by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reaffirmed his decision to omit Andre Dede Ayew from the squad for the second consecutive round of qualifiers, emphasizing the need to build a team for the future.
During a press conference where Addo announced the 26-man squad for Ghana’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September, he addressed Ayew’s absence by highlighting the importance of preparing a squad with a long-term vision.
Addo explained that the focus is not only on the upcoming AFCON but also on the potential qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He stressed the need to look ahead and develop a team that can compete effectively over the next few years, which influenced the decision to bring in younger players and exclude Ayew from the squad.
“We are looking at one, two, three years ahead, and we have to build a squad for that,” Addo stated, reaffirming the long-term strategy guiding the selection process.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is optimistic about the Black Stars’ potential to perform better in future tournaments, particularly in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). GFA Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, expressed confidence in the team’s progress during an exclusive interview with ChannelOne Sports.
Reflecting on Ghana’s disappointing exit from the 2023 AFCON, where the team failed to secure a win, Armstrong-Mortagbe acknowledged the setbacks but emphasized the positive momentum gained from recent successes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He noted that the team’s performance in these qualifiers, under the guidance of head coach Otto Addo, signals the beginning of a promising resurgence.
Armstrong-Mortagbe reiterated the GFA’s commitment to supporting the Black Stars’ technical staff and players, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. He stressed the importance of delivering the quality of football that Ghanaians deserve and highlighted the collective effort needed to achieve a stronger showing at the next AFCON.
As the Black Stars prepare for their 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola on September 5 and Niger on September 9, the GFA is focused on providing the necessary support to help the team excel and restore national pride.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to prioritizing youth football as a key component of its developmental strategy. Speaking at the 2024 Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on August 27, Okraku stressed the importance of investing in young talent for the future of Ghanaian football.
Okraku urged stakeholders to recognize the critical need for increased investment in youth development, which he believes is essential for enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of the country’s football leagues.
The GFA has already introduced several initiatives to revitalize grassroots football, including the “Catch Them Young” Refereeing policy, which aims to train 1,600 young referees, and the Elite National Girls U15 Challenge Cup, in line with FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme.
Furthermore, the GFA plans to collaborate with Regional Football Associations to launch Inter-District U-15 and U-17 festivals for boys and girls, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering young talent and building a solid foundation for the future of Ghanaian football.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International
Ghana’s Black Princesses played to a 2-2 draw with South Korea in their second high-profile international friendly as part of preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The match saw the Princesses concede a penalty in the 15th minute due to a foul by Comfort Yeboah, which South Korea converted to take the lead. However, Ghana quickly responded with an equalizer from Stella Nyamekye, who finished off a cross from Wasiima Mohammed.
Despite their efforts to take the lead, the first half ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second half, Coach Yussif Basigi made strategic changes, bringing on Mafia Nyame to partner with Nyamekye in midfield. This partnership paid off as Nyame set up Jennifer Owusuwaa to give Ghana a 2-1 advantage.
However, the Black Princesses conceded another penalty in the 71st minute after Alexandra Emefa Tay fouled a South Korean player in the box, resulting in a successfully converted spot kick that leveled the score at 2-2.
This match is part of the team’s final preparations for their opening Group E match against Austria on September 2, 2024. The Black Princesses will also face New Zealand and Japan in their subsequent group games. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Colombia from August 31 to September 22, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Sep 1, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin has announced that Parliament will support Asante Kotoko in their upcoming match against DC United in the United States of America (USA) scheduled for October 12, 2024. The Speaker revealed that he has instructed his team to seek funding from corporate bodies to assist the club’s participation in the event.
This match is part of the reward for Kotoko’s victory in the inaugural Democracy Cup, a match organized by the Parliament of Ghana. Speaker Bagbin emphasized Parliament’s responsibility to ensure Kotoko’s successful participation, citing football’s role as a powerful tool for national promotion and development.
During a review meeting with Primeval Media, the match organizers, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the historical significance of the match venue and its potential benefits for both Ghana and the USA.
Samuel Opoku Nti, representing Asante Kotoko, expressed the club’s gratitude for the initiative and emphasized the importance of the match as a platform for showcasing their talents on an international stage. He also called for measures to ensure the sustainability of the Democracy Cup, which is set to become an annual event.
Asante Kotoko won the maiden Democracy Cup with a 2-1 victory over Accra Hearts of Oak on July 17, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, marking the 30th anniversary of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
