Ghana’s aspirations to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been officially dashed following a 1-1 draw with Angola on November 15, 2024. Despite a spectacular free-kick goal by Jordan Ayew, which gave Ghana the lead in the 19th minute, the team could not secure the victory needed to advance.

Angola managed to equalize in the 64th minute through Zini’s header, securing their place in the competition while leaving Ghana at the bottom of Group F with just three points from five matches. This outcome marks the first time in over two decades that Ghana, a four-time African champion, will miss the AFCON tournament, with their last absence occurring in 2004.

The result underscores a period of struggle for the Black Stars, reflecting broader issues of inconsistency and missed opportunities throughout their qualifying campaign. Despite individual moments of brilliance, like Ayew’s free-kick, the team’s collective performance was not enough to clinch qualification, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and within the football community.

Michael Osei, a former player and coach for Asante Kotoko, passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 53 in London. He had been battling health issues, reportedly related to a heart condition in recent months. Osei was well-known in Ghanaian football for his contributions both on and off the pitch.

Osei began his career at Okwawu United before moving to Asante Kotoko, where he made a significant impact. His performances led to a move to Europe where he played for Bundesliga clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz 05.  After retiring as a player, Osei transitioned into coaching. He managed several Ghanaian clubs including New Edubiase United, Liberty Professionals, and Bibiani Gold Stars.

He also served as an assistant coach for Ghana’s U23 national team, the Black Meteors, for five years until the technical team was dissolved in 2023. Before his health declined, Osei managed Bibiani Gold Stars in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season, where he led the team to a notable fifth-place finish.

The Ghana Football Association, Asante Kotoko, and numerous fans and colleagues have expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, highlighting his legacy in Ghanaian football. His death marks a significant loss for the football community in Ghana.

David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been suspended with immediate effect by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the circulation of a video on social media.

This video allegedly shows Coote making derogatory remarks about Liverpool Football Club and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. Here are the key points from the situation:

The video in question appears to show Coote using expletives to describe Liverpool as “s***” and Jurgen Klopp with offensive language, specifically calling him “arrogant” and using a derogatory term. This has led to widespread attention and controversy.

The footage seems to date back to the 2020-21 season, referencing a game where Coote was involved, possibly as a fourth official, and his comments were in response to a question about a Liverpool match he officiated.

The PGMOL has confirmed Coote’s suspension and announced that they will conduct a full investigation. They have stated that no further comments will be made until the investigation concludes.

Coote has been involved in controversial decisions in the past, including VAR duties in matches where Liverpool felt they were wronged by referee decisions, adding context to the current situation.

This suspension comes into effect immediately, and while the investigation is ongoing, Coote will not be available for selection as a referee or VAR in Premier League games. The focus now is on the investigation’s outcome, which will determine the next steps in Coote’s career and any further actions by PGMOL or the FA.