Sports

Ghana’s Black Stars Face Uphill Battle in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers After Player Withdrawals

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2024

Samuel Kobina Amu

Ghana Black Stars

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The Ghanaian national football team, known as the Black Stars, are currently facing a challenging situation in their quest for qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Eight players have withdrawn from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Notable among them are Iñaki Williams, Alexander Djiku, Tariq Lamptey, Ibrahim Osman, Jonas Adjetey, Antoine Semenyo, and Jerome Opoku, mostly due to injuries. Joseph Paintsil has also withdrawn for personal reasons.

Ghana, having not won any of their first four qualifiers, is under pressure. Their campaign has been marred by a 1-0 loss to Angola, a 1-1 draw with Niger, and disappointing results against Sudan (0-0 away, 2-0 loss at home). This leaves them with only two points, placing them third in Group F, behind Angola and Sudan.

The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with no wins in the qualifiers so far. This poor form follows their struggles in recent AFCON tournaments where they’ve experienced early exits, contributing to a narrative of decline from their once dominant status in African football.

Coach Otto Addo has been under scrutiny due to these results. Despite some initial successes, like qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, the team’s inability to score and defensive lapses have been highlighted, especially in their loss to Sudan where they failed to capitalize on their chances.

There’s considerable frustration among fans and in media circles regarding the team’s performance. Calls for a strategic overhaul, better youth development, and possibly a change in coaching staff have been noted, with some suggesting that the Ghana Football Association might need to reassess their approach if Ghana fails to qualify.

Ghana needs to win their remaining matches against Angola and Niger to have any chance of qualifying. They must also hope for favorable results from other matches in their group. The team is set to open camp in Accra to prepare for these crucial fixtures, but with key players missing, the task is daunting.

The situation underscores a pivotal moment for Ghanaian football, where the outcome of these qualifiers could significantly influence the future direction of the national team’s management and strategy.

Related Topics:AFCON African Cup Of Nations Ghana Ghana Black Stars Qualifiers Soccer

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Ghana’s Black Queens Thrash Russia 4-0 in Pink Ladies Cup

Published

7 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

back-to-back 4–0 victories for the Black Queens against Russia and Hong Kong at the Pink Ladies Cup (@GFA)

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The Ghana Black Queens delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Russia 4-0 in their Matchday 2 fixture at the 2026 Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates (held at venues like Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium).

This follows their opening 4-0 win over Hong Kong, making it back-to-back clean-sheet victories with 8 goals scored and none conceded so far. The result positions Ghana at the top of the four-nation tournament table involving Ghana, Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as they prepare for the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.

Match Highlights

- Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring early in the 8th minute with a well-taken finish.

- Doris Boaduwaa added a brace (goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes, including one described as a super finish).
- Patience Ajegipina Zakaria (Ampem Darkoa Ladies striker, on debut form from the first game too) sealed it with the fourth in the 88th minute.

The Black Queens showed strong composure, high pressing, and clinical attacking under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who reportedly called this one of the best performances he’s seen from the team since taking charge.

This comes amid some reported tensions in the region (mentioned in Dubai context), but the team stayed focused and impressed. The Queens will take on Tanzania on Friday, March 6, 2026, in their final group game.

Sports

Asare’s Stunning Save Secures Hearts Point in Tense Draw

Published

1 week ago

February 23, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

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The Ghanaian prolific goalie proved his inclusion into Ghana’s goalkeeping history over the weekend as Accra Hearts of Oak and Berekum Chelsea battled to a 0-0 draw in Ghana Premier League Matchday 23, with Asare’s world-class save proving decisive amid Hearts’ dominance in possession and shots.

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Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees officially presented with FIFA badges

Published

1 month ago

January 22, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees have been officially presented with their FIFA badges. Image Source (Ghana Football Association)

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This milestone was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Ghana Referees honored with their FIFA badges

A cross section of the twenty-three Ghanaian referees honored with their FIFA badges.

The badges, awarded annually by FIFA based on performance, fitness tests, and assessments from the previous year, authorize these officials to officiate international matches throughout 2026 across various formats.

The group includes:

10 Centre Referees
10 Assistant Referees
1 Futsal Referee
1 Beach Soccer Referee (notably, Portia Oppong, highlighted as a historic first female in this category for Ghana)
1 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Veteran referee Daniel Nii Laryea lead the list, retaining his status with dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and VAR official, showcasing his consistent excellence on the African and global stages.

Veteran Ghana referee Daniel Nii Laryea

In his address the GFA Vice-President Mark Addo congratulated them and urged them to aim for world-class standards: “Aspire for greatness. You are the soul and heart of the game.” He emphasized impartiality, fairness, and the responsibility that comes with representing Ghana internationally, with continued FIFA recognition depending on ongoing performance.

This achievement reflects Ghana’s strengthening presence in global refereeing, especially after past challenges in the sport. These referees are now set to take the pitch in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation.

Well done to all involved—keep upholding the highest standards!