Black Stars facea significant challenge as they square off against Angola’s Black Sable Antelopes in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With three days of intense preparation behind them, Ghana is ready to take its first step towards ending a 42-year AFCON title drought.
Led by coach Otto Addo, the team comes into this fixture riding high after crucial wins over Mali and the Central African Republic in June’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which extended their unbeaten run.
Addo, who took charge in March, aims to secure Ghana’s spot in what would be their 25th Africa Cup of Nations appearance, with hopes of surpassing the disappointing group-stage exits in the last two tournaments in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.
As Ghana looks to assert dominance in the group, they are keenly aware of Sudan’s recent 1-0 victory over Niger, sending a message that every point matters in these qualifiers.
Head to Head
Ghana have met Angola eight times in all competitions. The Black Stars appear to always have the advantage having won four, drawn three, and lost only once against Angola. Ghana’s last defeat dates back to 1997 when Fabrice Alcebiades scored in the first half to help Angola win at Estadio da Cidadela in Lunada.
Aside from that, the Black Stars have been dominant against Angola, with one of their notable victories coming at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations when they edged them ( Host Angola) in the quarterfinal through a sublime finish from Asamoah Gyan.
Coach Otto Addo will have a full-strength squad at his disposal as Ghana prepares to face Angola in their opening 2025 AFCON qualifier. Key players like Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, who will serve as stand-in captain, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Leicester City duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, and AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are all set to feature.
Inaki Williams makes his return to the team after recovering from a lengthy two-month absence due to illness, though the Black Stars will be without several key figures due to injuries.
Missing from the lineup are Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Salis Samed, Ernest Nuamah, Daniel Kofi Kyere, Kamal Deen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Sulemana.
Angola, meanwhile, brings a formidable squad with a number of players competing in top European leagues. Among them are Serie A’s Zito Luvumbo of Cagliari, Depu from the Portuguese league, and Fredy and Manuel Benson, who play for Burnley in the Championship.
La Liga’s Randy Nteka, who plays for Rayo Vallecano, and Lyon’s Clinton Mata round out Angola’s impressive lineup.
Speaking ahead of the match, Coach Addo emphasized the quality of the Angolan side, highlighting their strong connection to Portugal’s league and urging his players to be prepared for a tough challenge.
The crucial match will kick off at 16:00 GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addois focused on maintaining Ghana’s momentum as they face Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers today, September 5, 2024.
He is expected to make key adjustments to the squad, possibly implementing up to five changes from the team that defeated the Central African Republic in June.
Jordan Ayew, who started in that match, may begin on the bench this time due to his late arrival.
Meanwhile, the team will be without Gideon Mensah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Salis Samed, and Alexander Djiku, all of whom are unavailable.
In their absence, players like Ebenezer Annan, Abdul Mumin, Majeed Ashimeru, Inaki Williams, and Antoine Semenyo are likely to step into the starting eleven.
Otto Addo may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi guarding the net and a backline featuring Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Salisu, Abdul Mumin, and Ebenezer Annan.
Thomas Partey and Majeed Ashimeru are expected to anchor the midfield, while Fatawu Issahaku and Inaki Williams could operate on the wings.
Mohammed Kudus is poised to play as the attacking midfielder, supporting striker Antoine Semenyo, who will lead the charge upfront.
Former Ghanaian youth star Awudu Isaka has called on Black Stars coach Otto Addo to engage in a discussion with team captain Andre Dede Ayew about his future with the national team.
Isaka, who disagrees with Ayew’s recent exclusion from the squad, argues that the captain has earned his place and deserves more respect.
He expressed his belief that Ayew could continue to play a valuable role by mentoring younger players, even though he acknowledges that age might have affected Ayew’s performance.
In an interview with Angel TV, Isaka emphasised that Ayew’s experience and leadership are assets to the team and should be utilised effectively.
“I think the coach should tell him that he won’t call him again. He should call him privately. He was expecting to be called but didn’t get an invitation, so he is okay.
“He has paid his dues to Ghana, and we were all witnesses. Dede Ayew might have reached this stage, but he has the experience and knowledge to help the young players.
Andre Ayew has now been left out of the Black Stars squad for the third consecutive time, with his last call-up occurring in late 2023.
Coach Otto Addohas clarified that Ayew’s absence is part of a deliberate strategy to focus on developing a future-orientated team.
The German-trained coach stressed that his current objective is to build a squad predominantly from younger players, which influenced his decision to exclude Ayew from the recent selection.
“We are looking at the future or the long-term development; that’s mainly why we invited younger players and left out André Ayew.”
Black Stars’technical team commenced their first training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 2, 2024, in preparation for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers in Kumasi.
Head coach Otto Addo, assistant coach John Paintsil, and goalkeeper trainer Fatawu Dadua were involved in a car accident on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road while travelling back to Accra.
The trio had been returning from the Champion of Champions match between Ghana Premier League winners Samartex FC and FA Cup champions Nsoatreman FC, which took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The Black Stars’ technical staff were travelling in a Land Cruiser SUV owned by the Ghana Football Association’s vice president, Mark Addo.
Although they escaped the crash without injuries, they did experience some discomfort. Despite the ordeal, the coaches attended the first training session and effectively oversaw the activities.
During the session, eight players from the Black Stars and two goalkeepers participated.
Among them were captain Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Brandon Asante, Tariq Lamptey, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Osman, Fatawu Issahaku, and Ebenezer Anang.
Goalkeepers Fredrick Asare of Asante Kotoko and Jojo Wollacott were also in attendance.
The team is set to depart for Kumasi on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to continue preparations for their match against Angola, scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, at theBaba Yara Sports Stadium.
German club Borussia Dortmund has extended well wishes toBlack Stars head coach Otto Addoafter he was involved in a car accident in Ghana.
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that members of the Black Stars technical team, including Otto Addo, were involved in a road accident while returning from Tarkwa.
The team had been on official duty, attending the Champion of Champions match between FC Samartex 1996 and Nsoatreman FC.
The accident occurred when a Land Cruiser with registration number GR 6521-21, carrying Head Coach Otto Addo, Assistant Coach John Paintsil, and Goalkeeper Trainer Fatawu Dauda, narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a pickup truck that suddenly swerved into their lane.
Although the vehicle sustained some damage, no serious injuries were reported.
Upon hearing of the incident, Borussia Dortmund shared a message of support on social media, sending their best wishes to Otto Addo and hoping for a swift recovery for all involved.
“Otto Addo and two assistant coaches of the Ghanaian national team were injured in a car accident this morning. We wish everyone a good and speedy recovery,” Dortmund stated.
Otto #Addo und zwei Assistenztrainer der ghanaischen Nationalmannschaft wurden heute Morgen bei einem Autounfall verletzt. Wir wünschen allen eine gute und schnelle Genesung! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dawzg89hBL
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahmanhas once again declined a call-up to join the Black Stars, marking the third time he has turned down an invitation to represent his national team.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Otto Addo revealed the 23-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Notably absent from the list is Baba Rahman, who has been performing well with his Greek club, PAOK.
Otto Addo explained that Rahman’s absence was due to his reluctance to participate, citing unresolved dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from Black Stars supporters during a previous match in Kumasi.
“Players have families and friends, and it affects a whole lot of things. They’re all human beings, and there should always be a line.
I hope that one day Baba will decide to play again [for the Black Stars], but at the moment, he doesn’t want to play,” Addo said.
“We would have needed him very much. I had a long talk with him, and I even wanted to fly there, but he was sure he wouldn’t change his mind.”
Baba Rahman was notably targeted by Black Stars fans during a match in Kumasi in September 2023.
During the encounter between Ghana and the Central African Republic, Rahman endured persistent abuse and boos from the supporters.
This negative experience has led to Rahman not participating in any subsequent matches for the national team.
Looking ahead, Ghana is set to play against Angola on September 6 in Kumasi, followed by another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger just four days later.
Head coach of theBlack Stars, Otto Addo, is scheduled to announce his squad for Ghana’s games against Angola and Niger at a press conference on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
This has been confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a notice on the official X page of the Black Stars.
The notice said, “Our Head Coach Otto Addo will meet the press this Thursday, August 29th, at 12:00 PM to announce the squad for our upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.”
The press conference for announcing the squad will take place in theGhana FA Conference Room.
National Sports Authority (NSA) in Ashanti has shared new images of theBaba Yara Stadium pitch,showcasing its restored lush green appearance ahead of the Black Stars’ match against Angola.
The pitch, now looking healthy, underwent extensive refurbishment following a church event in June 2024, which had left it in poor condition.
The NSA’s efforts to bring the pitch back to a high standard were successful, fulfilling their promise to have it ready in time for the upcoming game.
“We have a robust plan, a crack field, and a maintenance team to recover the pitch and restore the facility in general in record time throughout August. Stakeholders can rest assured,” the NSA Ashanti Region stated in a post on X.
Fatau Dauda, the goalkeepers’ coach for theBlack Stars, has praised Otto Addo for his inclusive and cooperative approach with the technical staff.
He commended Addo as a “great man” who fosters a culture of collaboration and openness within the coaching team.
“He doesn’t hide anything from us. We always plan together, take decisions together, and have meetings to get the best out of the team,” Dauda, who is a former Ashgold and Legon Cities goalkeeper told Joy Sports.
Dauda further expressed his excitement about working with Addo.
“He is a coach that you will like to work with, and you can learn a lot from him,” he said.
When Otto Addo took on the role of Black Stars head coach for the second time, he brought Fatau Dauda into his technical team.
The Black Stars are gearing up for their upcoming fixtures next month, starting with a home match against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium, followed by an away game in Niger.
Former Ghana international Derek Boatenghas criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for not doing enough to attract European-born Ghanaian players to the national team.
Despite the GFA’s success in recruiting talents like Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, and Antoine Semenyo, Boateng argues that the Association needs a more structured approach to engage young European-born players to represent the four-time African champions.
In an interview, the former Fulham midfielder pointed out how countries like Germany proactively scout young players with German roots and nurture them for the national team.
Boateng expressed his frustration at seeing players of Ghanaian descent, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams, choose to represent European countries instead of Ghana.
Sharing his experiences from scouting trips in the USA, he observed other nations’ efforts to identify and develop young talent with roots in their respective countries.
He specifically noted Germany’s active scouting of young players with German heritage and their early integration to build a sense of national identity.
“I have been in the USA for scouting jobs multiple times and I have seen expatriates also joining to scout players, but they are doing that for their country. I know Germany is doing that.
“I was told that they are doing that because they want to bring all young players with roots in Germany and, after identifying them, they will camp them. By doing that, the players will know where they are coming from” Boateng told Kingdom FM.
He continued, “In Ghana, we don’t know how to do these things, and we keep losing players because we are not paying attention to how we can get them. How can we lose players like Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams? Inaki is playing for us, but why couldn’t we get Nico? Because he is good and talented, Spain blocked his chances of playing for Ghana” Boateng lamented.
Boateng criticizedthe GFA’s reactive approach,emphasizing the need to engage players and their families from a young age rather than waiting until they have already begun their professional careers.
“We must do a lot more, and we shouldn’t wait until they are grown up and playing before we start talking to them. By then, their parents will not even allow it because we were not there from the beginning, so why now?” he quizzed.
Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has voiced his admiration for Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and expressed a desire for his return.
Nyantakyi is widely recognized as one of the most successful GFA presidents.
In an interview, Boateng reflected on the abrupt end of Nyantakyi’s tenure, which was terminated by the Number 12 exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas—a scandal that significantly damaged Nyantakyi’s reputation.
Boateng is of the opinion that Ghanaian football would have continued to thrive under Nyantakyi’s leadership.
“I wish Nyantakyi could oversee Ghana Football again. His track record speaks for itself, and it’s unfortunate how things turned out,” he told Kingdom FM.
“I cannot say whether the accusations against him were true, as I wasn’t present. However, I know he made significant contributions to the sport,” he added.
Boateng, however, has been critical of the current administration under Kurt Okraku, asserting that they have not succeeded in elevating the standard of the game.
He criticized the administration’s handling of criticism, saying, “I have reservations about Kurt Okraku’s leadership because they seem to take criticism personally. Constructive feedback is essential for the improvement of our sports, and it should be welcomed.
“In one meeting, he mentioned employing many former footballers in national teams, but for me, competence should be the priority, not just being a former player. Our game is not in good shape, and there’s a lot to do. We need to start from the grassroots because the foundation is crucial,” he added.
Under Nyantakyi’s presidency, Ghana reached several notable achievements, such as winning the U-20 World Cup and making its World Cup debut in Germany in 2006.
The Black Stars also competed in the World Cups held in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014.
Additionally, the team reached the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2010 and 2015 but did not secure the championship.
Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has urged Black Stars head coach Otto Addoto remain firm and decisive in his decision-making to enhance the team’s performance.
Addo, who was recently reappointed as the head coach, has already made a positive impact by achieving back-to-back victories in the World Cup qualifiers.
Agyemang-Badu, a former Udinese player, expressed his support for Addo’s strategies and decisions.
The 33-year-old midfielder was particularly impressed with the team’s recent performances against Mali and the Central African Republic, citing these matches as a solid foundation for future growth.
One notable decision by Addo was to exclude captain Andre Ayew from these games, a move that garnered widespread praise.
“He’s bringing in new good guys. There are a lot of lapses in the team. That one, we can’t run away from that. He’s well experienced,” Agyemang-Badu told Joy Sports.
“This is the second coming. He knows where he needs to beef up. We will support him. I mean, I’m a fan of him. Let me tell you that for a fact. I think he will build a good team for us.”
Agyemang-Badu emphasized the importance of Addo remaining firm in his decisions, saying, “He should be very tough like how he is as usual. Take decisions that he thinks will help him and help the team. That’s the most important thing.”
The Black Stars are preparing for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the implementation of Addo’s strategies.
Black Stars of Ghanahave maintained their position in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola rankings.
Ghana, four-time African champions, continue to hold the 64th spot globally and are ranked 12th on the continent as of July.
Following victories against Mali and the Central African Republic in June’s World Cup qualifiers, Ghana saw an improvement in their ranking, which has remained stable in recent weeks.
During July, the Black Stars were inactive, unlike many European and South American nations that participated in the European Championship and Copa America, respectively.
At the top of the FIFA rankings, Argentina retains their position after winning the Copa America, while Spain rises to third place globally following their success in the Euros.
In Africa, the top five positions are occupied by Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.
Looking ahead, Ghana will resume action in September for the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Black Stars are set to play Angola in Kumasi before heading to Niger for their second match in Group F.
The former African champions are determined to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be hosted inMorocco next year.
He shared this insight while guest lecturing in a psychology class at the University of Ghana. During the session, the 34-year-old discussed topics such as mental strength, leadership, and managing fame.
After the event, Ayew elaborated on the reasons why he couldn’t pursue higher education.
“Because of football, I didn’t have the opportunity to go to university because I started so early. But it makes you remember a lot of things, you know.
Nothing replaces your school days. I was in a French school here in East Legon for so long before I went to France.
“And that was, you know, a great moment. You remember what happened in class, being a bit stubborn sometimes. But yeah, coming back here, I just felt happy.
“And that’s, for me, what’s important. I don’t want to always say everything in a short time, but bit by bit, if we have time to go into these things, you know, we are more than open to open up a lot of experiences that we’ve had to be able to help the ones coming.”
Ghana skipper Andre Ayew insists that playing for the Black Stars is driven by patriotism, not money.
Ayew spoke at a University of Ghana lecture, reflecting on his career and the importance of representing Ghana.
“The national team is so important to my life, my family’s life,” Ayew underlined.
He contrasted his experience with those who excelled through traditional education.
The former Marseille star stated, “Our life, my family is about the game and from this country, not from anywhere else. So when we know we have to wear this jersey, for me it’s all about sacrifices.”
The 34-year-old free agent, following his stint with Le Havre, highlighted the immense honour and pride he feels when wearing Ghana’s jersey.
“I don’t gain my bread, my family’s living wearing the national team colours,” Ayew declared.
“I wear these national colours with pride and honour,” added theU-20 World Cup winner.
Ayew, who missed out on the recent call-up, remains strongly committed to the national team.
This dedication is further solidified by his record-breaking 120 appearances and 24 goals for Ghana.
Ghana captain Andre Ayewhas acknowledged that selecting a new captain for the Black Stars will always spark debate.
Speaking during a lecture on sports psychology at the University of Ghana, the veteran forward emphasized that the future captain must be prepared for the inevitable discussions and scrutiny that come with the role.
“There will always be a debate sooner or later. The next one who is coming, there will be another debate.
The next one who is coming in the next 10 years, there will be another debate.
“Anybody who, tomorrow, is going to be the leader of our national team should be ready for it. There are things you just need to learn from, prepare for, and let brush off,” Andre Ayew said.
Andre Ayew is well-acquainted with the controversies surrounding the Black Stars captaincy.
When the captaincy was transferred from Asamoah Gyan to Ayew, it sparked significant debate and controversy.
Former Ghana Captain Asamoah Gyan has urged Ghanaians to temper their expectations for the Black Stars, despite the team’s recent impressive victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
After a winless streak throughout 2024, the Black Stars secured back-to-back wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in the June 2024 qualifiers for the Canada, Mexico, and USA tournament.
These victories have propelled Ghana to second place in Group I of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with nine points, just behind Comoros on goal difference.
Demonstrating resilience, the Black Stars overturned a one-goal deficit to achieve a 2-1 victory over Mali in Bamako, and they came from behind at halftime to secure a thrilling 4-3 win against the Central African Republic in Kumasi.
However, Asamoah Gyan believes that Coach Otto Addo will need five years to build a team capable of competing for trophies.
“Ghanaians should limit their expectations of the Black Stars,” the Ghana all-time top scorer told Kumasi-based Pure FM.
“The players are young, we should allow the coach to build the team, let’s say five years to develop the team. After that, then we can expect them to win trophies.”
The draw, taking place at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa, will set the stage for 48 teams competing for a place in the prestigious tournament.
Ghana, who have won the AFCON trophy four times, will be hoping for a favorable draw to secure their spot in the tournament, which will be held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
The qualifiers, starting in September 2024, are crucial for the Black Stars as they seek redemption following consecutive group stage eliminations in recent editions of the tournament.
Ghana’s last AFCON victory was in 1982 in Libya, and the team is eager to reclaim their former glory.
With a new era in Ghanaian football, the Black Stars aim to overcome recent challenges and make a strong bid for the 2025 AFCON title.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellinghamhas lauded Black Stars head coach Otto Addo for his influence on young players during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham, who joined Dortmund at 17, emphasized Dortmund’s exceptional approach to integrating young talent, describing them as unmatched in this aspect.
The English star highlighted Dortmund’s ability to facilitate a seamless transition for young players, ensuring they receive appropriate playing time crucial for their development.
“The way Dortmund integrates young players into the first-team squad is next level. There isn’t a club in Europe that does it quite like them.
The way they are pushed and can also be reeled back in. They review your performances,” Bellingham was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
He also commended Otto Addo, who formerly served as the transition coach at Dortmund, emphasizing that the Ghanaian offered invaluable support to each player.
“There is a person there for every player, especially Otto [Addo], the former Dortmund and Ghana striker, who has worked with the young players. He is great,” he added.
Jude Bellingham has expressed admiration for Ghanaian coach Otto Addo, previously referring to him as a legend in an Instagram post.
During his tenure atDortmund, Otto Addo fostered a friendly rapport with all the young players and played a crucial role in their growth and development.
Former standout defender for the Ghana Black Stars, John Mensah, has discovered a new purpose following his retirement from football.
Since ending his playing career seven years ago, Mensah has devoted himself to the church, focusing his efforts on religious service and community outreach.
The former captain, who made a significant impact on Ghana’s football history, now applies his leadership abilities to spreading the gospel.
His shift from the football field to religious service was highlighted during his appearance at the Ghana Football Awards ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2024.
“I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time. Since I’m no longer on the field, that’s how I’m keeping myself cool,” Mensah shared with attendees.
“My church is the Resurrection Power New Generation Church. I’m just worshipping there. But I keep my faith in God Almighty to worship Him well, advise my people, and do evangelism to help others know God very well,” he added.
During his playing days, John Mensah was known as the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ for his solid defensive skills. His illustrious career with the national team included earning 86 caps and scoring three goals.
Mensah played a crucial role in Ghana’s journey to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and their runner-up finish in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
The ex-Aston Villa player has been without a team since his dismissal as Ghana assistant coach in February, following the Black Stars’ poor performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Boateng joins Rhys Carr on the technical team and will serve as an Individual Development Coach.
“Coventry City is delighted to announce the appointment of George Boateng and Rhys Carr as the Club’s new first-team coaches,” the club announced.
“Boateng and Carr join the Sky Blues with immediate effect as the City squad assembles for the start of pre-season training at Ryton, joining goalkeeping coach Aled Williams as part of the Club’s first-team coaching staff.”
Coventry City is set to commence pre-season training in preparation for the upcoming season.
Boateng, who played for Coventry during the 1998/99season, made 57 appearances and scored seven goals for the club.
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudushas reflected on his stunning bicycle kick goal for West Ham in their final match of the Premier League 2023/24 season against Manchester City.
Kudus scored a remarkable overhead goal against Manchester City to conclude his debut season in the Premier League.
Despite West Ham’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City in the match, Kudus’ goal captured the attention and admiration of fans.
Speaking at the Ghana Football Awards, Kudus revealed that he had visualized scoring the goal when he first saw the ball in the air.
“Those kinds of actions are just instinct; they barely happen in the game. When I envisioned it in my head, I just went with my instinct, and I am glad that it went exactly the way I pictured it,” Kudus said.
In his first season at West Ham, Kudus impressed with a total of 20 goal involvements, scoring 14 goals and assisting 6.
The 23-year-old received recognition for his outstanding goals, winning both the West Ham Goal of the Season and the Europa Goal of the Season awards.
Additionally, the former Ajax player secured his second consecutiveFootballer of the Yearaward at the Ghana Football Awards.
The origin of his nickname is linked to an accusation by journalist Fiifi Banson, who suggested that Arhinful was the neatest player on the Black Stars team.
This nickname, implying Arhinful’s impeccable cleanliness on the field, was born from a sarcastic comment made by Banson. The journalist accused Arhinful of avoiding tackles, quickly getting back on his feet, and checking his shirt after challenges.
This accusation came after a poor performance against Côte d’Ivoire during the 2000 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the usual muddy conditions of the pitches in the ’90s, Arhinful’s nickname intriguingly suggests that he managed to keep his shirt clean, sparking curiosity about his on-field habits.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Arhinful shared the story behind his nickname, revealing how Banson’s comments led to the creation of this unique reputation. This anecdote highlights the unexpected ways in which footballers can earn their nicknames, often beyond their playing abilities.
“I got injured against Cameroon in the first game; I had a groin injury. I didn’t play the next game against Togo, but Giuseppe Dossena (then Black Stars coach) wanted me to play against Côte d’Ivoire at all costs. They injected me and iced me.
Due to the sheer pressure from him and my love for wanting to represent the nation, I said, ‘Okay, maybe I will play.’ But any other coach probably wouldn’t have played me because Yaw Preko had played a good game against Togo,” he said.
“In that match against Côte d’Ivoire, I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t run because, as you know, a groin injury gets worse when you try to stretch it.
So, when we lost that match, Fiifi Banson said on his show on Peace FM that it looked like I didn’t want to play. Like, I didn’t even want to fall.
He meant it in a jovial way, but that comment has stuck in the heads of Ghanaians. People who did not even see the game say the same thing and call me that,” he added.
Arhinful emphasized that the nickname does not bother him, as it is unrealistic to expect a player to emerge from a football match without any stains.
“I don’t know, but it also doesn’t bother me.Because you can’t tell me somebody would play football at Caradan Park without getting stained. It’s not possible.”
Having played for Assin Fosu Soccer Missionaries and Ashanti Gold in the Ghana Premier League before moving to Europe, Arhinful is best remembered for his time with Ashanti Gold and Black Stars.
Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyois currently on vacation with his girlfriend, Jordeen Buckley, after wrapping up the 2023/2024 football season.
In a recent Instagram update, Semenyo shared snapshots of their getaway at a private destination.
Buckley, known as a social media influencer based in London, has been romantically involved with the Bournemouth striker for a considerable period.
Their relationship became public on social media after Buckley shared a video on her TikTok page wearing Semenyo’s jersey and watching his final home game of the 2023/2024 Premier League season at the Vitality Stadium.
The video was captioned “Come with me to my boyfriend’s football game.”
Jordeen Buckley wears multiple hats, being not just a social media influencer but also the owner of JRosé NailBar, a popular nail salon located in London.
Her TikTok presence boasts nearly 3,000 followers and over 66,000 likes, where she actively engages with her audience by sharing content regularly.
On Instagram, Buckley maintains a private account with approximately 300 followers and has posted 27 times, using the platform to share glimpses of herpersonal and professional life.
While some Ghanaians have expressed support for Black Stars captainAndre Dede Ayew’sexclusion from the squad during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, others continue to hold him in high regard.
In a video posted on Instagram by @ghanagoal, Dede is seen diligently training on a football pitch believed to be near the University of Ghana’s entrance.
In reaction to this one user @ current_arabian940 said, “We no go call am back again 😂😂😂😂😂”.
Another user @ kojo_billions1 who slammed other users for their negativity towards Dede saying “Some of you be slow. Season is over and he’s home for holidays and not necessarily national assignment duties.
He’s there almostevery afternoon to do normal routine training just to keep shape before the new season begins so enough of the negativity!!!”
Another critic added @elton_kofi_perk said “Fisrst time seeing training videos from this guy 😂
Mensah worked with Addo when he was an assistant to Milovan Rajevac, during Addo’s one-year stint as head coach leading up to the 2022 World Cup, and now in his current role as the primary coach.
Mensah holds Addo’s tactical approach in high regard, reflecting positively on his time under the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach.
“For me, I think he’s one of the best that I’ve worked with in the national team in terms of tactics and how he wants the team to play.
Obviously, he has always played in the national team before, so he knows what Ghanaians expect and what the team also wants.
But I think coming back again shows that he has sat down to think about what was not right and what was good, what to do next, and what to improve on,” Mensah stated.
Ghana has climbed four spots in the latestFIFA rankings followingthe Black Stars’ consecutive victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This advancement has boosted Ghana to 64th place globally and 12th in Africa, surpassing Cape Verde and Burkina Faso, who had previously ranked higher after Ghana’s 2023 AFCON performance.
Prior to the AFCON, Ghana was positioned 61st in the world and 11th in Africa, according to the September 2023 rankings.
However, the Black Stars’ failure to advance beyond the group stage at the AFCON, with two draws and one loss, impacted their standing.
The recent wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in June have helped the four-time African champions improve their position.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has slipped to fifth place in the African rankings after not securing any wins in their two matches in June.
For several Ghanaian footballstars, their post-career lives have been marked by legal battles resulting in substantial financial setbacks.
Once celebrated for their prowess on the field, these former athletes have seen their investments dissipate due to disputes with business associates, former spouses, and even former teammates.
These losses have arisen from a range of factors, including failed entrepreneurial ventures and issues arising from personal relationships and marriages.
Here are five Ghanaian football stars who have lost monies or properties due to court rulings:
Sulley Ali Muntari
In 2019, a Milan court ruled that Ghanaian football star Sulley Muntari owed over $100,000 to Italian businessman Rodrigo Renato Gianno.
According to a Ghanasoccernet report in 2022, despite agreeing to settle the debt, Muntari failed to do so, prompting the businessman to travel to Ghana and file a case against him at the Accra High Court.
The businessman’s aim was to enforce the Milan court’s order and ensure Muntari fulfilled his financial obligations.
The debt arose during Muntari’s tenure at Milan, where he had engaged the businessman to arrange plane tickets and accommodations for him.
Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan’s financial woes stem from two significant legal disputes.
The first involves a lengthy legal battle over the annulment of his marriage to Gifty Gyan, resulting in substantial losses.
The High Court ordered Gyan to transfer ownership of a house in the United Kingdom and a four-bedroom house in Spintex, Accra, to his ex-wife. He was also required to relinquish ownership of a gas filling station and two cars to her.
Furthermore, Gyan has been making monthly alimony payments of GH₵25,000 to his former wife.
Arthur Moses
In 2014, Arthur Moses, a former Ghanaian football star, faced upheaval in his marriage, leading to the loss of the majority of his assets to his ex-wife, Patience Arthur, amid a contentious divorce.
Following prolonged legal battles, the Supreme Court of Ghana ruled in favor of Patience Arthur. She was awarded GHS 1 million (about USD 160,000) in alimony and gained possession of Moses’ houses, cars, and businesses as part of the settlement.
Michael Essien
Theex-Chelsea midfielder is the most recent Ghanaian football star facing substantial legal setbacks, set to forfeit several properties.
According to a report from Daily Guide on June 15, two houses owned by the iconic midfielder will be auctioned to settle debts owed to multiple creditors and institutions.
The auctioneer has estimated the value of one of the properties to be between $20 million and $30 million.
John Mensah
In 2014, John Mensah, a former Ghanaian football captain, divorced his wife Henrietta.
The Accra High Court, under Justice Doris Bempong, mandated Mensah to fulfil financial obligations and transfer designated properties to her.
Recently, in 2022, Henrietta revealed that Mensah purportedly sold the properties in question.
Despite initially complying with alimony payments, Mensah has reportedly ceased making them.
The Government of Ghana has come under scrutiny for reportedly renting a private training facility for the Black Stars ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier game against the Central African Republic.
This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the presence of a newly constructed multipurpose stadium in the Ashanti Region, which has remained unused since its inauguration in 2020.
Sports journalist Saddick Adams has highlighted the government’s questionable choice, pointing out that the 5,000-seater multipurpose stadium, built at a cost of around $40 million, has been left to rot in the bush.
This facility, located just a stone’s throw away from Kumasi, was inaugurated a week before the 2020 elections but has not been opened to the public or utilized for any significant events since then.
Adams, along with his team, recently visited the site and documented its current state of disrepair.
In a statement, Saddick Adams expressed his bewilderment and frustration at the situation. “Why,” he simply asked.
The Black Stars’ recent match against the Central African Republic, held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, saw Ghana triumph with a 3-2 victory.
The Government of Ghana invested around 40 million in constructing a 5,000 seater multipurpose stadium in the Ashanti Region. It was inaugurated a week before 2020 elections.
It has never been opened again. Our team visited the site and it’s been left to rot in the bush.
During his prime, the Black Stars’ management, despite expert advice, called up Afena-Gyan for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.
The player accepted the invitation patriotically and performed admirably.
However, after the qualifiers, Afena-Gyan was omitted from the 2022 World Cup squad, a decision many perceived as unfair and a betrayal of the young talent.
Two years later, Prince Tagoe continues to feel aggrieved by this decision, expressing concerns about its impact on Afena-Gyan’s career.
In an interview on Accra FM, Tagoe argued that including Afena-Gyan in the World Cup squad would have significantly benefited his career.
Tagoe urged Ghanaians to treat players with respect and ensure they part ways with the national team on good terms.
“Some Ghanaians must learn to treat players right so they leave the national team with happiness, not with pain. When we needed this boy so badly for theWorld Cup, he came and performed with his pressing and work rate.
“Dropping that boy ahead of the World Cup would have been traumatic for him.
Look at how his career has gone since. He is doing well, but if we had taken him to the World Cup, it would have helped him.
“Sometimes I ask myself, How can people be that wicked? If you’ve followed football, you’d know that how we treated him wasn’t the best. Besides, we don’t have good strikers. When someone sacrifices and shows up for you, you don’t treat him like that,” he said.
Tagoe criticised the exclusion of Afena-Gyan from the squad, stressing that Ghana lacks quality strikers and should have valued his sacrifice and dedication.
Afena-Gyan gained attention as the first player born after January 1, 2003, to score in Italy’s top league.
He also became the third-youngest foreign player to score at least twice in a single Serie A match. His vital goals against Genoa secured a win for Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Spokesperson for theGhana Football Association (GFA),Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the altercation that occurred between players and officials from the Central African Republic following Ghana’s 4-3 victory on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick, and Black Stars assistant coach Joseph Laumann were at the centre of the incident at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Henry Asante Twum revealed that the scuffle began when Jordan Ayew defended his teammates from verbal abuse by a player and the assistant coach of the Central African Republic.
The player made derogatory remarks in French, not realising that Jordan Ayew and several Black Stars players understood the language.
Infuriated by the comments, Jordan Ayew confronted the player.
Simultaneously, Laumann, who also speaks French, addressed the assistant coach of C.A.R. for his similar comments.
“The report I received is that after the match, one of the Central African Republic players and their assistant coach insulted the Black Stars players in French. They didn’t realize that Jordan was adept in French, so Jordan confronted him,” he said.
“Joseph Laumann is also fluent in French, so he confronted the assistant coach. The assistant coach of C.A.R was the first to attack our assistant coach, but we managed to calm the situation and ensure it didn’t escalate. They were trying to paint a picture of us robbing them, and even their coach abandoned the post-match press conference,” he added on Asempa FM.
Jordan Ayew netted his second hat-trick for the Black Stars, leading them to a 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium. Fatawu Issahaku added another goal for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars now hold second place in Group I, with nine points from four matches.
Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars,has revealed that he has adopted a more composed approach when interacting with the media, attributing this change to advice received from his mother and other family members.
During his initial tenure as Black Stars head coach, Addo was perceived by many as being overly emotional in his interactions with the press.
However, since his return to the role, he has garnered praise for his improved handling of media relations.
When questioned about this transformation in an interview with 3Sports, Coach Otto Addo credited his mother’s advice as instrumental in helping him achieve a calmer demeanour.
“I don’t know if my approach was that different. My mother talked to me about taking off my emotions, even if I don’t like some questions. My family asked me to solve this and to be calm.
I have been talking to the FA president and the head of communications, who also gave me good advice.
I think I learned not to be too emotional, even if there are questions I don’t like. I think it keeps me calm,” he said.
Coach Otto Addo has begun his second tenure impressively by guiding the Black Stars to victories against Mali and the Central African Republic, revitalising Ghana’s campaign in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite André Ayew’s impressive form at Le Havre, where he scored six goals in 12 starts, he was notably omitted from Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers’ third and fourth matches.
The decision to exclude André surprised many fans, given his recent performances.
Following Ghana’s thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic on Monday, questions arose about André’s absence.
In response, Otto Addo chose to address the situation on behalf of Jordan Ayew.
“Let me speak for Jordan. Of course, he wants his brother beside him, but ultimately, the decision lies with me and the coaching staff. As a brother, naturally, he would prefer to have Andre next to him,” Addo explained.
“But I have a responsibility to the national team and to Ghana. I must make decisions that are best for the team. Who knows? Maybe Andre will be included in the future, or maybe not.
It’s uncertain. I might not even be here to decide. We just don’t know what the future holds.”
Jordan Ayew has played a pivotal role for Ghana, scoring decisive goals in their recent victories over Mali and the Central African Republic.
These performances have been instrumental, as the Black Stars currently hold the second position in Group I, aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Under theguidance of Otto Addo, Ghana is determined to continue their quest for World Cup qualification, with upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March 2025.
Award-winning sports broadcaster Saddick Adams has observed that Black Stars talisman Mohammed Kudus was not subjected to abuse on social media during Ghana’s game against the Central African Republic.
Kudus responded to some criticism from Ghanaians regarding his performance in the game with a social media rant.
Although some considered the comments directed at the West Ham player to be abusive, Saddick Adams argued that they were simply criticisms.
“Fans are like that; they are fickle. What is not abuse is when somebody says you should have played this pass earlier. Don’t do that; this is not something a professional footballer of your calibre should do. That is not abuse to me.
“The fans are making fair comments…They may be ignorant about the game, but that is what they think. So many players have come under this, even Ronaldo and Messi. I don’t think it is abuse,” he said on his YouTube channel, Saddick Adams TV.
He acknowledged that social media has given fans a platform to express their emotions and opinions about every action during the game, which can sometimes result in harsh comments.
“Also, when some of these things happen, it happens in the heat of the moment. Your heart is following the game intensely. When the game is ongoing, a big game of that nature is like a marketplace.
Everybody is shouting; some of them are criticising, some of them are giving praises, some of them are being vocal about something, and some are being controversial because everyone has a phone,” he added.
Kudus, in his response to the fans, urged them to be quiet and not talk about his game.
One of the criticisms sighted online reads, “You people should tell Kudus the truth. He’s not Messi, nor is he Ronaldo. He should stop doing too much and release the ball quickly.”
The West Ham United star replied, “Masa, be quiet!”
Despite the critical online comments, Kudus delivered a solid performance as Ghana secured a 4-3 victory in their fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA has characterizedGhana’s exhilarating 4-3 triumph over the Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as ‘crazy.’
The football governing body shared its astonishment at the match’s outcome, which witnessed Otto Addo’s team clinch a hard-fought victory in Kumasi, on its official platform.
“This #FIFAWorldCup qualifying match was crazy!” FIFA wrote, accompanied by a popcorn and an exploding head emoji, reflecting the excitement and drama that unfolded on the pitch.
Ghana’s recent victory over the Central African Republic marked the team’s third triumph in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers.
Their journey began with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar in Kumasi, followed by a disappointing 1-0 loss to Comoros in Moroni.
However, on June 6th, Ghana bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Mali, courtesy of goals from Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew.
This set the stage for a thrilling encounter against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
In this intense match, Jordan Ayew stole the spotlight with a remarkable hat-trick, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku netted the other goal.
Yet, the Central African Republic fought relentlessly, managing to score a late third goal, setting the stage for a tense finale.
Despite the late scare, Ghana maintained their composure and clinched a crucial three points. This victory propelled them to the top of Group I with nine points from four games.
Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudusexpressed his displeasure with comments made by some compatriots on social media regarding his performance during the matches against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) on June 10, 2024.
Expected to shine on the field, Kudus faced challenges during both games, leading to criticism from some quarters of Ghanaian fans, who urged him to step up his game and avoid complacency.
In response, Kudus defended himself by urging fans to refrain from discussing his performance and to remain silent instead.
One of the criticisms was, “You people should tell Kudus the truth. He’s not Messi, nor is he Ronaldo. He should stop doing too much and release the ball quickly.”
The West Ham United star replied, “Masa, be quiet!!!!!”
Kudus and fans clash
Another tweet went like this: “Mohammed Kudus needs to be talked to. What kind of selfishness and unnecessary ball control is that?”
Kudus replied, urging the critic, “Come and talk to me yourself.”
Kudus played a role as Ghana secured a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in their fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick and a goal from Fatawu Issahaku sealed the 4-3 win for Ghana against the Central African Republic, who also saw their star forward, Mafouta, score a hat-trick.
Sitting atop Group I with nine points from four games, the Black Stars lead the standings, although the outcomes of the matches between Madagascar versus Mali and Chad versus Comoros could alter the group rankings.
Ghana’s Black Stars secured another narrow victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, edging out the Central African Republic (CAR) 4-3 in a thrilling match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, delivering perhaps his finest performance in the Ghanaian jersey, netted a hat-trick, while Fatawu Issahaku added another goal, ensuring the team’s unbeaten home record at the Baba Yara Stadium remained intact.
The Black Stars have not suffered a defeat at this venue since 2000.
The match was a tale of two halves for the four-time African champions, who needed a spirited second-half display to recover from a lacklustre first-half performance.
Ayew opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with a coolly taken penalty. However, the visitors demonstrated resilience, equalising in the 11th minute through Louis Mafouta’s clinical finish.
Mafouta capitalised on a defensive error to give the Central African Republic the lead just before halftime, leaving Ghana trailing by a goal as they headed into the break.
The Black Stars returned rejuvenated for the second half, with Mohammed Kudus orchestrating their attacking play.
Jordan Ayew levelled the score in the 60th minute, connecting with a delightful cross from Gideon Mensah.
Abdul Fatawu Isshaku extended Ghana’s lead two minutes later with a deflected effort from the edge of the box, before Jordan completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capitalising on a rebound.
Despite a late free-kick goal from Mafouta in the 90th minute, Ghana held on to secure their second consecutive victory in the qualifiers.
With this win, Ghana now leads Group I with 9 points, followed by Madagascar and Comoros with 6 points each.
Mali and the Central African Republic are tied for fourth place with 4 points each, while Chad sits at the bottom of the table with zero points.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid a visit to the Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, to convey his best wishes for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Black Stars, under the guidance of head coach Otto Addo, are preparing for a challenging encounter against CAR in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.
Coach Otto Addo has emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, especially after their impressive come-from-behind victory against Mali in Bamako during the third round of matches.
Despite this recent success, Addo acknowledges the tough challenge that CAR poses and is preparing his team accordingly.
“It’s going to be very difficult. For everyone who thinks we can just play them, I don’t think it will happen,” said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visits the Black Stars to wish them success ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic.#UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/UCFa6TCmXN
Ghana coach Otto Addo anticipates a challenging match against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Black Stars coach will face CAR in the fourth round of matches at Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, with the game scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT.
Reflecting on their recent comeback victory against Mali in Bamako during the third round, Addo emphasised the challenging nature of the upcoming contest against CAR.
“It’s going to be very difficult. For everyone who thinks we can just play them, I don’t think it will happen,” said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
“They’re doing well, especially in the offensive transitions. They’re very dangerous; they showed that in the 1-1 draw against Mali,” he added.
With six points, theBlack Stars are now ranked third in Group I. Gaining the match would greatly increase their prospects of making it to the World Cup.
The Black Stars are set to face the Eagles of Mali in Bamako on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 7pm as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Matchday three qualifiers.
Otto Addo’s men departed Accra at 5 PM and arrived in Bamako around 7 PM GMT via ASKY Airlines after completing five days of intensive training in Accra. The team is ready for the crucial Group I clash, which is pivotal for their World Cup qualification hopes.
The Black Stars are looking to bounce back from a mixed start to their qualifiers, which saw them secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Madagascar but suffer a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Comoros in November last year.
The team is determined to secure their first win in five matches across all competitions, having endured two defeats and three draws in their last five competitive fixtures. The players and coaching staff are focused on turning their fortunes around and gaining momentum in their World Cup qualification campaign.
The senior national football team, the Black Stars, has praised the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for its decision to fund dialysis treatment in Ghana, marking the authority’s 20th anniversary.
Led by Thomas Partey, the team visited to congratulate Dr. Aboagye on his new role and to express their appreciation for the NHIA’s efforts in enhancing healthcare benefits.
The Black Stars thanked the NHIA for the improved health benefits and pledged to collaborate with the authority to promote wellness and healthy habits through sports and exercise. They emphasized the importance of this partnership in fostering a healthier community.
Dr. Aboagye, in turn, thanked the team for their support and encouraged them to become advocates for the NHIA and the broader health sector. He also extended his best wishes to the Black Stars for their upcoming World Cup qualification matches.
The Black Stars are scheduled to play against the Eagles of Mali in Bamako on Thursday, June 6, 2024, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Matchday three qualifiers.
Ghana’s national football squad, the Black Stars, are getting ready for their FIFA World Cup Matchday 3qualifying match against Mali.
The group is scheduled to leave Accra on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, for Bamako.
The Black Stars, under the direction of Coach Otto Addo, have been practicing hard in Accra for the last four days in order to be ready for this important game.
The game is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT and will be played at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako.
After a rough start, Ghana’s current objective in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers is to resume their winning ways.
The team beat Madagascar 1-0 at home in Kumasi to start the campaign, but they lost to Comoros 1-0 away in Moroni.
The Black Stars are currently ranked fourth in Group I.
The group is optimistic that winning their next games—especially the one against Mali—will greatly increase their prospects of making it to the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host this esteemed competition.
The game is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT and will be played at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako.
After a rough start, Ghana’s current objective in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers is to resume their winning ways.
The team beat Madagascar 1-0 at home in Kumasi to start the campaign, but they lost to Comoros 1-0 away in Moroni.
The Black Stars are currently ranked fourth in Group I.
The group is optimistic that winning their next games—especially the one against Mali—will greatly increase their prospects of making it to the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The Ayew family has refuted rumours that Jordan and Andre Dede Ayew have left the Black Stars suddenly.
The family’s spokeswoman, Fiifi Tackie, declared the allegation to be untrue in a statement on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
He clarified that while his brother Jordan is practicing with the team ahead of the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, Andre Ayew is now on vacation following his exclusion from the Black Stars squad.
‘Please be advised that recent reports of the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, resigning from the national team are entirely false.
Andre has had a remarkable season, scoring 6 goals in all competitions, and is currently enjoying a well-deserved holiday.’
‘Jordan is currently in the camp of the national team, and he is proud and honoured to be part of the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
They remain dedicated to their careers and committed to the national team.
We urge fans and supporters to disregard the misinformation and continue to support the Ayew brothers and the Black Stars,’ stated Fiifi Tackie on behalf of Andre and Jordan.
According to earlier media reports, the brothers had made the decision to leave the national team.
According to the article, the family felt it was unjust that Andre Ayew was left off of the most recent Black Stars roster, which led to the purported decision.
Andre’s removal from the Black Stars squad was a move that the family accepted with good intentions, according to Solar Ayew, the boys’ uncle.
‘We’ve taken Andre Ayew’s omission from the Black Stars squad normally. He was earning invites when he was unattached, so his omission will surprise not only me but everyone because he is at the top of his game now. This is normal for the Ayew family,’ he told Asempa FM.”
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,Ghana is slated to play Mali on Thursday, June 6, 2024, and then host the Central African Republic on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Sports journalist from Ghana, Collins Atta Poku, has recounted how Black Stars head coach Otto Addopersonally told Andre Dede Ayew that he was cut from the team.
Atta Poku claims that the manager left out the former Olympique Marseille player due to Ayew’s longevity in the team and his desire to advance the Black Stars.
Speaking on Africa614 Multimedia, he stated that because the players believe Otto Addo still has much to offer, Ayew did not accept Otto Addo’s choice.
“He sat down with him and told him that he had transcended two generations at the Black Stars. Dede has outlived Appiah; Dede has outlived Essien and John Mensah…If you look closely at things, he is the only surviving member of the 2010 World Cup squad. So the Black Stars would have to evolve away from you. Dede did not agree because he still wanted to play.”
On Wed, May 29, 2024, Otto Addo held a news conference to reveal his World Cup qualifying team.
Otto Addo said he had conversations with Dede Ayew but kept quiet about what he told the Black Stars captain when questioned about why the player was left out.
“I had a long talk with André and gave him the reasons why he is not in the squad. I talk to players directly and don’t like to disclose information about our discussions. This is the decision we took, and it’s not like he necessarily agreed, but I still have great respect for him,” he told the media.
Solar Ayew, Andre Ayew’s uncle, responded to the manager’s decision, saying the family accepted it in good faith despite being shocked.
“We’ve taken Andre Ayew’s omission from the Black Stars squad normally. He was earning invites when he was unattached, so his omission will surprise not only me but everyone because he is at the top of his game now.
Suspected landguards reportedly demolished a construction project belonging to Blackstars player Richard Boateng.
The former defender for Liberty Professionals and TP Mazembe alleged that he had purchased land in Kasoa Millennium City adjacent to a mosque. Boateng claimed he temporarily allowed some community members to use a portion of his land for Eid celebrations.
However, upon noticing individuals asserting ownership of the land, Boateng erected a wall around his property.
Despite reporting the incident to the police, Boateng stated that the alleged landguards destroyed the wall and threatened to rebuild it.
“My project is close to a mosque, but I moved to the area and completed the project before they built the mosque. When they first moved there, they needed a place to celebrate Salah (Eid festivities), and I offered my place,” the footballer said.
“That continued for some time and they used to have prayer sessions there until they started claiming ownership of the land. Due to the way things were progressing, I decided to build a fence wall around it, but whenever I went there, I was confronted by one Illiasu, who claimed that they were now the owners of the land.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyLNzNLQ8JU
“I took the issue to the Kasoa Millennium Police, and we have been litigating it for over eight months.
The police conducted a search at the Lands Commission and discovered that the land was registered in the name of 21st Century Real Estate, and they were the only ones who could prevent me from developing the land.
I received permission from the 21st century to develop the land, so I built the fence wall.”
“In the early hours the following day, they sent young men to destroy the new fence wall we had constructed, but we managed to apprehend one of the boys, who identified Illiasu as the one who sent them.
The police were in the process of prosecuting the case until Ndego also appeared at the station, making some claims.
“Upon seeing me at the station, Ndego warned me against reconstructing the wall, threatening that if I did, they would demolish it again.
Former Ghana international Asamoah Gyanhas shared his views on coach Otto Addo’s decision to exclude Andre Ayew from the Black Stars for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing that the decision must be respected.
Coach Otto Addo left captain Andre Ayew out of Ghana’s squad for the matches against Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Commenting on Ayew’s exclusion, Gyan acknowledged that Ayew has given his best for the Black Stars, but ultimately, the coach’s decision is final.
“For me, Andre has done so much for Ghana.
He started way back in 2007, and he has been consistent in the national team. He is the most capped player,” Gyan said on Joy FM.
“I think the coach has made his decision. Personally, I played with Andre, and he has done everything for Ghana, but this is the situation whereby we have to move on.
The coach has made his decision.”
Ghana is set to face Mali on June 6, 2024, followed by a match against the Central African Republic on June 10 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
You rarely see a Ghana coach meet the press to announce his squad.
When the Ghana Football Association revealed Otto Addo would have a press conference on Wednesday to unveil his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic, eyebrows were raised.
It could be that the association wanted to formally introduce their new coach, or some difficult decisions were made pertaining to the squad and further explanation was needed. The latter proved to be the reason, with one one name absent from the squad – Andre Ayew (34).
“At the moment, Andre is a living legend of Ghana. It’s unbelievable what he did for the country and it’s the most difficult decision because I like him as a person and also as a player. And this is a decision we took not like we totally agreed but I gave him the explanation,” new head coach Addo explained to the press.
I had a personal, long talk with Andre Ayew to explain to him why he was not going to be part of my squad – Black Stars Coach, Otto Addo #TV3GHpic.twitter.com/IkcFYbya1l
The exclusion of the Black Stars captain has sent shockwaves through the country. For years, a growing contingent of fans anticipated a national team setup without Ayew, only to have their hopes dashed as the prolific captain’s omission seemed to become an increasingly distant impossibility.
Even when whispers intensified on Ayew’s potential exclusion from the Ghana squad, the veteran’s name would invariably appear when the final roster was unveiled, leaving many to question whether his presence was indispensable.
However, this time it was a reality.
In the past few years, Ayew has been the talisman, the heartbeat of the Ghanaian national team. His leadership, goals, and sheer presence have been instrumental in some of the Black Stars’ most memorable moments in recent times.
Yet, with the hands of time unforgiving, and a new generation of talent emerging, head coach Addo appears ready to turn the page and embark on a rebuilding process that may not include the veteran forward.
Ayew’s Indelible Mark on Ghanaian Football Despite holding dual French and Ghanaian citizenship, Ayew’s allegiance always lay with the West African nation, inspired by his father’s legacy. However, his path to representing Ghana was not without its twists and turns.
Initially, Ayew entertained the idea of playing for France, citing the Ghana Football Association’s failure to reach out to him. He even participated in training camps with the French U-18 team and turned down multiple overtures from their U-21 side. At one point, Ayew issued a stern warning, declaring: “At this moment there is only one choice to make because I have only received an invitation from one country and that is France.”
Ultimately, though, the allure of following in his father’s footsteps proved too strong to ignore. Ayew’s journey with the Black Stars began at the youth level, where he captained the U-20 team to glory at the 2009 African Youth Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring crucial goals along the way.
On August 7, 2007, Ayew received his first senior call-up from Ghana coach Claude Le Roy, making his debut as a late substitute against Senegal. His international career would reach new heights at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored his first goal for the Black Stars and helped them reach the final.
Breaking: 🇬🇭 Andre Ayew misses out on the Black Stars callup.
It’s only the fifth time in the past 6 years that he’s missed out on the squad.
Ayew’s impact on the world stage was felt at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His pinpoint lob set up Asamoah Gyan’s winning goal against the United States in the Round of 16, earning him the Man of the Match award from FIFA.
Despite a brief retirement in 2013 due to disputes with the Ghana FA, Ayew returned to lead the Black Stars to the 2014 World Cup, scoring crucial goals against the United States and Germany.
Now the captain of the national team, Ayew’s influence has only grown stronger. He led Ghana’s charge at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the only Ghanaian player to feature in the nation’s last three World Cup appearances. His equalizing goal against Portugal underscored his enduring importance, even as his missed penalty against Uruguay in the decisive group stage match proved costly.
If Ghana has seen the last of Ayew, then he leaves as the country’s most-capped player with 120 appearances. He is Ghana’s highest scorer at the AFCON and also has played the most games in the tournament’s history.
Regardless of what the future holds, Andre Ayew’s legacy as a Ghanaian football icon is secure. His achievements, both on and off the pitch, have cemented his place among the nation’s all-time greats.
A Changing of the Guard
Prior to the squad announcement, it was widely reported in Ghana that Addo travelled across Europe communicating his vision of moving forward with a younger core to some senior figures of the national team.
Ayew, who has had a fairly decent Ligue 1 season with Le Havre scoring five goals, is a victim of the old guard who is being phased out by the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach.
While the end of an era is always bittersweet, it also ushers in a new dawn filled with hope and potential. As one chapter closes, another begins, and the Black Stars will look to a new generation of stars to carry the torch and continue the quest for glory on the grandest stages of African and world football.
At 34 years old, and with the next World Cup two years away, it is understandable that Addo may be looking to the future. The German-born coach has already shown a willingness to integrate promising youngsters.
In his first squad upon his return as Black Stars coach, 14 out of the 26 players called up were under 25 years old. The call-ups to players like Nathaniel Adjei (21), Forson Amankwah (21), Francis Abu (23), and Ibrahim Osman (19) were an indication of the direction Addo wanted to take in his second tenure.
It’s been back-to-back group stage exits at the AFCON for Ghana, hence the cue to rebuild a once-strong team.
In the absence of Ayew, Kudus will play as the number 10 as the West Ham midfielder embarks on his own legacy with the national team.
The 23-year-old, who has 11 goals in 32 games, is now in pole position to lead the next generation of the Black Stars.
While Ayew’s exclusion from the upcoming qualifiers may not necessarily signify an outright retirement from international football, it could clearly indicate that a guard changing is underway in the Ghana camp.
What next for Andre Ayew?
Though Ayew is 34 years, he showed no signs of slowing down in the just ended Ligue 1 season. He missed pre-season and joined Le Havre as a free agent after the summer transfer window. However, his determination and willingness to play saw him get up to speed in no time and become a mainstay in the Le Havre starting XI.
He made his debut for Le Club doyen late November and then went on to play 1184 minutes. In his 20 games played for the Ligue 1 side, he scored six goals in all competitions. His one-year contract with Le Havre ends in June 2024.
Since 2019, Ayew has played for five clubs namely Swansea, Fenerbahce, Al Sadd, Nottingham Forest, and Le Havre. Though this proves he still belongs at the highest level, it also hints that clubs aren’t willing to commit long-term with the forward.
Earlier this season, when Ayew was without a club, he was called to the national team by Chris Hughton. But the standards under Addo are different and even Ayew’s best run of form in the latter part of the season didn’t seem to be enough.
Andre Ayew played for Ghana in the recent AFCON
If Andre Ayew’s best run of form this season couldn’t secure him a place in the Black Stars squad, it raises serious doubts about his chances of a future call-up under Otto Addo. The head coach’s vision for the national team seems focused on rejuvenation, as evidenced by the squad’s average age of 24.4 years for the recent qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic.
This figure is even lower than the average age of 24.7 years that Addo fielded during the 2022 World Cup campaign, where Ayew was a core member.
With the Black Stars undergoing a clear transition towards a younger generation of players, the 34-year-old Ayew may find himself on the outside looking in, unless he can produce an exceptional run of form that simply cannot be ignored by the national team technical team.
Addo’s commitment to rebuilding with a fresh crop of talent could very well signal the definitive end of an era for the long-serving captain.
Full Ghana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), Jojo Wollacot (Hibernian FC), Frederick Asare (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders: Gideon Mensah (AJ Auxerre),Ebenezer Annan (FK Novi Pazar), Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Alidu Seidu (Stade Rennes), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United), Ernest Nuamah (Olympique Lyon), Salis Abdul Samed (RC Lens), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari Calcio), Edmund Addo (FK Radnicki Nis), Thomas Partey (FC Arsenal), Elisha Owusu ( AJ Auxerre), Abu Francis (Cercle Brugge).
Forwards: Osman Bukari (RS Belgrade), Issahaku Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City, loan from Sporting CP), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Ibrahim Osman (FC Nordsjaelland), Kamaldeen Sulemana (FC Southampton), Brandon Thomas-Asante (West Bromwich).
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Parteywill captain the Black Stars in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
This announcement was made by Black Stars coach Otto Addo during a press conference on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, where he also confirmed the exclusion of regular captain André Ayew for these matches.
Otto Addo did not rule out a future return for Ayew but stated that Partey, as the deputy captain, will lead the team in the interim.
He emphasized that Partey’s return is a positive development for the Black Stars as they aim to secure their fifth World Cup qualification.
The Black Stars will face Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.
