Manchester City have received a significant boost with several key players returning to training ahead of their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur. The players back in training include:

John Stones: The England international defender had been sidelined due to an injury but has returned to bolster the defense.

Jack Grealish: The winger, who has been a key part of City’s squad, was also seen back in training, offering more options in attack.

Manuel Akanji: He’s another defensive option for Pep Guardiola, having recovered from a groin issue that caused him to miss international duty.

Kevin De Bruyne: The influential midfielder is back, which is crucial for City’s creativity and midfield control. This news comes at a pivotal time as Manchester City look to reverse a four-game losing streak, which includes defeats in various competitions.

The return of these players could be vital in improving their form, particularly in defense where they’ve been uncharacteristically leaky, conceding 10 goals during this losing run. While not all might start against Tottenham, their availability provides Guardiola with much-needed depth and quality for the match.

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.