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Tag: FIFA World Cup

  • World Cup: Winning it is the ultimate achievement, says Messi, hours after Ronaldo’s comments

    World Cup: Winning it is the ultimate achievement, says Messi, hours after Ronaldo’s comments

    Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent interview with Piers Morgan aired on Wednesday, November 5, stated that winning a World Cup wasn’t a dream.  

     “If you ask me, Cristiano, is it a dream to win the World Cup? No, it’s not a dream. To define if I’m one of the best in history, to win one competition, six games, seven games, you think that’s fair?” the Al-Nassr captain noted.

    Hours later that day, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his long-standing rival, Lionel Messi, speaking at the America Business Forum, held at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, highlighted that winning the title of football’s greatest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, is the highest achievement any player can attain in football.

    According to him, he feels fulfilled after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the memory continues to excite him every time it comes to mind.

    The Barcelona icon noted that clinching the Mundial was the perfect way to cap off his footballing career, and nothing more could be asked of him.

    “Winning the World Cup is the ultimate achievement. After the World Cup, there’s nothing more you can ask for. It’s hard to explain the feelings from that moment. It’s difficult to find words to describe what that title meant on a personal level, for my family, my teammates, and for the country.

    “It was clear how the whole nation celebrated it, the need and desire we all had for that to happen again after such a long time”.

     He continued that it was an exceptional experience in his life, having won trophies in his career, but winning the World Cup “completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    “…It was special. I had already been lucky enough to achieve everything else before, at club level, individually. That was the one thing missing, the one that completed my entire career with that trophy.”

    This comes after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the notion that he needs to lead Portugal to a World Cup title to be considered among the greatest players in history.

    The Real Madrid legend is expected to feature in FIFA’s flagship event in 2026, his sixth appearance at the tournament, but insists he does not need a World Cup win to validate his legacy.

    Meanwhile, the Argentina and Inter Miami CF captain Messi has expressed his desire to join his country to defend their title after winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

    However, he said he is yet to make a final decision on whether or not he’ll play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada.

    Speaking during an interview with NBC News that aired Monday, October 27, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner said,

    “Well, the truth is that yes, it’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup,” Messi said in an interview. “And I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there”.

    While he expressed his desire to represent his country at the global level, he stressed his unflinching commitment to Argentina but noted that his final decision will depend largely on how he feels physically and whether he remains fit enough to compete at the highest level.

    “I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%. I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”

    Messi noted that his fitness is a major concern and determining factor in making a final decision to feature in the Argentina squad because he is not at his best when he is not fit during games.

    “…we’ll see. I’m trying to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good,” Messi said after a World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in September.

    The Inter Miami captain has formed an integral part of the team’s success throughout the 2025 campaign, featuring in MLS, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup action. He recently clinched the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in 28 regular-season games, earning the accolade for the first time since he joined Miami in 2023.

    He’s also a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP trophy for his contributions to Inter Miami. Should he win the MVP award, Messi would become the first player to win the trophy in two consecutive seasons.

    Messi just extended his contract with Inter Miami, signing a new three-year deal through the end of the 2028 MLS season.

    “I’ve always said that I’ll base my decision [about playing] on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and to continue being part of this club,” Messi told NBC on Monday. “Honestly, I felt really good during the year. I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family, and honestly, the decision was easy.”

    Inter Miami currently prepares to face Nashville SC on Saturday in the second game of the best-of-three round one series of the playoffs. The Herons lead the series 1-0 after triumphing against Nashville at Chase Stadium with two goals from Messi and one from Tadeo Allende.

  • Mali coach insists Ghana’s goal against his side would have been rejected by VAR

    Mali coach insists Ghana’s goal against his side would have been rejected by VAR

    Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet remains sceptical about the legitimacy of Ghana’s goal in their 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    The clash, which came off on Monday, September 8, saw Ghana gain three points more to solidify their position as leaders of Group I.

    However, Mali remains unsettled about the authenticity of the goal, which was notched a header in the 49th minute, just a few minutes into the second half.  Following the clash, Mali’s Tom confirmed in a post-match conference that his players mentioned the goal was supposed to have been considered a foul.

    While acknowledging that he didn’t see the basis on which his players were making those assertions, they told him that, “In the second half, our plan, like I said, was step by step building up the pressure, and then we conceded the goal much too early. I have to see it again. According to the people around me, the players, it happened after a fault just before the corner.

    “Mohamed Kamara gets pushed, that’s what they say. I didn’t see it. And then, with the corner, I hear that my goalkeeper also got pushed. But again, I didn’t see it. That went too fast for me, and I didn’t see any TV coverage. So I don’t want to make any excuses for some things that happened,” he noted.

    In a recent interview with  Adom TV’s “Fire for Fire” program, “Had VAR been used, Alexander Djiku’s goal would have been ruled out”. 

    Tom anticipated a win against Ghana, stating during a conference that he intends to write history, but unfortunately, his hopes were dashed after his side’s 0-1 loss against the Black Stars. Despite this, he is optimistic about Mali’s qualification for the global tournament next year. Despite the setback, Mali’s World Cup ambitions remain alive, with playoff spots still within reach.

    “Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will be tough, but we will fight to win our remaining games,” he said.

    Ghana Black Stars 1-0 win against Mali pushes them closer to a seat at the international football tournament, 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana’s win was a comeback from their disappointing draw with Chad on September 4, in an away match hosted at N’Djamena. Jordan excited fans when he notched the opener in the 17th minute following an assist from Mohammed Kudus. Chad, however, managed to equalise when Celestine Ecua cancelled out Jordan Ayew’s opener.

    In yesterday’s match, Alexander Djiku’s second-half strike cemented Ghana’s position at the top of Group I with 19 points.

    Ahead of the clash with Mali, Otto Addo expressed optimism about the team’s victory, however, admitting that it will not be easy.

    His hopes were, however, not crushed; Black Stars made him proud with their narrow win. Their victory has been widely commended as fans are already excited about the team’s looming qualification for the World Cup.

    However, Otto Addo has issued a warning to both fans and players not to be complacent, citing the need to respect each opponent.

    “Everybody was talking before the Chad game that we had already won. It’s dangerous. We are not at the World Cup yet,” Addo said after the game.“We have a lot of work to do, and every opponent must be respected,” he added.

    Speaking during a post-match conference at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 8, he highlighted that some players were visibly nervous due to being newbies or debutants in the senior team; however, he lauded their ability to swiftly blend in after he first half. The former Dortmund coach described the first half of the match as a “deserved draw”.

    “Yeah, some problems, I think, yeah, you could see that we have a young squad and players who haven’t been playing often for the national team so far, and we were a little bit nervous here and there, but after 50 minutes I think we got into the game. The game was even, but with a little bit of upper chances for us, but it was a, I think, yeah, it was a deserved draw to halftime, and then we, we increased the pressure early in the second half, we managed to score out of a set piece.”

    He went on to applaud Antoine Smeneyyo for his relentless speed, which held the squad together against their opponents despite the pressure from Mali in the last minutes of the game.

    He said, “He fought until he couldn’t run anymore… I was very satisfied with his performance and with his run,s especially.”

    Addo emphasised the intensity of the final stages, saying, “It stayed really, really hot till the last minute and Mali was putting pressure on us, but not really creating chances—just high balls and long shots.” He credited the defence for their resilience and fight, expressing satisfaction with how they held firm under pressure.

    He also touched on Ghana’s decision-making in the final third, urging his players to be more direct: “Sometimes you don’t need the perfect solution,just rip the ball in. Even if it’s one against three, something can happen.”

    With just two games left, Ghana needs only one more win to confirm their place at next year’s tournament. However, Addo cautioned against complacency despite the team’s progress.

    The Black Stars will travel to face the Central African Republic in their next fixture before concluding their qualifying campaign with a home clash against Comoros in October.

    Ahead of the Mali clash, their coach, Tom Saintfiet, expressed his optimism about winning.

    Mali were anticipating a win against Ghana for the first time in nearly a decade, following their last competitive fixture with the Black Stars on February 11, 2012, where they won 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.

    Following this, Mali coach Tom Saintfiet mentioned that they are bent on winning in the 2026 World Cup qualifier later this evening. The game is set for 7 pm at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Speaking during a pre-match interview on Sunday, September 7, Tom Saintfiet mentioned he is ready to “write history” despite admitting that it wouldn’t be an easy match. He has already described the game with Ghana as one he expects a miracle from.

    “Ghana is a top team in Africa. They are number one in our group, four points ahead of us, so it will be a tough match, but we are here to write history. We want to win here. We are here to try and make miracles come true. We are here to play with confidence and try to surprise the 40,000 people in the stadium,” he said.

    Coach Tom Saintfiet brushed aside concerns about the Accra pitch. “The pitch is for both teams. We’ll play tomorrow on any surface and show our potential,” he said confidently at a conference.

  • John Mensah now an ‘evangelist’ after football

    John Mensah now an ‘evangelist’ after football

    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.

  • Saudi Arabia unveils bid logo, slogan, and film as part of campaign to host FIFA World Cup 2034

    Saudi Arabia unveils bid logo, slogan, and film as part of campaign to host FIFA World Cup 2034

    Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially launched its campaign to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.

    Following the declaration of its bid intention in October 2023, SAFF has unveiled its bid logo, website, and a short film celebrating football in Saudi Arabia, all under the slogan “Growing. Together.”

    This represents Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid to host the esteemed global tournament.

    Yasser Al Misehal expressed the significance of sharing their football narrative with the world, stating, “Telling our football story to the world is of massive importance.

    And we believe ‘Growing. Together.’ is the perfect, yet simple description of our approach to hopefully hosting the tournament in 10 years’ time.”

    “Bidding to host a FIFA World Cup is only made possible by the rapid transformation the country is enjoying. We’ve made unprecedented progress in both the men’s and women’s game and our bid is an open invitation to the world to join us on this exciting journey. As we proved when we welcomed over 100 nationalities to the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 in Jeddah, the future is bright when we grow together.”

    Hammad Albalawi said: “This campaign is powered by the hopes and dreams of 32 million people in Saudi Arabia. Our responsibility is to submit the best possible bid to FIFA, make our country proud, and fulfil the trust placed upon us by more than 130 member associations across the world that supported our bid.

    Under Vision 2030 and the unconditional support of our country’s leadership, sport is helping unlock the passion and potential of our people, and as our campaign slogan says, Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 is all about being part of a global football family, with fans, players and federations all growing together.”

    The Growing. Together. slogan seeks to capture both the rapid rise of Saudi Arabia and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on international football and the FIFA World Cup itself.

    The three pillars underpinning the bid are: Growing People. Together. – Growing Football. Together. – Growing Connections. Together. Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 international events across almost 40 sports over the past six years and the campaign slogan aims to capture the spirit of that bond to help build a better future.

    The logo aims to encapsulate the essence of Saudi Arabia’s youthful nation, vibrant society, and rich heritage. Comprising intertwined rows of multi-colored ribbons, it showcases iconic football and cultural symbols, forming the number ”34’—symbolizing the year Saudi Arabia aspires to host the FIFA World Cup.

    The five distinct colours represent the nation’s diversity: Desert Amber symbolises warmth and generosity; Oasis Green reflects valleys and mountains; Radiance Red draws inspiration from the Red Sea coral reefs; Rich Lavender celebrates blooming wildflowers; and Sunrise Yellow signifies a promising new era for the country.

    Saudi Arabia aims to make history by hosting the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single country, welcoming teams from six confederations.

    To follow the journey of the bid campaign, visit Saudi2034bid.com. Fans can support and celebrate the launch of the bid campaign by using the hashtags #Saudi2034bid and #GrowingTogether

  • Man Utd’s Ten Hag admits club “has fallen down in standards”

    Man Utd’s Ten Hag admits club “has fallen down in standards”

    Erik ten Hag is of the belief that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the potential to expedite Manchester United’s resurgence by revitalising the club culture, which has experienced a decline recently.

    The Dutchman, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, has remarked that within the two months since the Glazers greenlit INEOS’s involvement, he has already observed a shift in the club’s direction.

    Ratcliffe has taken proactive steps by appointing Manchester City’s Omar Berrada as the next CEO of United, and discussions are scheduled regarding the potential appointment of Dan Ashworth as the sporting director.

    Speaking to the media, Ten Hag said [via The Daily Mail]: “The club has fallen down in standards, but now we are back. I have already seen some examples of how (INEOS) can support us in really setting (sic) the right standard.

    We know when performances are not right; we have to look in the mirror, tell each other the truth and get things right. There are always many fans away and home standing behind us, but it starts with us; we have to put energy into the stands and then it comes back.”

    Since Ten Hag assumed the managerial role in 2022, Manchester United’s fortunes have seen a significant upturn.

    The Dutch coach put an end to the team’s six-year trophy drought by securing the Carabao Cup and successfully guiding them back into the Champions League.

    However, United’s second season under his leadership hasn’t been as remarkable. The team was eliminated from Europe before Christmas and currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League standings.

    Despite on-field struggles, off the pitch, fans are filled with optimism, largely due to the minority control of the club by the INEOS group. There’s a renewed belief that United will once again challenge for league and European titles.

    Manchester United will return to Premier League action when they face city rivals and defending champions Manchester City on Sunday, March 3. A victory could propel Ten Hag’s side above Tottenham into fifth place in the standings.

  • Allow me to qualify Black Stars for 2026 World Cup – German coach Schäfer eyes coaching role

    Allow me to qualify Black Stars for 2026 World Cup – German coach Schäfer eyes coaching role

    German coach Winfried Schäfer has expressed his commitment to leading Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if appointed as the Black Stars coach by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    Schäfer emphasised that the Black Stars have not performed up to their potential in recent tournaments, and he believes that with the opportunity to coach the team, he can instill the necessary improvements to build a competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the World Cup.

    “The team hasn’t been that impressive in their recent tournaments, and I am very ready to help build a good team and also ensure the team qualifies for the next FIFA World Cup,” he told SportsWorldGhana.com.

    Additionally, he showcased his familiarity with the Ghana Premier League, affirming his intention to closely observe and consider players from the league for national team call-ups if appointed as the coach of Ghana.

    “I know the Ghana League has abundant top talents. A senior team coach needs to be in the country to monitor players and give call-ups to those performing well. I would spend much of my time in the country to help get qualified players in the league to be part of the Black Stars,” he added.

    Winfried Schäfer has officially applied for the vacant Black Stars coaching position and is optimistic about securing the role.

    With previous experience in African football during his tenure in Cameroon from 2001 to 2004, Schäfer brings valuable expertise to the table.

    According to a statement released by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the FA’s Black Stars coach search committee has compiled a list of reputable candidates for the position.

    The GFA’s Executive Council is now tasked with deliberating on the list and subsequently announcing the new technical team for the Black Stars.

  • Muntari leads, Asamoah Gyan others in Ghanaian players in Serie A with the highest number of goals

    Muntari leads, Asamoah Gyan others in Ghanaian players in Serie A with the highest number of goals

    Over the years, Ghanaian footballers have left a notable mark on Serie A, with numerous players consistently finding the back of the net.

    Below is a compilation of the top five highest-scoring Ghanaians in the history of Serie A.

    Agyeman Badu and Asamoah Gyan: 11 goals

    In the Italian league, Agyemang Badu and Asamoah Gyan share the record for scoring 11 goals each.

    Badu had stints with Udinese and Hellas Verona, while Gyan plied his trade with Udinese and Modena.

    Kwadwo Asamoah: 12 goals

    This Ghanaian midfielder, who showcased his talents in Serie A, had tenures with Udinese, Juventus, and Inter Milan. Asamoah, known for his versatility and ability to perform on the wing or in the center of the field, netted 12 goals during his 204 appearances in the Italian top flight. His reputation was built on his exceptional work ethic and precise passing skills.

    Emmanuel Gyasi: 13 goals

    The Ghanaian striker who currently plays for Empoli played for Spezia and Sassuolo in Serie A. Gyasi has scored 13 goals in 101 appearances in the Italian top flight.

    Gyasi is a quick and skilful striker who is known for his finishing ability. He has also represented Ghana at the international level, scoring two goals in eight appearances.

    KP Boateng: 15 goals

    KP Boateng, another influential Ghanaian midfielder, left a significant mark in Serie A with 15 goals across 131 appearances for Milan, Genoa, and Fiorentina.

    His time in Italy was adorned with triumphs, as Boateng clinched the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia title, and the Supercoppa title. On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana, participating in two FIFA World Cups.

    Sulley Muntari – 29 goals


    Sulley Muntari holds the record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Serie A history, having notched an impressive 29 goals throughout his 206 appearances for Udinese, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Muntari, renowned for his versatility, was particularly noted for his thunderous shots and knack for scoring from long range.

    He was not only a force in club football but also a crucial figure for the Ghana national team, contributing to their journey to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

  • Reversal of fortune? See how ex-Ghana keeper Memunatu Sulemana now resides in wooden-kiosk

    Reversal of fortune? See how ex-Ghana keeper Memunatu Sulemana now resides in wooden-kiosk

    Former Ghana women’s national team goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana, is facing a heartbreaking situation as she currently resides in a makeshift wooden kiosk in Kaneshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.

    Memunatu Sulemana was a prominent figure in Ghana’s women’s football golden era, achieving success on the African continent and representing her country in World Cup tournaments.

    She was a member of Ghana’s inaugural team to compete at the FIFA World Cup held in the United States in 1999, and she continued to participate in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments held in the United States and China, respectively.

    During her career, Sulemana played alongside notable players such as Adjoa Bayor, Alerta Sackey, and Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo, among others.

    She played for Post Ladies in Ghana and also played for Pelican Stars in Nigeria’s Women’s Premier League at the club level.

    Despite her accomplished football career, Sulemana’s current living conditions are dire. She now resides in a makeshift structure composed partly of wood and an old advertising banner.

    This arrangement offers minimal protection, especially during the rainy season.

    While some of her contemporaries have transitioned into different professions after retiring from football, the 45-year-old Sulemana is grappling with severe poverty.

    In an exclusive interview with Original TV, Sulemana candidly discussed her life’s challenges. Despite earning some income from her football career, a substantial portion of her earnings went towards caring for her grandmother, who battled diabetes and required medical attention.

    Until recently, Memunatu Sulemana served as the goalkeeper’s trainer for the Ghanaian national youth team, the Black Maidens.

  • Black Stars thrived under Coach Otto Addo – Team Manager

    The team manager of Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, Ameenu Shadow, has stated that the team would have performed better had Otto Addo remained as the head coach.

    Otto Addo, who also serves as an assistant coach for Borussia Dortmund, stepped down from his position following Ghana’s elimination at the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Shadow stated that Addo had made errors during the tournament held in November and December 2022 but believed that he would have learned from those mistakes and made the necessary corrections to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

    “We would have been better if Otto Addo stayed as Black Stars coach. I have always said it that Otto Addo made mistakes at the World Cup because he hadn’t been there before.

    “Otto Addo is someone who learns on the job and Ghana would have been better if he had continued with his job as Black Stars head coach”, he told 3Sports.

    Following Otto Addo’s departure, Chris Hughton has taken the reins as the head coach of the Black Stars.

    Previously serving as a technical advisor during the World Cup, Hughton has guided the team to one victory and two draws since assuming the role in March 2023.

    The team’s performance has been commendable under Hughton‘s leadership.

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Draw: Bafana Bafana may face African powerhouses in group stages

    FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Draw: Bafana Bafana may face African powerhouses in group stages

    Bafana Bafana will now shift their focus towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after successfully qualifying for the AFCON.

    South Africa, who last participated in the tournament in 2010 as hosts, aims to secure one of the nine guaranteed spots for African teams in the upcoming World Cup to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

    For CAF qualification, FIFA has announced a format comprising nine groups with six teams each.

    The teams will compete in a home and away format, with the group winners earning direct qualification for the World Cup.

    Additionally, the four best-ranked group runners-up will enter a play-off, where the winner will represent Africa in an inter-confederation play-off. This play-off involves teams from each confederation, except UEFA.

    The victor of the inter-confederation play-off will secure a coveted spot in the World Cup.

    Bafana could face tough draw

    As noted by Kick Off, Bafana are ranked outside the top nine countries on the continent, and therefore will be grouped alongside one of the top nine for qualification.

    They could be grouped with either Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali or Cote d’Ivoire.

    As part of the second tier of countries, they will avoid Burkina Faso, Ghana, Caper Verde, Guinea, Zambia, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    Jordaan’s ultimatum to Broos

    Sports Brief previously reported how Hugo Broos was tasked with taking Bafana Bafana to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

    South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said the first task was AFCON and then the World Cup qualifiers.

    With just Morocco and Liberia in their group, Jordaan believed there was no excuse for the side not to qualify.

  • Black Meteors apologize to Ghanaians for disappointing U23 AFCON performance

    Black Meteors apologize to Ghanaians for disappointing U23 AFCON performance

    Ghana U23 forward, Zubairu Ibrahim, has seeked forgiveness from Ghanaians for the Black Meteors’ underwhelming performance in the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Despite the disappointment, Zubairu is hopeful and envisions a future where the team brings glory to Ghana by winning the FIFA World Cup.

    Having faith in the squad’s potential, Zubairu, formerly of King Faisal, believes that with proper long-term planning and progression to the senior national team, Ghana can achieve World Cup success.

    Seeking forgiveness from Ghanaians, Zubairu Ibrahim, reflecting on the underwhelming performance of the Black Meteors at the U23 AFCON in Morocco, urges the Ghanaian public to support the team wholeheartedly in their future endeavors.

    “We aimed winning the U23 Afcon and possibly qualify Ghana to the Olympics game but unfortunately our desire couldn’t materialize.

    “With the quality we have in the team and proper long term planning, I’m very confident that we can even win the world cup for Ghana some years to come.”

  • Football Legend Pelé’s name added to dictionary

    Football Legend Pelé’s name added to dictionary

    Brazilian and world football star, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pele has been honored for his contributions to the game by having his name added to the dictionary as an adjective.

    This was done after a campaign led by the Pelé Foundation and SporTV dubbed “Pelé in the dictionary”.

    The Michaelis dictionary defines “Pele” as: “What or who is out of the ordinary, what or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equaled to anything or anyone, just like Pelé, nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), considered to be the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique.

    “Examples: He is the Pelé of basketball, she is the Pelé of tennis, she is the Pelé of Brazilian dramaturgy.”

    Pele sadly passed away on December 29, 2022, following a long battle with colon cancer.

    A three-time FIFA World Cup winner, he scored over 1000 goals in his career and is regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time.

  • Samuel Eto led FECAFOOT begins construction of 12 stadiums across Cameroon

    Samuel Eto led FECAFOOT begins construction of 12 stadiums across Cameroon

    Sam Eto’o, the head of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), has announced intentions to build 12 stadiums across the nation.

    The goal of the extensive construction of football facilities, according to Eto’o, is to “give everyone an opportunity.”

    In December 2021, the former FC Barcelona striker took over as head of the Cameroon FA and made sure that the Indomitable Lions qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

    He has now promised that stadiums will be built across several Cameroon cities in a bid to hunt for more talent.

    Actu Cameroun reports that the project is about to begin as the implementation phase is already on course.

    For the chairman of the said commission, Samuel Eto’o, thinks that talents are hidden in areas where quality sports infrastructure is non-existent.

    “Samuel Eto’o wants to give everyone the opportunity to be able to play football “, summed up Daniel Mongue Nyamsi.

    Eto’o inducted into Inter Milan Hall of Fame

    Meanwhile, time African footballer of the year Samuel Eto’o has expressed his gratitude following his induction into the Inter Milan Hall of Fame.

    The 40-year-old footballer turned administrator, together with a host of other Inter Milan icons, were inducted into the 2021 edition of the Hall of Fame.’

    Eto’o joined the Blue and Blacks in a swap deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the latter heading to Barcelona in 2009 on the back of a treble-winning campaign with Guardiola’s all-conquering Blaugrana.

  • Morocco’s bid, an African bid- CAF President on 2030 World Cup hosting

    Morocco’s bid, an African bid- CAF President on 2030 World Cup hosting

    Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup has been dubbed the African continent’s bid, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.

    This came after his group received widespread support for Morocco’s quest to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 from the African football community.

    Morocco recently declared that it is submitting a bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 together with Spain and Portugal at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali.

    The President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “The unanimous decision that was taken by the CAF Executive Committee to support Morocco’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 means that the bid of Morocco is now the bid of the African Continent.

    “We are now focusing on ensuring that Africa once more hosts the FIFA World Cup and are committed to working together with all Football National Associations and Confederations to make this happen.”

    Morocco previously made a bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 but lost to a joint bid from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    The joint bid by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup is seen as a strong contender, given the history of successful World Cup bids from neighboring countries.

    The World Cup was held in Spain in 1982 and in Portugal in 2004.

  • Messi trolled after PSG Champions League exit

    Messi trolled after PSG Champions League exit

    Football fans have made fun of Lionel Messi, the star player for Paris Saint-Germain, on social media, particularly Twitter, for going eight years without taking home a UEFA Champions League trophy.

    Many people thought the legendary football player would be inspired to end his lengthy quest for a fifth UCL championship after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    But on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich defeated PSG 2-0 (3-0 overall) to eliminate the French team, ending his quest to end the curse.

    Choupo-Mouting and Serge Gnabry’s goals in the second half guaranteed Bayern’s qualification.

    The exit means that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now gone almost a decade without winning the competition. His last triumph came in 2015 when he inspired Barcelona to a 3-1 win against Juventus and his last goal in the final dates back to 2009.

    This is also the second time the Argentine has suffered a round of 16 exit in his second season at PSG.

    Following yet another disappointing night for Lionel Messi, some rival fans have branded his move to PSG as a bad investment by the club.

    A section accused him of not turning up for his team in UCL when it matters most.

    Others also argued that Messi’s biggest rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the competition five times(won his last in 2018), would have done better and that the defeat typifies the difference between the two.

  • Mane trust Klopp’s return will rejuvenate Liverpool’s season

    Mane trust Klopp’s return will rejuvenate Liverpool’s season

    Sadio Mane was a member of Liverpool’s fearsome attacking trio, which also included Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino and Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, which won every trophy under Jurgen Klopp. At the conclusion of the previous season, the Senegalese international announced his departure from Anfield and asked to be transferred; his request was granted. He joined Bayern Munich, the winning German team.

    Due to a leg injury he sustained a few days prior to the tournament, the former Southampton forward missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He made his comeback from the bench against Union Berlin at the weekend.

    Mane confident in Klopp’s abilities

    Liverpool are having a shaky season riddled with injuries and inconsistencies in performance and results, but the former Reds is confident in Jurgen Klopp to turn it around.

    ”Liverpool will be back. I’m convinced they will overcome this situation. They had many injuries and tough tests, but Jurgen Klopp is definitely the right man. He will lead Liverpool back up, from this season – the players love him,” he told German newspaper Bild.

    The AFCON winner’s confidence is showing early signs of being right. After the 2-0 win over Wolves last night, Liverpool are six points behind Tottenham, who have played a game more in fourth.

    As reported by Mirror UK, Mane scored 120 goals in 269 appearances for Klopp before he left for Germany. He won all possible trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 30 years.

    Klopp admits Liverpool miss Mane

    It was earlier reported that Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool misses Mane, as the Senegalese’s departure has opened a void in the team’s front three. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino formed a devastating front three, but with Mane’s departure and Firmino’s inconsistencies due to injury, the Egyptian is the only regular left among the three.

  • Sadio Mane makes comeback in Bayern 3-0 victory against Berlin after 3 months of injury

    Sadio Mane makes comeback in Bayern 3-0 victory against Berlin after 3 months of injury

    On Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the Allianz Arena, Sadio Mane, a Senegalese international, made his first appearance since mid-November in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over Union Berlin.

    On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, during Bayern Munich’s victory over Werder Bremen in the Germain Bundesliga, Sadio Mane sustained an injury that prevented him from competing in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The 30-year-old forward missed three months of play due to what the French newspaper L’Equipe believed to be a tendon injury.

    Following the replacement of Kingsley Coman in the 65th minute against Union Berlin, Sadio Mane, who was sorely missed by Senegal during the World Cup, suffered an injury setback.

    The Senegalese enjoyed 25 minutes of football as coach Julian Nagelsmann tried to introduce him gradually after being on the sidelines for a long time.

    Sadio Mane’s return has been well received by Bayern Munich supporters as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 return leg game against Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Ghana Premier League matches: E-ticketing to be blamed for low interest in games – GFA boss

    Ghana Premier League matches: E-ticketing to be blamed for low interest in games – GFA boss

    Kurt Okraku, says that the introduction of e-ticketing was a factor in the low attendance at Ghana Premier League games.

    The low patronage ranks highly on the list of difficulties that the 2022–2023 betPawa Ghana Premier League season has faced.

    Kurt Okraku thinks that the introduction of e-ticketing has created a significant issue, despite the fact that many have blamed the calibre of pitches, officiating, and level of competition for the decline in attendance.

    Kurt Okraku thinks the Ghana Premier League should have gradually implemented the e-ticketing system, which was implemented for the Black Stars’ FIFA World Cup playoff match against Nigeria in March 2022.

    “I see a lot of fans go to the stadiums like Bechem, Bibiani, Dawu, and Aduana but the venues where fans are not patronising the league are the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.”

    “Deployment of electronic ticketing system has been a major problem. I believe the football people needed a lot of education before it was introduced. So since the introduction of the e-ticketing patronage of the league at the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara has been low,” he said on Asempa FM.

    He added that the GFA will meet with the National Sports Authority to review the e-ticketing system being used in the Ghana Premier League.

    “The GFA is ready to sit down with the National Sports Authority to discuss this problem and work toward it,” he concluded.

  • FIFA confirms USA, Mexico, Canada automatically in 2026 World Cup

    FIFA confirms USA, Mexico, Canada automatically in 2026 World Cup

    Automatic participation spots have been given to the three host countries.

    Along with Mexico and Canada, the men’s national team of the United States will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

    In a joint North American bid, the three nations were successful in winning the right to host the World Cup. Although this is the first time FIFA has had to reserve three host bids, FIFA has historically granted host nations the right to compete in the World Cup without first participating in the customary qualification competitions.

    The tournament is set to expand from 32 teams to 48 in 2026. Another three berths will be awarded to CONCACAF nations via qualifying.

    FIFA released a statement Tuesday saying, “In addition, the FIFA Council confirmed that, in line with the long-standing tradition of having all hosts competing at the FIFA World Cup, as well as sporting and operational considerations, the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026, namely Canada, Mexico and the USA, will qualify automatically for the final round of the competition, with their slots, therefore, being deducted from the overall allocation of six assigned to CONCACAF.”

    While the U.S. and Mexico tend to qualify for most World Cups, it was good news for Canada, whose men’s national team broke a 36-year drought between World Cup appearances when it qualified for Qatar in 2022. Canada lost all three of its group-stage matches.

    The FIFA Council also determined its timetable for bidding for the right to host the 2030 World Cup, saying it will make its decision next year.

    That meeting will be separate from FIFA’s meeting to select a host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held first, earlier in 2024.

    There are three confirmed bids for 2030 hosting duties: a South American joint bid featuring Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile; a Spain-Portugal joint bid that added war-torn Ukraine last year; and Morocco.

  • Four Ghanaian World Cup absentees Chris Hughton may need

    Four Ghanaian World Cup absentees Chris Hughton may need

    After certain notable players were left off of Otto Addo’s final roster, the announcement of Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup roster in November sparked a popular outcry.

    Many people felt that there were a few names that were left off the team but deserved to be there and were baffled as to why they were not included.

    Chris Hughton is the new manager of the Black Stars, therefore there begins a new era.

    Although Hughton was part of the decision-making regarding the squad announcement, it is believed he will do things differently because the final decision now rests in his bosom now.

    GhanaWeb put together four players who missed out on the World Cup final squad but would be key to Chris Hughton

    Joseph Paintsil

    Joseph Paintsil was dropped from the final squad of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. Ghanaians did not take it lightly because the player was on top form for his club Genk as many believed he deserved a place.

    Paintsil reportedly had his differences with outgone manager Otto Addo and with Chris Hughton taking over, the player could finally get back into the team.

    He is currently the most in-form Ghanaian forward in Europe and could be integral for Hughton.

    Jeffrey Schlupp

    Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp was one of the players whose drop from the final caused a stare.

    Schlupp’s manager vented his anger on social media, implying that his client would not accept any future call-up.

    However, Chris Hughton, who spent all his football career and has spent a chunk of his coaching career in the UK, could reassure Schlupp and lure him back into the squad.

    Schlupp is versatile and would be a great addition to the team.

    Ernest Nuamah

    Ernest Nuamah is a Ghanaian youngster who had a breakthrough in 2022. He made the provisional squad but could not make the final list.

    Nuamah is highly rated and could have his breakthrough under Chris Hughton.

    Ransford-Yeboah

    Hamburger SV winger, Ransford-Yeboah was also one of the big names who could not make the final squad for the World Cup.

    Yeboah switched his nationality to Ghana in June 2022. He was promising in his first few games for Ghana.

    Chris Hughton could count on him as his quality brings a different dimension to the team.

  • We want to make VAR interventions more understandable for spectators – Pierluigi Collina

    We want to make VAR interventions more understandable for spectators – Pierluigi Collina

    Whether a game of football is played at the FIFA World Cup, or on a park pitch anywhere in the world, the Laws of the Game are universal. How are they determined, and who decides them?

    The IFAB (International Football Association Board) is the independent guardian of the Laws of the Game and the only body authorised to decide and agree changes to the Laws of the Game. Listening to the football community, their goal is to improve and develop the game for players, match officials and fans while protecting and strengthening the spirit and simplicity of football.

    At its Annual Business Meeting (ABM) held at Wembley Stadium in London on 18 January 2023, The IFAB followed up on the recommendations made by its Football and Technical Advisory Panels in October 2022. It agreed that referees’ live communication of video assistant referee (VAR) related decisions to the public – both in the stadium and via broadcasters – would be trialled for 12 months in international competitions, and that it would initially be rolled out at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco, which began on 1 February.

    With three matches now played in Rabat and Tangier, we spoke to FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina.

    “We decided to have this trial because we received some requests to make the decision taken by the referee after a VAR intervention more understandable for all the football stakeholders, namely the spectators at the stadium, or in front of the television” he explained.

    “As language could be one of the issues, we thought this FIFA Club World Cup would be perfect because it’s a multi-language competition, with teams and, of course, spectators involved coming from all six of the different continents.”

    The trial is something that global fans of football will certainly consider as an innovation, though in some other sports, the use of such technology to inform fans of decisions by match officials is more common.

    “I have to say that there are other experiences in other sports, namely the NFL in American football, who have been doing this for quite a long time. It seems that the referees are pretty comfortable with this” continued Collina.

    “In football, language could be a problem, particularly when you have to make this announcement in a language which is not your mother tongue. This may not be that easy. But as the announcement will be quite concise, I’m very confident that the referees will feel comfortable with this.”

    The trial will continue through to the final in Rabat on 12 February, with discussions currently ongoing regarding a further trial at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia later this year. Dependent on the outcome of these trails, utilization at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in July and August has not been ruled out. Watch this space.

    The IFAB explained

    The IFAB is comprised of the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) with one vote each, and FIFA, covering the remaining 207 national associations, with four votes. In this way, all five bodies ensure that Laws are preserved respecting football’s traditions as well as its international reality. Passing a motion requires a three-quarters majority.

    In more recent years, the introduction of The Football and Technical Advisory Panels FAP and TAP has included experienced members from the football world, like former players and referees, that support The IFAB’s Technical Subcommittee in the decision-making process. Actual changes to the Laws can only be introduced during the Annual General Meetings (AGM), where the General Assembly formed by the key representatives of the IFAB take part and which are normally held every February or March in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland in rotation, as well as other locations decided by FIFA in years of the FIFA World Cup.

  • Morocco scores major points in bid to host 2025 AFCON

    Morocco scores major points in bid to host 2025 AFCON

    Morocco keeps scoring major points in its bid to host the 2025 AFCON finals after the country passed strict FIFA prerequisite criteria for the organisation of an expanded new-look FIFA World Cup.

    On Wednesday, the North African country became the only country to successfully get the greenlight in the strict FIFA prerequisite criteria specifications on sports, hotel, health and infrastructures that make a country eligible to organise the FIFA World Cup under its new format of an increase from 32 to 48 teams.

    This is not the first time Morocco gets the thumbs up after a Task Force composed of dozens of experts travelled throughout Morocco for several months in 2018 before awarding an above-average score that made the Kingdom’s bid eligible for the 2026 World Cup.

    The news comes just days after George Weah led loud calls from African legends for Morocco to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    The 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains the only African ever to be crowned the best player in the world, is a big admirer of Morocco’s massive investment in football.

    “Liberia fully endorses and supports Morocco’s bid to host Afcon 2025. I have made this commitment to King Mohamed VI. It is cast in stone,” Weah said in a statement released by the Presidency.

    The 56-year-old, whose 18-year glittering career took him to top European clubs, including Monaco, AC Milan and Chelsea, said Morocco was a shining example on and off the field.

    The North African country has one of the best football infrastructures in Africa.

    Stadiums selected to bolster its bid have been approved by FIFA [as part of the bid for the 2026 World Cup] and CAF as part of the qualifications for the FIFA World Cup and the AFCON.

    The Kingdom also has the Mohammed VI Football Complex, one of the best national football centres in the world.

    On the field of play, in the 2019/20 season, four of the eight semi-finalists of the Champions League and Confederations Cup have been from Morroco’s Botola Pro league. Last year, Moroccan clubs won all the CAF competitions.

    Wydad Athletic Club and RS Berkane are the reigning CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup champions, while AS Far won the women’s Champions League.

    Morocco became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their women’s national team finished as runners-up to Banyana Banyana at the Africa Cup of Nations last year.

    Off the field, Morocco, like Weah, recently won praise from legendary former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane for their football development.

    “I don’t know how long it is going to take us, South Africa, to get to where Morocco is in terms of infrastructure and facilities to develop coaches and programmes to develop players,” said Mosimane.

    Former Indomitable Lions international Antoine Bell concurs with Mosimane and Weah that Morocco should host not only AFCON but the World Cup in 2030.

    He went further and called for South Africa to support Morocco’s bid to bring the World Cup to Africa again.

    “South Africa showed the way, and I am confident Morocco will follow suit. The country has international standards, from stadiums to top infrastructure. Morocco can compete with the best in the world,” he said.

    “When South Africa talks on the continent, the rest of the continent listens; hence South Africa needs to support Morocco. South Africa has the experience, and Morocco will use this experience to win the 2026 bid,” added Bell.

    Surprisingly, despite this success on and off the field, Morocco has yet to host an African Cup of Nations since 1988.

  • FIFA to investigate Argentina over World Cup final behaviour

    FIFA to investigate Argentina over World Cup final behaviour

    FIFA says it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina for “offensive behaviour” during the team’s World Cup final triumph in Qatar last month.

    Argentina beat 2018 winners France on penalties to lift the trophy for a third time.

    Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a lewd gesture with his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy after the match, before being filmed in the dressing room mocking French star Kylian Mbappe.

    Mbappe won the FIFA Golden Boot trophy after scoring the most goals in the tournament.

    Football’s world governing body said Argentina had potentially breached rules regarding “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” and “misconduct of players and officials”.

    FIFA is also investigating the Argentinian FA over breaching media and marketing regulations.

    Martinez has also come under criticism from pundits and social media for mocking Mbappe during Argentina’s victory parade in Buenos Aires – where he held a baby doll with the French player’s face plastered on it.

    The Croatian team is also being investigated for potential violations of “discrimination” and “order and security at matches” rules.

    Players appeared to sing a song with fascist connotations following their third-place playoff victory over Morocco.

    Defender Dejan Lovren defended himself and his teammates, recently telling AFP news agency it was “a patriotic song which relates to my country, which means that I love my country”.

  • FIFA mourns Pele

    World football governing body, FIFA has reacted to the death of football great, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as ‘Pelé’.

    In a post on social media, FIFA said this is the day it never wanted to see come to pass.

    The FIFA statement while mourning the passing of Pelé adds that may he rest in peace after joining his ancestors.

    “FIFA and all of the football world is mourning the death of O Eterno Rei – the eternal king. Rest in peace, Pelé. Our thoughts and sympathies are with your family, friends and all who had the joy of watching you play.

    “For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pelé.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement to pay tribute to Pelé.

    FIFA and all of the football world is mourning the death of O Eterno Rei – the eternal king.

    “Rest in peace, Pelé. Our thoughts and sympathies are with your family, friends and all who had the joy of watching you play”.

    Pelé passed away at the hospital on Thursday at the age of 82 after battling cancer for several years.

    In an official statement from the family of Pele, it said, “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele who peacefully passed away today. On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world, and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

    “His message today becomes a legacy for future generations. Love, love. And love

  • African nation will win World Cup if they stop players from representing European countries- Dennis Oliech

    Former Kenya captain Dennis Oliech is confident an African nation will win the FIFA World Cup if they stop their players from playing for European countries.

    Morocco made a huge impression at the 2022 global showpiece after becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the competition, however they lost France who were represented by several African players.

    According to Oliech, Africa must use resources available to keep their players in bid to win the World Cup.


    “Just like our brother Divork Origi plays for Belgium, but comes home to Kisumu and swims in Lake Victoria, speaks sheng, and uses, matatus, these are Africans who are identified in their villages. But in Europe they are working…,” Oliech wrote on his Facebook.

    “It shows one thing… Just like in athletics, and basketball, where black players rule… A well-resourced team of blacks is unbeatable.”

    “Truth be told, England is also following France in this trend… And sooner than later, one team from Africa will have enough resources to maintain their players and stop them from going to Europe… That team will win the World Cup…”

  • Lionel Messi’s Argentina jerseys all sold out globally

    Following the soccer star’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, fans hoping to purchase his official Argentina jersey may be out of luck.

    Adidas announced in a statement to CNN that it has been “working to meet the extraordinary demand for jerseys” and that “more stock will be available soon” after selling out of Messi and Argentina team uniforms globally.

    On Sunday, in one of the most exciting finals in tournament history, Argentina defeated France to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on penalties. Messi, who was competing in his fifth World Cup, scored twice to solidify his status as a football legend.

    Messi’s Adidas jerseys had been sold out even before the game, according to multiple reports. A search on Adidas’ website shows that generic Argentina jerseys are sold out, but there some other team items still available, including a basketball top and T-shirts.

    Argentina's Lionel Messi
    Argentina’s Lionel Messi

    Searches for Messi Argentina jerseys on Amazon also show them sold out. StockX, a popular reseller website, has a few jerseys selling for as much as $500. Messi jerseys from Paris Saint-Germain, his European club, are wildly available online, however.

    Don’t fret though, Adidas (ADDDF) said it will soon unveil new merchandise.

    “Since their history-making win we have produced a range of immediately available celebratory apparel and we will also create a brand new version of their iconic jersey, featuring three stars to mark their third World Championship, for fans around the globe as soon as possible,” the company said.

    The World Cup has been a boon for Adidas’ bottom line. Adidas has sold around $424 million (€400 million) in “event-related sales” in the fourth quarter, with its soccer merchandise growing by 30% in the first nine months in 2022 compared to the year prior. Adidas said it’s also “seeing stronger demand” during this edition of the World Cup compared to the previous tournament.

    Source: CNN

     

     

     

     

  • Argentina defeated France on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup despite Mbappe’s hat-trick

    For the third time, Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in 2022.

    In today’s championship final, the South American nation squared off against France.

    In a game of many goals, Argentina had a two-goal lead at halftime courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the 23rd and 36th minutes respectively.

    While the game appeared to be going the way of the Argentines, Kylian Mbappe turned things around for the French when he converted a penalty kick in the 8th minute.

     

    Just a minute later, the PSG poster boy scored again with a fantastic volley to restore parity for his country.

    With a goal each for Messi and Mbappe in extra time, the contest ended 3-3 at the end of 120 minutes.

    In the shootout, Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero when he made a big stop to deny Kingsley Coman.

    Eventually, Argentina won the shootout 4-2 to be crowned Champions of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    This is the third time Argentina have been crowned champions of the world having conquered the world in 1978 and 1986.

  • World Cup 2022: We’ll attempt to secure third place – Morocco coach Regragui

    Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, has set his eyes on defeating Croatia in the third-place playoff game on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

    The Atlas Lions fell to the defending champions France 2-0, and Zlatko Dalic’s team was soundly defeated by Argentina in their semifinal matchup on Tuesday.

    The two countries have already met at the tournament, playing out a goalless draw in their Group F opener.

    “It will be difficult on a mental level. I will give opportunities to those who did not play and we will try to clinch third place,” Regragui, born in France to Moroccan parents, said.

    “The important thing is that we presented a good look to our team and that football in Morocco is not far from the top level.”

    Morocco made history becoming the first African side to reach the semifinals of a FIFA World Cup, following their 1-0 win over Portugal at the quarter finals.

    Prior to their historic campaign, only Cameroon (in 1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had ever progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals for Africa.

  • World Cup 2022: Having the whole of African behind us is historic – Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana

    Her Excellency Imane Quaadil, the Moroccan ambassador to Ghana, remarked that the support of other African nations made Morocco’s strong performance in the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar all the more noteworthy.

    Following a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the quarterfinals, the Atlas Lions of Morocco became the first African side to go to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup.

    Interviewed on the Happy Sports with Ohene Brenya-Bampoe on Happy98.9 FM, Her Excellency Imane Quaadil reiterated that Morocco’s historic feat comes as a proud moment not only for the country but the rest of the African continent and major parts of the world.

    “I was amazed at how historic this victory was for us in Morocco not just because we became the first African country to qualify for the semis but also huge for our brothers in Africa and the Arab world. We are Africans of course and Arabs and this is the beauty of it and we get to celebrate the victory with so many people around the world. I realized even people from Latin America were with us and cheered with us in through the game,” she shared.

     

    She however confessed that despite the boisterous support, the team is also under pressure to deliver in the subsequent game of the competition.

    “Of course, this also puts a lot of pressure on the team because we have to deliver not only for the Moroccan people but also for Africans and for the Arab world and even Latin America.”

    She continued, “We all saw the joy of the Emery of Qatar cheering Morocco as we won so it was a great joy to see. He was there all the way and also cheering for us and we’re really proud of that. We have also seen on social media so many Presidents of other African countries congratulating His Majesty and all the Moroccan people for this victory and we are very proud of that. There were scenes in the streets of Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Cote D’Ivoire, and everywhere in the world. It’s huge for us.”

    Morocco is set to face France in the semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, as they remain confident of lifting the trophy for the first time in history.

  • It is nauseating – Nyaho-Tamakloe slams NPP MPs who abandoned budget debate for Qatar

    Founding Member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed disappointment over the decision by some ministers and members of the majority caucus in parliament to travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup pending the budget debate.

    According to the NPP stalwart, the absence of the MPs in parliament for the 2023 budget debate who left for Qatar is nauseating considering the current state of affairs in the country.

    “It is so nauseating and irresponsible that MPs who also double as ministers of state chose to travel to Qatar to watch football matches and without a sense of shame, sent images of their presence at matches as supporters.

    “It is worthy of special note that the President of Ecuador politely declined FIFA invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the ongoing world cup, which featured the match between Qatar and Equador; his reason for declining the invitation was simple and responsible – due to pressing national issues in Ecuador,” he shared in a piece published by 3news.com.

    Read the full statement by Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe below:

    It is nauseating – Nyaho-Tamakloe slams NPP MPs who abandoned budget debate for Qatar

    Founding Member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed disappointment over the decision by some ministers and members of the majority caucus in parliament to travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup pending the budget debate.

    According to the NPP stalwart, the absence of the MPs in parliament for the 2023 budget debate who left for Qatar is nauseating considering the current state of affairs in the country.

    ““It is so nauseating and irresponsible that MPs who also double as ministers of state chose to travel to Qatar to watch football matches and without a sense of shame, sent images of their presence at matches as supporters.

    “It is worthy of special note that the President of Ecuador politely declined FIFA invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the ongoing world cup, which featured the match between Qatar and Equador; his reason for declining the invitation was simple and responsible – due to pressing national issues in Ecuador,” he shared in a piece published by 3news.com.

    Read the full statement by Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe below:

    It is nauseating – Nyaho-Tamakloe slams NPP MPs who abandoned budget debate for Qatar

    Founding Member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed disappointment over the decision by some ministers and members of the majority caucus in parliament to travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup pending the budget debate.

    According to the NPP stalwart, the absence of the MPs in parliament for the 2023 budget debate who left for Qatar is nauseating considering the current state of affairs in the country.

    ““It is so nauseating and irresponsible that MPs who also double as ministers of state chose to travel to Qatar to watch football matches and without a sense of shame, sent images of their presence at matches as supporters.

    “It is worthy of special note that the President of Ecuador politely declined FIFA invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the ongoing world cup, which featured the match between Qatar and Equador; his reason for declining the invitation was simple and responsible – due to pressing national issues in Ecuador,” he shared in a piece published by 3news.com.

    Read the full statement by Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe below:

    WITHER GHANA’S PARLIAMENT??

    1) Governance architecture of democracies thoughout history has recognised separation of powers for the sole objective of checks on each arm of government. It is for this reason that framers of Ghana’s 4th Republican Constitution created the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary.

    2) Among these three arms, no one can doubt the pivotal role of Parliament as the most important body in a constitutional democracy where the rule of law is the most important ingredient in the growth and development of the governance system we have given to ourselves as a people after decades of political instability with attendant deterioration in all facets of society.

    3) The unique role of Parliament is underscored by many provisions in the 1992 Constitution. It is Parliament alone that has the sole authority, among other powers to do the following:
    a) enact laws;
    b) approve all appointments of ministers and judges;
    c) approve government’s budget;
    d) approve loans, bonds, taxes and exemptions.

    4) Recent happenings and a sober reflection of the performance of Parliamentarians are a matter of grave concern. Unbriddled partisanship coupled with lack of collective responsibility is undermining and ruining the role of the august body in our governance system. As elected representative of the people, it appears our MPs are at a loss and insensitive to the mood of the nation. The excruciating hardships and state of despondency do not ring alarm bells.

    May we ask our MPs some few key questions. Who approved all the loans and bonds so far taken by this govt? Who approved the reappointment of Ken Ofori Atta in 2021 when it obvious then that he had ruined the economy with his failed policies?

    5) It is shocking to note that in the midst of the crisis facing this country, where leadership of the country is at a loss on what to do, our MPs have also failed to come to the rescue by failing to do their work as overseers of the executive.

    The poor attendance by our elected representatives to debate the 2023 budget and carry on with related statutory functions are a matter for sad commentary.

    It is so nauseating and irresponsible that MPs who also double ministers of state chose to travel to Qatar to watch football matches and without a sense of shame sent images of their presence at matches as supporters.

    It is worthy of special note that the President of Equador politely declined FIFA invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the ongoing world cup, which featured the match between Qatar and Equador; his reason for declining the invitation was simple and responsible – due to pressing national issues in Equador.

    6) Our MPs must be reminded that Parliament is the only governance institution that suffers when there is political upheaval as our recent past has shown. The survival and success of the 4th Republic depend on Parliament.

    The present crop of MPs do not have the mandate of the people to destroy their hopes and aspirations. MPs who cannot cope with this commitment do not have a place in this important institution and must not offer themselves for re-election. Pure and simple. Ghana needs serious and responsible leaders in all segments of governance.

  • Mohammed Kudus open to Premier League move despite Barcelona interest

    Ghana forward, Kudus Mohammed is open to the Premier League despite strong interest from Barcelona.

    The 22-year-old was a delight to watch at the World Cup in Qatar despite Ghana’s early exit.

    Kudus scored two goals and grabbed an assist.

    Barcelona director, Jordi Cruyff confirmed that the Catalan Club have been chasing the Ajax attacker for years.

    “We’ve been tracking Mohammed Kudus for more than one year. We can’t say now that Barça want Kudus,” the Barca Sporting Director told RAC 1, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

    “But he’s attracting interest. He’s scoring goals and in Holland, they discuss a lot about his position, so yes – I know him well.”

    With Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea interested in the promising forward, the former FC Nordsjaelland is open to the Premier League according to reports.

    The report add that Ajax are likely to ask for around £40million to part with their attacking midfielder who scored twice in the World Cup group stage.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Morocco Carries Africa’s Hopes in World Cup Top 16

    Senegal was beaten by England in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. That leaves Morocco as a contender for the quarter-finals. The team plays Spain on December 6, 2022.

    The knock-out phase in Qatar reminds football fans globally of the unmistakable glass ceiling over Africa at football World Cups.


    Despite spicing the tournaments with outstanding and iconic moments, African teams have always fallen short of Brazilian football great Pelé’s assertion that an African team would win the World Cup by 2000.

  • A draw could be good for us but we want to win – Otto Addo on Uruguay clash

    Ghana head coach, Otto Addo, says the Black Stars will be going in for a win against Uruguay eventhough a draw could be enough to them through to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup.

    The Black Stars and Urugauy go head to head on Friday, December 2, with a place in the round of 16 of the competition up for grabs.

    A win over South Korea on Monday means Ghana currently occupies the second soot in Group H with three points, two above both South Korea and Uruguay.

    Addo’s side will advance to the next stage if Ghana draws and South Korea fail to beat Portugal by a two-goal margin, while a win sees the Black Stars also go through regardless the result from the other game.

    However, Addo is keen on victory for the Black Stars rather than playing for a draw.

     

    “The good thing is that, at the end if it’s a draw it is also good for us but we want to win this game,” he told the GFA Media.

    “I’m not thinking too much about revenge because for me it’s just a normal game. Surely I was really sad when I watched the scene in 2010.

    “It was a big chance for Ghana to proceed to the next stage but it happened 12 years ago.”

    The Black Stars final group game is scheduled for Friday, December 2, at the Al Janoub Stadium with kickoff at 3PM.

  • Qatar 2022: You risk going to jail if you resell match tickets – Sports Minister warns Ghana supporters

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has warned that supporters who resell Ghana match tickets could face court action in Qatar.

    According to him, some people are in police custody facing criminal charges for the resale of tickets in the FIFA World Cup.

    “The Police and the various agencies are always at the stadiums monitoring things, we have toiled to get you tickets, we don’t want any of you to go out and sell the tickets we have given you,” Ussif said during a meeting with the supporters at their base Doha, Almadaen Complex.

    Qatar 2022: You risk going to jail if you resell match tickets - Sports Minister warns Ghana supporters

    He revealed that Ghana Mission to Qatar has received evidence of people facing court action, though he did not state categorically if they are Ghanaians.

    “So far, the authorities have arrested some people and taken them to court, they have sent the evidence to the Ambassador, we don’t want anybody to fall into this.

    Rumours emerged last week Thursday that police arrested some football fans for selling match tickets between $200 and $300.

  • Optimistic Cameroon ready to show a different side

    The president of the Cameroon Football Federation Samuel Eto’o took to social media to give his predictions for the FIFA World Cup™ before the tournament kicked off, with the former Indomitable Lions legend saying that Africa would be front and centre and tipping a rather unexpected final between his own Cameroon and Walid Regragui’s Morocco.

    Was this merely a way of provoking a reaction or did he really believe in what he said? Either way, the one-time Barcelona striker captured the boundless optimism and ambition of Cameroon at this World Cup that even a 1-0 opening-match loss to the Swiss has done little to dampen.

    “We’ve got work to do and there are still six points up for grabs,” said a defiant Nicolas Nkoulou after the final whistle against Switzerland. “We’re going to take on board what happened during this game and come back all guns blazing for the remaining matches.”

    Switzerland v Cameroon | Group G | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | HighlightsSwitzerland v Cameroon | Group G | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | Highlights

    Watch the highlights from the match between Switzerland and Cameroon played at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra on Thursday, 24 November 2022.Watch the highlights from the match between Switzerland and Cameroon played at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakra on Thursday, 24 November 2022.

    When they emerged from the team bus at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday, the Cameroon squad were already a tight-knit group, singing, dancing, clapping in rhythm and reminding everyone that the World Cup is first and foremost a celebration of the beautiful game.

    And while they were not celebrating after losing their tournament opener, Cameroon were by far and away the least downhearted of the teams who came up short in their first match. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, for example, was all smiles in the mixed zone. Whilst he was obviously not delighted with the result, he has the necessary lucidity to analyse what had happened.

    Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives to be taken out of the game for Cameroon in their build-up play and he was also magnanimous enough to be happy for his friend Breel Embolo.

    “We wanted to play a high line and press them, win the ball back and get forward quickly,” added team-mate Jean-Pierre Nsame, who was an unused substitute but was already looking ahead as to how to improve his team’s game.

    As they search for their first World Cup win since 2002, Cameroon have an unflagging sense of optimism, and they are one of the rare squads capable of giving off positive vibes even when the going gets tough. Coach Rigobert Song encapsulated this mindset in his post-match press conference, opting to look to the future rather than dwelling on the defeat they had just suffered.

    “The second game’s where we’re going to come into our own, I reckon,” he said of their clash with Serbia on Monday. “I think my players will show a different side to themselves”.

    When they return to the Al Janoub Stadium, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and his fellow Lions will no doubt be as positive and enthusiastic as they were when they got off the bus before the opening match, buoyed by their seemingly never-ending reserves of hope. After all, for decades now on the world’s biggest stage, the Cameroon motto has been ‘never say die’.

     

    Source: fifaplus

  • Former England star Chris Sutton discusses Ghana’s group after opening day fixtures

    Chris Sutton, a former England international, has provided insight on Ghana’s group for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    At the 22nd FIFA World Cup, Ghana has been placed in Group H with South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal.

    In their second group match against South Korea on Monday, the Black Stars will look to shift the narrative after losing to Portugal in their opening match.

    Sutton, a BBC analyst who currently evaluates groups, said of Ghana’s group: “Group H is a group with possibilities offered to all teams.”

    “Group H is a group with possibilities open to all teams.” “This group is not easy to predict. He changed the results several times alone.”

    The 2016 European Champions currently sit top of Group H with three points.

    Meanwhile, the defeat means Ghana are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.

    The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches against South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2, respectively.

  • Akufo-Addo’s 2014 tweet expressing disappointment on Ghana losing a World Cup game pops up

    Ghana has just concluded its first game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup happening in Qatar.

    The game between Ghana and Portugal saw the Cristiano Ronaldo side win controversially with a 3-2 result but that has not taken much away from Ghanaian fans, many of whom have poured out online to express their excitement about the output of the boys.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was also in Qatar to offer support to the boys, tweeted after the game that he was very proud of the team, looking forward to their next games.

    “Gutsy performance by the @GhanaBlackStars in today’s match against Portugal. Very proud of the entire team. They live to fight another day, & have shown they have what it takes to mix it up against any team in the tournament. Looking forward to the next game against South Korea,” he tweeted.

    Just as all these celebrations have been going on, a 2014 tweet from Nana Akufo-Addo, who was at the time still trying to become president, has popped up online.

    In the tweet, he lamented a number of things that were going wrong in the country at the time.

    One of such things he listed in his tweet was the fact that Ghana was yet to get any game-win in the World Cup that was taking place in Brazil.

    “No water, no electricity, no petrol, no money, no jobs, no mercy, no World Cup victory! #Ghana,” his tweet, dated July 7, 2014, said.

    Ghana is currently going through one of its toughest economic times in history, with nearly every sector of the economy struggling.

    See the 2014 tweet by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo below:

  • Baba Rahman reveals what happened when he told Hudson-Odoi to choose Ghana ahead of World Cup

    Chelsea loanee, Abdul Baba Rahman has said that he spoke with Callum Hudson-Odoi on his decision to switch his international eligibility to Ghana ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    The Bayer Leverkusen forward has already played three times for England but the new FIFA rules mean that if those appearances happen before a player is 21, he can switch allegiance.

    Hudson-Odoi, however, turned 22 on November 7, and is looking unlikely he will represent Ghana in the future.

    Speaking to Nizaar Kinsella in an interview, Rahman said, “I spoke with him during the pre-season and it was just a little chant about it but I think at that moment he was still making up his decision.”

    “He wasn’t fully sure what’s going on but when I spoke with him, it was a nice and friendly conversation.”

    “I hope he can make it because he is a great guy since I’ve known him and his qualities will be a great addition to Ghana.”

    Baba Rahman is currently part of the 26 Black Stars players preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

     

  • ‘Pele was talking about Ghana when he said African country will win the world cup’ – Akufo-Addo

    Ghana’s president His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Brazilian legend and world icon Pele was talking about Ghana when he predicted an African country winning the FIFA World Cup.

    According to him Akufo-Addo, Ghana was on the mind of the legend when he was making such remarks a long time ago now.

    “A long time ago, the greatest footballer that has ever lived, the Brazilian, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, said that very soon an African country is going to win the World Cup and I know that, when he said that, he had in mind Ghana,” Akufo-Addo said when he signed the national flag to rally support for the Black Stars as they head to Qatar.

    “All of us know what football means to us in this country and what a very rich history we have in football.

    “History that goes right back to the 50s, and 60s and 70s, 80s and 90s, right up till today; and I’m very confident that the players that have been selected, right up to the excellent technical team that we have under the leadership of Otto Addo, that we are going to give a very good account of ourselves,” he added.

    Ghana will start their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a game against European giant Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

    Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash against the Asian powerhouse South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

    The Black Stars who are making their fourth FIFA appearance will end their group stage campaign with a clash against Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

    No Africa country has ever reached the semi-final of the FIFA Mundial but the Ghana president believes this could be Africans year of breakthrough.

  • Moscow to work with Qatar on stabilising gas market: Putin

    Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is interested in working closely with Qatar to ensure stability in the global gas market during a call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Kremlin said.

    Putin congratulated Qatar on hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which kicks off this weekend.

    FIFA banned Russia, which hosted the previous tournament in 2018, from participating in its competitions earlier this year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Source: Aljazeera.com

  • We don’t really need big players to win World Cup – Former Ghana striker Prince Tagoe

    Former Ghana international Prince Tagoe is confident the Black Stars can win the FIFA World Cup without big name players.

    Black Stars. who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

    “All that we need is, there should be peace, there should be joy.”

    “We don’t really need big players or players that are well known to win the World Cup.

    “It’s sometimes about the love and the spirit and the kind of mindset the players have that will carry us through,” Prince Tagoe told Radio Gold Sports.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

    Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.

  • I only received $40,000 as appearance fees at the 2006 World Cup – Dan Quaye cries

    Former Black Stars defender Dan Quaye has disclosed that his appearance fees at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany were slashed because he was a local player.

    The then Hearts of Oak right-back was among three local players who made Ghana’s final 23-man squad for its maiden World Cup appearance in Germany.

    All players representing Ghana were paid $50,000 as appearance fees for earning a spot in the final 23-man squad but Quaye says that he and other local players were only paid $40,000 which was $10,000 less than their foreign-based counterparts.

    He says officials of the Ghana Football Association nor the Ministry of Sports did not offer any explanation for the cuts on the appearance fees of local-based players.

    Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Happy FM, he disclosed that he fears Danlad Ibrahim and Daniel Afriyie Barnieh may have their bonuses slashed like it happened to them some years ago.

     

    “The only thing they did to disturb us is that we the local players our appearance fees were slashed but the foreign-based players had their monies intact.

    “I got $40,000 out of the $50,000 but the foreign-based players received the full amount of $50,000.

    They didn’t give us any reason why the reduced the money. They are supposed to treat all of us equal. They are professionals and have more money. Same thing happened in 2014. I urge all other local players to be bold and come out.

    “Afriyie Barnie and Ibrahim Danlad will also suffer the same thing. No matter what”, he added.

    Dan Quaye was joined in the Ghana squad by Habib Mohammed then of King Faisal and Kotoko’s Shilla Illiasu as the local players

  • World Cup 2022: Otto Addo hints at Ghana approach to South Korea tie

    Ghana head coach Otto Addo has hinted at the possibility of his team playing more aggressive against South Korea if they lose their opening group game against Portugal at the 20222 FIFA World Cup.

    Black Stars. who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

    ‘The match against Korea will depend on the results of the first match against Portugal,” the 47-year-old said.

    “If we lose, we have to be more aggressive in the South Korean game. The result of Korea’s match against Uruguay is the same.”

    On facing all three opponents at the World Cup, he told FIFA, “We’re going up against three strong opponents and we could lose all three games or win all three. It’s up to us and how we adapt to their playing style, how we stop them, how we work together as a team. We need to play intelligent football, exploit our opponents’ weaknesses and bring our own strengths to the fore.”

     

    Ghana secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

    Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.

    Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.

    Black Stars will take on Switzerland on Thursday in their final preparatory game before jetting to Qatar for the global showpiece.

  • World Cup 2022: Ghana to pull off surprise in Qatar

    Ghana’s trump card in its fourth FIFA World Cup adventure in Qatar is that it has a solid technical team, which is more scientific than superstition. Moreso, the demon that bedevilled the Black Stars’ promising campaign in Brazil 2014 seems to have been exorcised.

    Having relegated the thorny issue of religious beliefs and player bonuses to the background, indications are that the Stars will shine again in Qatar as they did in their first two Mundial outings at Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.

    Even in its worst experience in Brazil due to the infamous appearance fee brouhaha, Ghana did not disgrace itself on the field of play as it exited the tournament with the enviable record of playing the best game of the tournament against the eventual champions, Germany.

    Coincidentally, the man who scouted the Ghanaians for Coach Kwasi Appiah in that rubber match that ended 2-2 in Fortaleza is the current Ghana coach, Otto Addo. Coach Addo, who incidentally was part of Ghana’s debut World Cup squad in his native Germany, has been widely described by pundits as a rookie for good reasons. Apart from tasting the Mundial as both a player and a scout, this will be the first time he will be leading a team to the FIFA World Cup as the main man.

    Surprise element

    Quite contrary to public opinion, this could be the surprise element for Ghana at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Otto’s national team background, coupled with his sensitive role as a transitional coach and a scout in Borussia Dortmund, clearly defines him as a student of the modern game, same as his assistants, George Boateng, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, and the technical director, Chris Hughton.

    These are men of few words who prefer to let their results speak for them.

    For instance, how these four technical brains turned the tide in their favour in the crunch World Cup playoff against a highly-fancied Super Eagles side in March should be enough signal for Ghana’s opponents. Even after the Black Stars’ poor showing against Brazil and Nicaragua, which saw them losing 0-3 and winning 1-0 respectively last September, Coach Addo did not put up a defence but humbly admitted his mistakes and rather saw the setback as a learning curve to help build a more formidable team for the Qatar campaign.

    It is this telepathy among the technical team and consistency in player selection that could still do the trick for Ghana in the tight Group H, which has all three opponents rated high above them. Currently, Portugal, which is considered among the favourites of the tournament, is rated ninth in the FIFA rankings, while Uruguay and South Korea are 14th and 28th respectively. Unfortunately, Ghana is placed 61st, which also makes it the lowest-ranked team in this year’s tournament.

    History

    However, much as statistics play a key role in the modern game, history has also proved that high-ranking teams do not always have their way at the World Cup. A case in point was at Germany 2006 where Ghana shocked better-ranked teams like the Czech Republic and the USA to qualify after losing 0-2 to Italy in the opening group game. Similarly, another surprise package awaited 2014 champions, Germany, who nearly tasted defeated at the hands of Ghana in a tournament which saw them humiliate host nation, Brazil, 7-1 in front of the home fans on their way to winning their fourth world title.

    But for Luis Suarez’s mischief in South Africa 12 years ago, the World Cup narrative would have been different for Ghana and Africa as a whole as the Black Stars ran riot against better-rated opponents such as Serbia and the USA, after drawing 1-1 with Australia in another cagey encounter. This is the rich history the current generation hopes to build on in Qatar. Ghana has the men to cause an upset despite the underdog tag. Despite having adequate preparation time, the team seems to have quality in-depth, with standby players such as Joseph Paintsil, Jeffrey Schlupp, Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena Gyan and others all being potential starters.

    Notwithstanding the hullabaloo surrounding the selection of the final 26-man squad, Coach Addo and his colleagues deserve a pat on the back for their tenacity and focus on the bigger picture. A closer look at Otto Addo’s call-ups since assuming duty in February reveals a consistent trend, which gives little room for outsiders. But for the recent introduction of a few players who switched nationality, the character of the team would not have changed much. However, the inclusion of the likes of Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed Salisu and the rest has not changed the team’s game plan but has rather enriched the 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-1-1 variations with more options to the coaches.

    Player selection

    Combining a strict rule of consistency in national team games, tactical discipline and high performance at the club level, the Stars technical team left no room for compromises, leading to the selection of a compact 26-man team, which they believed could make the nation proud in Qatar. Under the current circumstance, the only exception to the rule might be France-based Salis Abdul Samed and Kamal Sowah of Belgium, whose exceptional performances for their clubs cannot be overlooked.

    Aside from that, Salis’ role as a defensive midfielder is crucial to the Ghana team, the same as Sowah whose presence will beef up the attack, which is the weakest link. Just like the attack, goalkeepers Jojo Wollacott and Richard Ofori are not convincing enough. However, the midfield is rich with talents such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Baba Iddrisu, Salis, Alidu Seidu, Osman Bukari, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, while the defence is equally solid with top performers such as Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, Gideon Mensah, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Joseph Aidoo and Baba Abdul Rahman.

    All other things being equal, the final team to be named by Otto Addo today is expected to be balanced enough to meet the demands of the World Cup. As he confessed after the Brazil test, Otto has learnt their lessons going into the final friendly against Switzerland in Abu-Dhabi on Thursday.

    He is, therefore, expected to make no room for experiments as he did against Brazil but tests his probable line-up for the group opener against Portugal on November 24 in Thursday’s exercise.

    Assistant Coach, Didi Dramani, summed up the Stars’ resolve to excel in Qatar by saying that the team would be ready for the tournament after the game against the Swiss. In that case, Ghanaians will expect to see an inspiring dress rehearsal from the Black Stars on Thursday to raise their hopes for another memorable Mundial experience in the coming weeks.

    The Ghanaian contingent is scheduled to resume camping in Abu Dhabi today to finalise preparations for Switzerland, before flying to Doha on Friday for their fourth World Cup campaign.

    Key Players: Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Inaki Williams Coach: Otto Addo

    Group fixtures:

    November 24: Portugal v Ghana

    November 28: South Korea v Ghana

    December 2: Ghana v Uruguay

  • Stars begin to arrive in Doha as FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 excitement grows globally

    The stars of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup have begun to arrive in Qatar ahead of the first-ever edition of the tournament to be staged in the Middle East and Arab world.

    Among the first players to touchdown in Doha were representatives from the United States of America, with several members of Gregg Berhalter’s Group B aspirants arriving at Hamad International Airport on Thursday evening.

    Like several national team managers, Berhalter announced his squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup this week, naming 26 players on his roster to challenge England, Wales, and Iran throughout the group phase.

    The USA – a co-host of the FIFA World Cup in 2026 – will feature at their 11th FIFA World Cup in 2022, with their best result in the tournament coming in the inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930 when they finished third.

    Jesus Ferreira, Sean Johnson, Aaron Long, Jordan Morris, Walker Zimmerman, Ke llyn Acosta, DeAndre Yedlin, Cristian Roldan and Shaq Moore were among the first batch of FIFA World Cup stars to set foot in Qatar, and they will be joined by hundreds more over the coming days as the 32 participating nations get set to pursue world football’s greatest prize.

    Berhalter cannot wait for USA’s FIFA World Cup quest to commence.

    “We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete. We are extremely proud and honoured to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans in Qatar,” he said.

    Berhalter and the USA can expect rousing support in Doha. Behind Qatar, residents from the USA have purchased the most tickets for the tournament.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the football world had been thrilled over the past week, watching on as coaches revealed their squads to contest world football’s biggest event.

    “Seeing players touchdown in D oha, the coaches announcing their squads, and the players reacting with such natural and unbridled emotions as they discovered that they will have the chance to shine at the greatest show on earth has excited the football world,” Infantino said.

    “Like many around the world, I have been moved by the amazing stories and achievements of players who have beat the odds during their journey to be selected to play at this FIFA World Cup. Their reactions and excitement reminds us what the FIFA World Cup represents to billions of people and how football unites the world.”

    Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Chairman, FIFA World Cup 2022™ LLC, added: “We are excited to welcome the first players, coaches and staff to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We look forward to the players and fans enjoying everything Qatar has to offer during the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.”

    “We also look forward to welcoming the remaining teams who will be arriving in Qatar in the coming days, as well as their many supporters, for what will be a vibrant celebration of the beautiful game.”

    Source: Fifa

  • Felix Afena-Gyan to start for Cremonese against AC Milan on Tuesday

    Defending Serie A winners, AC Milan, will be the opponent for Ghanaian forward Felix Afena Ohene-second Gyan’s league start since joining US Cremonese on Tuesday.

    Afena Gyan, who was just included in Ghana’s 55-man preliminary World Cup squad, will begin against the Italian powerhouses to finish off an outstanding week.

    The Ghanaian has played six Serie A games for Cremonese but has only started one of them; their 1-1 draw at Atalanta.

    Sources close to the club state that Cremonese boss, Massimiliano Alvini, who had been gradually easing Gyan into his team, is finally convinced that the player has settled at the club and understands their philosophy.

    Cremonese are currently 18th in Serie A, three points behind Spezia in 17th.

     

    Afena Gyan is expected to named in the final Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which kicks off later this month.

    Black Stars have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

  • FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket sales reach 2.45 million

    With less than 14 days to go until the start of the greatest show on Earth, more than 2.45 million tickets have now been sold. The first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East and Arab world will kick off on 20 November, bringing fans from the region and across the world together in a compact and modern setting, with Qatar, the USA, England, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the UAE, France, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany leading the ranking of ticket sales by country of residence.

    In the last sales period alone, which ran from 5 July to 16 August when fans were able to buy tickets on a first-come, first-served basis via FIFA.com/tickets, a total of 520,532 tickets were sold. The biggest number of allocated tickets were for group-stage matches such as Cameroon v. Brazil, Brazil v. Serbia, Portugal v. Uruguay, Costa Rica v. Germany, and Australia v. Denmark. Fans living in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Mexico, the UAE, England, Argentina, Brazil, Wales, and Australia led the way – and the digital queues – by securing the biggest number of tickets.

    Fans who now hold confirmation for one or more matches in their FIFA ticketing account are encouraged to start planning their trip as soon as possible by booking their accommodation if living outside of Qatar, and by applying for their Hayya (the Fan ID for the tournament) via qatar2022.qa or the ‘Hayya to Qatar 2022’ app (available on iOS and Android). An approved Hayya application, alongside a valid match ticket, will grant spectators access to stadiums, provide entry to Qatar for international fans, and offer free public transport on matchdays, along with a host of other benefits.

     

    Those who have not yet secured their seats, or those who would simply like to take advantage of Qatar’s compact nature by adding more matches to their program, should keep an eye on FIFA.com/tickets from late September onwards when the launch date of the last-minute sales phase will be communicated. During the last-minute sales phase, which will run until the end of the tournament, tickets will also be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and confirmed immediately after payment. FIFA.com/tickets is the only official channel for the general public to buy tickets, with fans urged to stay away from unauthorized websites. Over-the-counter sales will also start in Doha following the launch of the last-minute sales phase.

    Source: Footballghana

  • 2022 World Cup: GFA seals $2 million sponsorship deal with MTN for Black Stars

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced MTN Ghana as the headline sponsor for the Black Stars ahead 2022 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

    The event to officially unveil the telecommunication company happened on Thursday, November 3, at the GFA Secretariat.

    Selorm Adadevoh, the CEO of MTN Ghana, announced during a brief ceremony that the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was key in sealing the $2 million sponsorship deal.

    “Today was made possible, starting by a meeting with the Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, our Senior Vice President for Market, Mr Ebenezer Asante and H. E. the President, to discuss the sponsorship that we celebrate today,” he said.

    During his trip to New York for the 77th UNGA in September, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had a courtesy visit from the MTN Group delegation at his hotel. Akufo-Addo urged the delegation of the group to assist the SBlack Stars’ World Cup preparations during their meeting with him.

    In his address, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, acknowledged MTN’s contribution to sports development and thanked them for investing in sports.

    He also added, “as the sector Minister, I can assure you that my Ministry is the custodian of every penny for the National teams, and just like every other corporate support we continue to receive, the funds will be used judiciously.”

    The FA President, Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku, recognised MTN as the Association’s longest-standing partner. He praised the network provider for the numerous partnerships the association has had with them.

    Source:myjoyonline

     

     

  • Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu in action as Southampton suffer defeat to Crystal Palace

    Ghana international Mohammed Salisu featured for Southampton in their 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Saturday.

    Salisu played full throttle and put an impressive performance but it was not enough as the Saints lost at Selhurst Park.

    The 22-year-old was shown a yellow card in the 40th minute after blocking off Odsonne Edouardo’s run.

    Edouard scored the only goal of the game when Ivory Coast winger Wilfried Zaha nipped the ball away from Lyanco and found Tyrick Mitchell, who cut back to set up a simple finish for Edouard.

    Southampton improved significantly in the second half and were unlucky not to find an equaliser as Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong both went close and Palace nervously held on to the three points.

    The defeat ends a run of three Premier League matches unbeaten for Southampton, who held then league-leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw last week.

    Salisu has made 12 league appearances for Southampton so far this season.

    He is expected to be named in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Source: Footballghana

  • 2022 World Cup: Winning bonus scrapped, Black Stars players to be paid qualification bonus

    Akwasi Agyemang, vice chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, has announced that winning incentive payments will not be made for the 2022 World Cup.

    Akwasi Agyemang claims that despite being in a group where many do not think they have a chance of surviving, the players have agreed to only accept qualification bonuses and not winning bonuses.

    “We have discussed qualifying incentives with the players in a number of meetings.
    The participants concurred since we borrowed a page from our forerunners.

    “We explained to the players that the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Finance provide the funding, not the management committee.”

    “The players are now aware of what they are entitled to but funding is another issue, which is why President Nana Akufo-Addo organized the fundraiser to get some money from Corporate Ghana for the team”, he said in an interview with Happy FM.

    The Black Stars will begin their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign against Portugal on Thursday, November 24, at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.