by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s national futsal team has intensified preparations ahead of its crucial first-leg qualifier against Zambia in the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars Futsal side trained rigorously on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as they fine-tune tactics for the showdown scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the University of Cape Coast Sports Hall.
The match is set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. and is expected to draw significant attention, with both nations eager to secure a spot at the 2026 continental tournament.
Tuesday’s encounter represents an important milestone for Ghana’s steadily developing futsal programme, with the team hoping to capitalize on home advantage and generate a positive result before the return leg.
Following the Cape Coast clash, Ghana will travel to Lusaka for the second leg, where the final outcome of the tie will be decided. The aggregate winner over the two matches will book a place at the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.
With the two-legged format leaving little room for error, both Ghana and Zambia are expected to approach the opening fixture with intensity, knowing that a strong performance could prove decisive ahead of the return match.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
FIFA U-20 World Cup winner and former Ghana international Rabiu Mohammed has opened up about his decision to venture into cocoa farming after bringing his professional football career to an end.
Now 35, Mohammed retired from football following a serious injury that brought the curtain down on a 12-year career at the top level. Despite representing Ghana at major tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, recurring injuries eventually forced him away from the game.
In recent months, the former midfielder has attracted attention on social media after photos and videos of him working on his farm surfaced online, sparking public discussion about his life after football.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mohammed explained that farming has always been part of his family heritage. He revealed that his decision to embrace agriculture was driven by passion rather than financial necessity, as he sought to continue the legacy of his grandparents.
According to him, he spent much of his childhood on the farm with his father before heading out to play football, which helped cultivate a deep love for farming and the sense of peace it brings.
Mohammed also dismissed suggestions that his move into farming was a result of financial hardship or poor money management, stressing that his investments in agriculture have been deliberate and long-term. He added that support from community elders continues to motivate him and reaffirm his contentment with life after football.
Rabiu Mohammed began his football journey with Liberty Professionals in Ghana, where his talent caught the attention of former Black Satellites coach Sellas Tetteh. That breakthrough led to opportunities in Europe, including stints with Udinese and Sampdoria in Italy.
Following loan spells in Spain with Gimnàstic and Xerez, his career took a major leap after Ghana’s U-20 World Cup triumph, earning him a permanent move to French side Evian. He later enjoyed successful years in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar, where he cemented his reputation as a top defensive midfielder and earned selection for Ghana’s squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
His later career included spells with Krylia Sovetov, Paris FC and Tambov before he officially retired in 2025 to focus fully on his post-football life.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana U-17 head coach Laryea Kingston has revealed that unfavourable feedback from some Ghanaian football officials almost denied him the opportunity to coach Uganda’s U-17 national team.
According to Kingston, the Uganda Football Association contacted football stakeholders in Ghana after he was shortlisted for the role, seeking background information on his personality and coaching style. However, the responses he received through the process were largely negative, casting doubt on his suitability for the job.
Kingston admitted he was shocked by the nature of the reports, which portrayed him as controversial and difficult to work with.
He explained that the criticism stemmed mainly from his exit as Ghana U-17 coach following the team’s semifinal defeat to Burkina Faso in the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship on May 24, 2024.
The former Black Stars winger defended his approach during his time with the Ghanaian youth side, insisting that firmness and discipline were wrongly interpreted as controversy.
Despite the damaging feedback, Kingston was eventually handed the job and has since silenced doubters by leading Uganda’s U-17 team to qualification for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a major milestone in his young coaching career.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 2, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Charlton Athletic have confirmed the signing of Kenyan international defender Collins Sichenje from Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina.
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Addicks, becoming the club’s seventh addition of the January transfer window. He joins new arrivals Harry Clarke,
Lyndon Dykes, Luke Chambers, Tiernan Brooks, Jayden Fevrier and Conor Coady as Charlton continue to reshape their squad.
Charlton Managing Director James Rodwell revealed that Sichenje had long been on the club’s radar, explaining that the defender was initially planned as a summer signing. However, the opportunity to bring him in earlier aligned with the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.
Head coach Nathan Jones described Sichenje as an aggressive, front-footed centre-back with strong potential, stressing that his age and profile make him an ideal fit for the club’s project moving forward.
Speaking after completing the move, Sichenje expressed his excitement at joining Charlton, calling it a major step in his career. He highlighted the club’s ambition and reiterated his commitment to working hard, developing further, and contributing to the team’s success.
Born in Butere, Kenya, Sichenje began his football journey with Green Commandos before joining AFC Leopards in 2019. His career has since taken him across Europe, with spells at PAOK B in Greece, Swedish giants AIK, and Finnish side KuPS Kuopio on loan during the 2023/24 season.
After impressing during an initial loan stint at FK Vojvodina, the Serbian club made his move permanent in September 2024. His performances in Serbia have now earned him a switch to English football.
On the international stage, Sichenje has earned eight caps for Kenya since making his senior debut in a 1-0 victory over South Sudan in March 2021.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has already surpassed his personal Premier League goal record, netting his 12th goal of the season in Sunday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Ghanaian striker, who joined Manchester City in January 2026 from Bournemouth, scored twice in his first five appearances for the Citizens, underlining his rapid adaptation to Pep Guardiola’s system. Semenyo’s previous Premier League best was 11 goals during last season with Bournemouth, demonstrating his consistent rise in England’s top flight.
At 26, Semenyo has impressed with his pace, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal. Manager Pep Guardiola praised the attacker for his quality and immediate impact, which has contributed to Manchester City’s attacking dominance.
In the match, Rayan Cherki opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a pass from Erling Haaland, before Semenyo extended the lead just before halftime, helping City take a 2-0 advantage.
Manchester City lineup vs. Tottenham:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi, Rayan Aït‑Nouri
Midfielders: Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Nico O’Reilly
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki
Bench: Phil Foden, Nathan Aké, Rico Lewis
Semenyo’s stellar start at Manchester City signals a breakout year, putting him on track to make history among Ghanaian forwards in the Premier League.
