by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana coach Otto Addo has announced his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the Black Stars set to face Angola and Niger.
Captain Andre Ayew is notably absent from the squad as he remains without a club, continuing his absence from the previous selection. However, Majeed Ashimeru returns to the squad after recovering from injury, alongside Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams.
Thomas Partey will take over the captaincy role, with Jordan Ayew, who recently scored a hat-trick, providing experienced support.
Injury concerns have ruled out Ernest Nuamah and Forson Amankwah. Although Amankwah’s injury is less severe, he has not been included in this round of fixtures.
The Black Stars will host Angola in Kumasi on September 5, 2024, before traveling to Niger for their second Group F match on September 9, 2024.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi
- Frederick Asare
- Joseph Wollacott
Defenders:
- Alidu Seidu
- Tariq Lamptey
- Alexander Djiku
- Mohammed Salisu
- Abdul Mumin
- Jerome Opoku
- Ebenezer Annan
- Kingsley Schindler
Midfielders:
- Mohammed Kudus
- Abu Francis
- Thomas Partey
- Elisha Owusu
- Majeed Ashimeru
Forwards:
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
- Joseph Paintsil
- Ibrahim Osman
- Antoine Semenyo
- Inaki Williams
- Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Jordan Ayew
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Head of Public Relations and Strategy, has expressed optimism that the Black Stars can surpass their recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performances.
Following Ghana’s disappointing 2023 AFCON campaign, where they failed to secure a win after losses to Cape Verde and draws with Mozambique and Egypt, Armstrong-Mortagbe is hopeful for improvement.
In an exclusive interview with ChannelOne Sports, Armstrong-Mortagbe highlighted the team’s recent progress, including two consecutive wins in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He emphasized that the Black Stars are on a positive trajectory and that recent performances suggest potential for a better showing in the upcoming 2025 AFCON.
“We are on a journey towards improvement,” Armstrong-Mortagbe said. “The last two AFCONs did not meet expectations, but we had a relatively decent performance at the 2022 World Cup. This gives us hope that we can do much better, especially compared to our last AFCON.”
He also praised coach Otto Addo’s efforts since taking over after the 2023 AFCON, noting that Addo’s strategic planning is beginning to shape a competitive squad.
The Black Stars are set to face Angola and Niger in their 2025 AFCON qualifiers on September 5 and 9, respectively.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a partnership with betPawa, even though the betting company has decided to withdraw as the headline sponsor of the Ghana Premier League.
GFA President Kurt Okraku confirmed that the association will keep collaborating with betPawa in other capacities. This includes continuing the locker room bonus and exploring support for the Women’s Premier League.
“Our partnership with betPawa remains strong,” Okraku stated at the GFA’s 30th Ordinary Congress. “We are working with betPawa to support us in other areas. The locker room bonus will remain, and we are also discussing their involvement with our Women’s Premier League.”
Okraku’s comments address concerns raised by betPawa’s withdrawal from the headline sponsorship deal. The GFA and betPawa’s collaboration will persist, albeit in a revised form, as preparations for the new season, starting in September, continue.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster Rasco London is emerging as a prominent figure in Ghanaian football following his standout performances in the previous season’s Ghana Premier League.
London, a talented midfielder, began making waves in the league two seasons ago with Legon Cities. Reflecting on his early career, he stated, “It was an amazing experience, coming from Colts as a young boy, and getting that opportunity to play for a big club in the Ghana league was very fulfilling. I enjoyed every bit of my first experience in the league with Legon Cities; I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my league career.”
His impressive displays with Legon Cities quickly garnered attention from other clubs, establishing him as one of the league’s most talked-about players. The 17-year-old then made a strategic move to Bechem United, where he played a vital role in their successful 2023/24 Premier League season and the GHALCA Top 4 off-season competition, which his team won.
London expressed his joy at helping Bechem United secure the Top 4 title, saying, “I was happy to help Bechem United win the Top 4. I had wonderful games, and as a player, it is always a dream when you help your team win a major title. I really want to show more of me in the upcoming season. I feel I have more to give, and as young as I am, I will take every opportunity that comes.”
Before his stints with Legon Cities and Bechem United, Rasco London captained the Accra West District Colts team and played for Dansoman Happy Stars and Accra United Sporting Club.
His journey from grassroots football to the professional league is a testament to his talent and determination, with many believing that he is destined for greatness in the coming years. London was also part of the 2024 Ghana U17 team, under the guidance of ex-Ghana international Laryea Kingston.
by Silas Boahene | Aug 30, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced plans to take legal action against betting companies offering odds on Ghana Premier League (GPL) matches without authorization.
GFA President Kurt Okraku stated that the association’s legal team will address this issue, emphasizing that no betting company has been granted a license to offer odds on GPL games.
Okraku expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of unauthorized betting on the league, particularly in relation to recent match-fixing allegations. He condemned the practice of betting companies profiting from Ghanaian football without proper authorization, stating, “We have not licensed any betting company to take odds on our games. We will empower our legal department to confront this issue head-on.”
He also extended an invitation to companies interested in partnering with the GFA to engage in legal and transparent agreements.
This initiative is a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of the GPL and preventing future match-fixing scandals. The new season of the league is set to begin on September 6.
