by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Uncertainty has clouded preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) amid reports suggesting Morocco may be reconsidering its role as tournament host following the fallout from the recent men’s AFCON final.
Morocco hosted the men’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that ended in heartbreak for the Atlas Lions after a dramatic final defeat to Senegal in Rabat. The North Africans were on the brink of lifting the trophy before a controversial late penalty decision and a missed spot-kick proved costly.
With the score still level in stoppage time, Morocco were handed a chance to seal victory from the penalty spot. However, Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz failed to convert, executing a poorly taken Panenka. Senegal capitalised on the reprieve, as Pape Gueye struck a decisive goal early in extra time to hand the Teranga Lions the title.
The aftermath of the final was tense, with incidents involving players, officials, fans and journalists leading to disciplinary actions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against both Morocco and Senegal.
Speaking on the situation, renowned sports broadcaster Wale Agbede suggested that many within Morocco felt unfairly treated after the final.
“The reactions after the AFCON showed a collective feeling of being hard done by,” Agbede told DAILY POST. “From the conduct of some journalists in the press room to the emotions of fans and players, it was clear there was a sense of injustice. But the truth is, Morocco had their chance to win the game. If the penalty had been scored, none of this would be happening.”
Agbede believes this lingering resentment may be influencing Morocco’s stance on hosting the 2026 WAFCON.
“In my opinion, this is unnecessary arrogance,” he said. “Morocco have done CAF many favours over the years, stepping in to host tournaments because they have the facilities. But that does not give them the right to act above the rules when things don’t go their way.”
He added that CAF retains the authority to discipline any federation, regardless of status or past contributions.
“No federation is bigger than CAF,” Agbede stressed. “If Morocco feel they should not have been punished, that mindset is unacceptable. The WAFCON will still be played, even if the experience isn’t as polished as it might have been in Morocco.”
Meanwhile, conflicting signals have emerged regarding the tournament’s status. Earlier this week, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, stated that no official decision has been made to relocate the 2026 WAFCON, despite comments from his deputy indicating South Africa’s readiness to host if required.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on March 17, with CAF yet to make a definitive announcement on the final hosting arrangements.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Sportsblog247.com reporter Atanga Emmanuel brings you a comprehensive round-up of how Ghanaian players fared across leagues worldwide over the weekend, highlighting goals, assists, minutes played, and key contributions.
Several Black Stars and emerging talents delivered standout moments, headlined by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s seventh goal of the season, Ibrahim Osman’s debut strike for Birmingham City, and goals from Jerry Afriyie and Caleb Yirenkyi.
In England, Osman enjoyed a dream start to life at Birmingham City, scoring his first goal to inspire a Championship win over Leicester City. Fatawu was also on the scoresheet in the same game, though his Leicester side ended up on the losing side.
In the Premier League, Antoine Semenyo featured in Manchester City’s narrow win over Liverpool at Anfield, while Andy Yiadom, Albert Adomah, and Jordan Ayew all saw minutes across the EFL.
Across Europe, goals came in from every corner. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer struck for Hamburg in Germany, Douglas Owusu scored and assisted on his Red Star Belgrade debut in Serbia, and David Atanga found the net in Austria. In Belgium, Jerry Afriyie continued his impressive debut season despite defeat, while Majeed Ashimeru made his first appearance for RAAL La Louvière.
In Denmark, Caleb Yirenkyi was on target for Nordsjaelland, while Benjamin Tetteh provided an assist in Bulgaria. Elsewhere, Ghanaian players featured prominently in France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, and Slovakia—underlining the wide footprint of Ghanaian talent across world football.
From match-winners to valuable squad contributions, it was another busy and productive weekend for Ghanaian footballers abroad.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Huddersfield Town teenage attacking midfielder Cameron Ashia enjoyed a moment he will never forget after scoring a dramatic late equaliser in his side’s 2–2 League One draw with Blackpool.
The 19-year-old rose highest in the 88th minute to glance home a well-delivered cross, completing a stirring comeback for Huddersfield after they had fallen two goals behind. His perfectly timed header rescued a valuable point and sent the home fans into celebration.
But beyond the result, the goal carried special personal significance for the Ghanaian youngster. Speaking after the match, Ashia revealed that it was the first headed goal of his entire career—and one linked to a childhood promise made more than seven years ago.
“I’ve never scored a header in my life. But now that I’ve scored it, my dad can finally cut his dreads. He said that when I was 12, so I’ve been trying to score a header since then,” Ashia shared with a smile.
Although he has started just two of his 14 appearances this season, Ashia continues to prove his value as an impact substitute.
His late strike against Blackpool takes his season tally to three goals and two assists, underlining his growing reputation as a player capable of changing games in decisive moments.
For Ashia, it was more than just a goal—it was a long-awaited breakthrough and a family promise finally kept.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 8, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Princesses were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with South Africa in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts flew out of the blocks and looked in complete control early on. Goals from Agnes Yeboah and Linda Owusu Ansah gave Charles Simpson’s side a commanding cushion, capping a dominant opening spell that had the home crowd dreaming of a comfortable victory.
For long periods, Ghana dictated the tempo and appeared poised to carry a healthy advantage into the return leg. But as the game progressed, the intensity dropped, opening the door for South Africa to grow into the contest.
Sensing the shift in momentum, the visitors responded with renewed belief and attacking intent, eventually clawing their way back to level terms in a comeback that could prove decisive in the qualification race.
The result comes as a disappointment for the Black Princesses, who were hoping to make home advantage count after their emphatic aggregate victory over Tunisia in the previous round.
South Africa, meanwhile, once again showcased their resilience, building on the confidence gained from their convincing win over Eswatini to reach this stage. With the second leg to be played on home soil, they will approach the return fixture with optimism.
Ghana must now regroup quickly as attention turns to the decisive second leg, scheduled for Sunday, February 14.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 7, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku continued his fine run of form with another spectacular goal, netting his seventh league strike of the season in Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City.
The 21-year-old produced a moment of brilliance in the 22nd minute, expertly controlling a poor clearance with his chest before unleashing a fierce shot into the roof of the net. The stunning finish briefly lifted the Foxes, but it ultimately proved to be only a consolation goal on a difficult afternoon.
The match also saw fellow Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman make headlines, as he scored his first goal for Birmingham City following his loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Fatawu has now recorded an impressive seven goals and seven assists in 30 Championship appearances this season, underlining his growing influence despite Leicester’s struggles.
Leicester City’s problems were compounded by a six-point deduction for financial fair play breaches before the game. The defeat leaves them 21st in the 24-team Championship table, with pressure mounting ahead of their next fixture against Southampton on Tuesday, February 10.
