by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s Black Stars are entering a new phase, and head coach Otto Addo couldn’t be more excited about the arrival of Winfried Schafer as the team’s technical director.
The experienced German coach, who guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002, brings a wealth of knowledge to the setup. Addo has been full of praise for Schafer, stating, “Winfried Schafer has big, big experience. He knows how to deal with difficult situations.”
Since his appointment, Schafer has wasted no time getting involved, engaging with players from the outset. His proactive approach has impressed Addo, who declared, “I’m very, very happy that he’s on board.”
With Schafer’s expertise and assistant coach Desmond Ofei’s support, Ghana’s ambitions of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are looking stronger than ever.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Otto Addo is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to revive the Black Stars. Since Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, the head coach has been in constant discussions with newly appointed technical director Winfried Schafer, a man renowned for leading Cameroon to AFCON glory.
“Winfried Schafer has big, big experience,” Addo shared. “He knows how to handle tough situations, and we’ve been talking a lot.”
Schafer’s presence has been felt from day one, actively engaging with players and bringing his wealth of knowledge to the team. His partnership with Addo, along with assistant coach Desmond Ofei, is expected to play a crucial role in Ghana’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With decisive qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, Addo is confident that the Black Stars are on the right path.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the heart of London, Austrian-born Ghanaian footballer Kevin Danso and award-winning musician Black Sherif crossed paths, sharing stories of their roots, upbringing, and journey to success.
Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail, is in London gearing up for his Iron Boy album tour. During his visit, he linked up with Danso, who currently plies his trade with Tottenham Hotspur. Their conversation delved deep into their Ghanaian heritage, reflecting on how their cultural upbringing shaped their lives and careers.
Danso, born to Ghanaian parents in Austria, reminisced about learning Twi at home, thanks to his parents’ insistence on staying connected to their roots. He also shared how his father, originally from Tafo, migrated to Austria in the early ‘90s in pursuit of better opportunities.
On the other hand, Black Sherif spoke about his upbringing in Konongo Zongo, moving between different homes after his parents left for Greece. He credited his aunt for playing a crucial role in his childhood and shaping the diverse music style that now defines his sound.
As the night unfolded, the duo bonded over music, with Danso getting an exclusive listen to Black Sherif’s latest project. Their encounter in London became more than just a meeting—it was a celebration of culture, identity, and the power of staying true to one’s roots.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
With Ghana’s World Cup dreams hanging in the balance, former President John Dramani Mahama delivered a passionate call to the Black Stars, urging them to give everything for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During his visit to the team at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, Mahama stressed that representing Ghana on the global stage is an honor beyond financial gain.
“Playing for the national team may not be as lucrative as club football, but the pride of taking your nation to the World Cup is worth dying for,” he declared, rallying the players to embrace the challenge ahead.
He also emphasized discipline, hard work, and unity as the pillars of success, encouraging the squad to rise above past setbacks.
The Black Stars, who missed out on the 2025 AFCON for the first time in 20 years, now shift their focus to redemption. Their journey continues with a crucial qualifier against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
With the weight of a nation behind them, the Black Stars must prove they are ready to fight for their World Cup dream.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, is at a crossroads. After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades, the team faces mounting pressure to reclaim its status.
On Wednesday, former President John Mahama visited the squad, delivering a powerful message: bring the same passion and commitment you display at your clubs to the national team.
“It takes sacrifice, it takes strength. We all admire your performances at your clubs, and we expect that same level of dedication when you wear the national colors,” Mahama urged.
His speech emphasized discipline, hard work, and unity—values that have historically defined Ghanaian football. With crucial World Cup qualifiers ahead, the Black Stars must heed the call.
Their redemption journey begins with a home clash against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. Then, they travel to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in the final rounds of qualification.
With their pride on the line, the Black Stars have one mission: to prove they still belong on football’s biggest stage.
