by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Stars have officially begun camping in Accra as preparations intensify for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Coach Otto Addo’s squad, consisting of 23 players—including only three from the domestic league—will train at the Accra Sports Stadium for four days before facing Chad on Friday, March 21. After the home fixture, the team will travel to Morocco for their clash with Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
This marks the first time Ghana’s senior national team is regrouping since their disappointing AFCON 2025 qualification campaign last November. Determined to restore national pride, the Black Stars will be looking to secure vital points in these must-win matches.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo and goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott were among the first arrivals, with the rest of the squad expected to report to camp on Monday.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points, tied with leaders Comoros. With a World Cup spot on the line, the Black Stars must deliver strong performances to keep their qualification hopes alive for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
The Black Stars have begun assembling in Accra ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. The March international window promises to be decisive, and Ghana’s key players are arriving in camp to prepare for the challenge.
On Sunday evening, several England-based stars landed, including West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus and AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. They were joined by Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana and goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott.
By Monday morning, Richard Ati Zigi had also arrived, adding to the squad as head coach Otto Addo officially opens camp. The rest of the team is expected to join later in the day.
The Black Stars will hold their first training session on Monday evening at the Accra Sports Stadium, with fans welcome to witness the preparations. Ghana will face Chad on Friday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
Currently level on points with Comoros at the top of Group I, the Black Stars know that strong performances in these two fixtures could be crucial in their quest for a World Cup spot.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Majeed Ashimeru reminded everyone of his quality with a standout performance for Anderlecht in their 3-0 victory over Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Pro League. Despite being named on Ghana’s injury list for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the midfielder played a key role in his club’s commanding win.
Coming off the bench in the 74th minute, Ashimeru injected energy into the game, helping Anderlecht turn a narrow 1-0 lead into a dominant result. His most notable contribution came in the dying moments when he provided an assist for Cesar Huerta to seal the win.
Interestingly, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had ruled Ashimeru out of the Black Stars’ matches against Chad and Madagascar, stating that he was “rebuilding from an injury and needed time to fully recover.” The 27-year-old has not featured for Ghana since September 2024, when he played in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.
With his impressive form at club level, questions may arise about his omission from the national team. However, for now, Ashimeru’s focus remains on maintaining his momentum with Anderlecht as he looks to regain full fitness.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the Black Stars prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers, a significant leadership change has taken center stage. Jordan Ayew has been named the new captain of Ghana’s senior national team, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. However, former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called for unity and respect for the choice.
The announcement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that Ayew, the Leicester City forward, will wear the armband in the upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar. This decision comes after Thomas Partey opted out of a leadership role and Andre Ayew, Jordan’s older brother, was left out of the squad.
Having played alongside Jordan in the 2014 World Cup, Agyemang-Badu understands the weight of the responsibility and urges Ghanaians to rally behind their new leader. “No time for blame games anymore; let us reset Black Stars,” he told Takoradi-based Connect FM. “Jordan Ayew is the captain of the Black Stars; let us respect that and move on.”
With the squad now in camp, key players like Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jojo Wollacott, Antoine Semenyo, and Thomas Partey have arrived to begin preparations. Ghana, currently second in Group I with nine points—tied with leaders Comoros—will first face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco for a clash with Madagascar on Monday, March 24.
As a new era begins under Jordan Ayew’s leadership, all eyes will be on the Black Stars to deliver on the pitch and move one step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Mar 17, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called on Ghanaians to put aside criticism and rally behind the national team as they prepare for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the team has faced intense scrutiny. However, with the World Cup qualifiers approaching, Agyemang-Badu believes it’s time to reset and focus on supporting the squad.
“No time for blame games anymore; let us reset Black Stars,” he told Takoradi-based Connect FM, urging unity ahead of the must-win fixtures.
He also addressed the appointment of Jordan Ayew as the team’s new captain, calling for acceptance and support. “Jordan Ayew is the captain of the Black Stars; let us respect that and move on,” he added.
The Black Stars have officially opened camp in Accra, with their first training session set for the Accra Sports Stadium. They will take on Chad on March 21 before facing Madagascar in Morocco on March 24. Ghana currently sits second in Group I, tied on points with leaders Comoros.
With qualification hopes on the line, Agyemang-Badu’s message is clear—support, not blame, will help the Black Stars succeed.
