by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | Uncategorized
Danish-born teenager of Ghanaian heritage, Graham Nii Ankamah Ankamafio, has been named in FC Copenhagen’s 21-man squad for tonight’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who currently features for Copenhagen’s U19 side, earns a major boost in his development with inclusion in the senior team for the high-profile away fixture at the Camp Nou. Ankamafio will be hoping to make his first-team debut on Europe’s biggest club stage.
The highly rated defender has enjoyed a solid campaign with the Byens Hold U19s, making 16 appearances across all competitions this season, performances that have clearly caught the attention of the club’s technical team.
Born in Denmark to Ghanaian parents, Ankamafio remains eligible to represent Ghana at senior international level despite previously featuring for Denmark’s U16, U17 and U18 national teams.
His inclusion adds further excitement to the matchday squad as FC Copenhagen prepare to test themselves against one of Europe’s elite sides.
FC Copenhagen 21-man squad vs Barcelona:
1. Dominic Kotarski
2. Munashe Garananga
3. Gabriel Pereira
4. Pantelis Hatzidiakos
5. Viktor Claesson
6. Youssoufa Moukoko
7. Mohamed Elyounoussi
8. Jordan Larsson
9. Marcos López
10. Robert Silva
11. Junnosuke Suzuki
12. Mads Emil Madsen
13. Birger Meling
14. Jonathan Moalem
15. Elias Achouri
16. Alex Rúnarsson
17. William Clem
18. Oliver Højer
19. Viktor Dadason
20. Graham Ankamafio
21. Oscar Buur
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Former Senegal striker Mamadou Niang has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what he described as unsporting behaviour by Moroccan players and fans during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Niang’s comments followed viral footage from the AFCON final showing Moroccan players repeatedly taking towels meant for Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy during periods of light rain. The towels, used to dry Mendy’s gloves and face, were reportedly thrown into the stands, forcing the goalkeeper to repeatedly seek replacements.
According to Niang, the incidents appeared deliberate and mirrored what had earlier occurred in the semifinal against Nigeria, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faced similar treatment. On several occasions, Nwabali was seen returning to his bench to collect new towels after his were taken away.
Speaking as a pundit on Canal+, Niang condemned the actions and placed responsibility on tournament organisers to ensure fair play.
“We saw what happened against Nigeria, where Nwabali had to keep going back to the bench to get towels to dry his gloves and face,” Niang said. “Then it happened again, several times. They took Édouard Mendy’s towel maybe five or six times.
“It started raining during extra time, which made visibility difficult and soaked his gloves. Moroccan players should never prevent a Senegalese player from handing a towel to his goalkeeper. Many strange things happened, and the organisers must take responsibility.”
Morocco reached the AFCON 2025 final after edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the semifinal. Although Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s spot kick, misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly as Morocco advanced.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has spoken out about what he describes as the sabotage of his proposed coaching appointment with the Uganda national team.
Kingston, who has been building his coaching career since retiring from professional football, revealed that circumstances beyond his control prevented the move from materialising, despite advanced discussions and optimism around the role. He hinted at internal interference and behind-the-scenes actions that ultimately derailed the opportunity.
The ex-Black Stars winger expressed disappointment over the episode but maintained that it has strengthened his resolve to continue pursuing coaching opportunities at the highest level. He also stressed the importance of transparency and professionalism in football administration across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly is mourning the loss of his father, Dabele Koulibaly, who passed away on Monday in France, just days after the defender led his country to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
The heartbreaking news comes barely a week after Koulibaly lifted the AFCON trophy with the Lions of Teranga, turning what should have been a period of celebration into a deeply emotional moment in his international career.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the passing in an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), expressing sympathy to the Koulibaly family and the wider football community.
“Passing of the father of Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the Lions of Senegal, which occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, in France. The Senegalese Football Federation extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and to the entire Senegalese football community. May his soul rest in peace.”
Koulibaly was a key figure in Senegal’s successful AFCON campaign, featuring in five of their seven matches. Although he missed two games due to card suspensions, his leadership, experience, and defensive authority were vital to the team’s title-winning run.
Since the announcement, tributes and messages of support have poured in from fans, teammates, and figures across the football world, standing with the 34-year-old centre-back and his family during this difficult time.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 28, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Senegal have confirmed that they will appear before the CAF Disciplinary Committee as Africa awaits a ruling following the dramatic and controversial end to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The showpiece match was thrown into chaos late in regulation time after Morocco were awarded a penalty for a foul on Brahim Díaz, moments after having a goal disallowed for a push on Achraf Hakimi. The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players, who briefly walked off the pitch, causing a 17-minute stoppage before play eventually resumed.
Despite the disruption, the Lions of Teranga regrouped and sealed victory in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
In an official statement, the Senegal Football Federation confirmed its representation at the disciplinary hearing, led by Attorney General Seydou Diagane, alongside head coach Pape Thiaw and players Ismaïla Sarr and Illiman Ndiaye.
The federation also noted that CAF is expected to communicate its decision within 48 hours.
