secured their spot in June, marking a record 23rd appearance.
The Full List of Qualified Teams So Far
1. United States (hosts)
2. Canada (hosts)
3. Mexico (hosts)
4. Japan
5. New Zealand
6. Argentina
7. Uzbekistan
8. South Korea
9. Jordan
10. Australia
11. Brazil
Ghana’s Hopes Still Alive
While 13 teams have booked their places, Ghana’s Black Stars remain firmly in the hunt. Otto Addo’s men lead Group I in the African qualifiers with 15 points from six matches, three clear of nearest challengers Comoros. A return to the global stage looks within reach for the four-time African champions.
With less than a year until kickoff, the anticipation is building as more teams join the growing list of confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
German-born Ghanaian defender Derrick Kohn has expressed his pride and delight after training with the Black Stars for the very first time.
The 25-year-old, who received his maiden national team call-up this month, joined camp on Monday as Ghana began preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
Twelve players were involved in the opening session, with Kohn taking part and looking sharp as he linked up with his new teammates. After training, the Hamburg full-back shared his excitement.
“Hello Ghana. Just finished training with the guys. My first training for Ghana, I am very proud and I am happy with these guys,” he said in a short video message. “We are now going to the hotel, shower and fly to Chad.”
The Black Stars have since been joined by ten more players, bringing the squad to 22, and have departed Accra for N’Djamena ahead of Thursday’s clash against Chad at the Stade Olympique Idriss Deby.
Victory in Chad would place Ghana firmly in control of Group I, where they currently sit top with 15 points. Closest challengers Comoros trail by three points and face Mali on Thursday in Moroni.
With momentum on their side, Otto Addo’s men know that maximum points from this international break will take them a step closer to sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 2, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Thomas Partey reminded fans and teammates alike that his talents extend beyond the football pitch, after delivering a series of hilarious remarks that left Black Stars debutant Derrick Kohn and others in laughter during training.
The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder joined Ghana’s camp following the postponement of his court case in the UK, linking up with Otto Addo’s 24-man squad ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying doubleheader.
A Warm Welcome for Derrick Kohn
Union Berlin defender Derrick Kohn, making his maiden appearance in the Black Stars setup, was eager to document his first training session. Proudly holding the camera, he told fans, “My first training for Ghana. I am very proud.”
When he approached Partey and Inaki Williams for feedback, the atmosphere quickly turned light-hearted. Partey jokingly quizzed him, “Is this your site?”—a playful dig that sent Kohn bursting into laughter.
The teasing didn’t stop there. With a cheeky grin, Kohn responded, “I need money too,” prompting Partey and Inaki to jokingly suggest he might be running an adult content platform, sparking even more amusement.
The Punchline Everyone Loved
Kohn then revealed that he had started a podcast and asked Partey for a shoutout. Without missing a beat, Partey delivered a witty line that quickly went viral:
“Follow Derrick, he will show you the way to Heaven.”
The exchange, captured on video, spread rapidly across social media, with fans on X (formerly Twitter) praising Partey’s humour and his role in lifting the mood in camp.
As Ghana prepares to face Chad in N’Djamena, Partey’s leadership—both on and off the pitch—continues to shine, proving he’s just as valuable in keeping spirits high as he is in midfield battles.
