Ghana Sports News

The latest Ghana sports news: the Black Stars, the Ghana Premier League, boxing, athletics, and the stories fans are following. Curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

Jack Moylan
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Republic of Ireland Secure Clinical 3-0 Victory Over Israel Amidst Symbolic On-Pitch Protest

The Republic of Ireland’s national football team combined a decisive on-pitch performance with a strong political statement during their UEFA Nations League Group B3 encounter against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary. The Irish side secured a commanding 3-0 victory, marking a significant milestone in their campaign. However, the match was equally defined by the squad's coordinated protest regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, a move that head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson praised for its role in raising awareness on a global scale. On the field, Ireland effectively settled the contest in the first half with an aggressive three-goal blitz. Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Jack Moylan all found the net before the interval, capitalizing on clinical finishing to stun the Israeli defense. Despite a more determined effort from Israel in the second half, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher maintained a clean sheet with several key interventions, ensuring the Irish team walked away with all three points and a boost in the group standings. The sporting achievement followed a period of intense internal deliberation within the Irish camp. Ahead of the fixture, the squad held a vote on whether to participate, ultimately deciding to play while utilizing the match as a platform for symbolic protest. The players notably abstained from customary pre-match handshakes and rituals, wore black armbands to honor lives lost in the conflict, and bowed their heads during the playing of the Israeli national anthem. These actions followed the high-profile withdrawal of some players, including goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who opted out of the game entirely due to moral objections. Following the final whistle, Coach Hallgrimsson reiterated his support for his players' stance, emphasizing the significance of their actions amidst heightened global scrutiny. The victory provides a positive momentum shift for Ireland as they prepare for their next match against Austria on Thursday. Meanwhile, Israel is scheduled to face Kosovo in their next fixture, as the team continues to navigate the complexities of playing international matches at neutral venues against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical tensions.

Ghana’s Black Maidens Secure Second Place in WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup with Dominant Win Over Côte d'Ivoire
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Ghana’s Black Maidens Secure Second Place in WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup with Dominant Win Over Côte d'Ivoire

Ghana’s national U-17 women’s football team, the Black Maidens, concluded their WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over tournament hosts Côte d'Ivoire. The win, which showcased Ghana's technical superiority and offensive depth, allowed the team to secure a respectable second-place finish in the regional competition. The performance capped off a strong tournament run that reaffirmed Ghana's standing as a powerhouse in West African youth football. The Maidens took early control of the match, breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute when Seidatu Wahab successfully converted a penalty. Maintaining their aggressive pace, the Ghanaian side doubled their lead in the 32nd minute through a clinical strike by Gloria Ameaa. Ghana’s dominance remained unchallenged throughout the encounter, and the scoring was eventually completed in the 86th minute by Cynthia Obinsrewuo, who capitalized on the tiring Ivorian defense to seal the comprehensive result. Under the tactical guidance of head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa, the Black Maidens demonstrated a high level of consistency throughout the tournament, recording four victories out of their five fixtures. Despite their strong overall performance, a prior defeat to Nigeria proved to be the decisive factor in the title race. Nigeria finished as the tournament champions, maintaining a perfect winning streak and ending the competition just three points ahead of the Ghanaian side. While the team fell short of the gold medal, their second-place finish highlights the ongoing strength of Ghana's developmental women's football programs. The emergence of key talents such as Wahab and Ameaa during this regional showcase provides a positive outlook for the Black Maidens as they look toward future continental qualifiers and international assignments. The performance in Côte d'Ivoire serves as a critical building block for the squad as they aim to return to the global stage in upcoming cycles.

PKO Boxing Records Clean Sweep at Odwira Festival as Mohammed and Commodore Secure Victories
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PKO Boxing Records Clean Sweep at Odwira Festival as Mohammed and Commodore Secure Victories

PKO Boxing recorded a dominant performance at the recent Odwira Festival in Akropong, Eastern Region, as all three of its featured fighters secured decisive victories. The event, which integrated high-stakes sports into the traditional festivities, saw the boxing stable achieve a clean sweep, much to the delight of the local spectators. The victories underscore the growing talent within the PKO camp and highlight the effective preparation of the athletes ahead of the festival's competitive lineup. In the professional ranks, lightweight contender Hamza Mohammed delivered a standout performance by knocking out John Oblitey Commey in the third round. This victory marks the second professional win for Mohammed, who continues to demonstrate his power and technical growth in the ring. Following suit in the welterweight division, Joseph 'The Humble' Commodore secured his own second professional win with a clinical display against Sannie Kugbley. Commodore ended the contest in the second round via a technical knockout, reinforcing his reputation as a rising prospect in the division. The success of the evening was rounded off by juvenile boxer Rahman Lokko, whose victory ensured that PKO Boxing remained undefeated throughout the event. Lokko’s performance provided a glimpse into the future of the stable, demonstrating that the developmental pipeline for young boxers is yielding positive results. The collective triumph of the team served as a testament to their rigorous training regimen and the strategic coaching provided to both the professional and juvenile fighters. These victories are expected to provide a significant psychological and professional boost for the PKO Boxing roster as they look toward more prominent fixtures in the boxing calendar. By successfully navigating the pressure of performing at a major cultural event like the Odwira Festival, the fighters have not only improved their professional records but also enhanced their visibility within the Ghanaian boxing community. Moving forward, the stable aims to build on this momentum to secure more high-profile opportunities for its emerging stars.

Ayitey Powers Details 'Painful' Remand Experience and Financial Struggles Following Allegations of Threatening NSA Boss
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Ayitey Powers Details 'Painful' Remand Experience and Financial Struggles Following Allegations of Threatening NSA Boss

Former Ghanaian professional boxer Ayitey Powers has broken his silence regarding a harrowing experience in remand following allegations that he threatened the life of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The veteran fighter, known for his high-profile international career, described his time in detention as emotionally and physically degrading. Powers lamented the conditions of his incarceration, claiming that he was "treated like an animal" and expressing that the psychological pressure was so intense that, without his faith, he likely would have lost his sanity. Reflecting on the toll the legal situation has taken on his mental well-being, Powers stated, "If not for God, I would have come out mad." The boxer’s emotional account highlights a significant personal crisis as he navigates the legal fallout from the alleged threats against the NSA Director-General. While the specifics of the threat were not detailed in the accounts, the impact of the resulting detention has clearly left the former sportsman in a state of distress, struggling to reconcile his past international success with his current legal predicament. In addition to his legal troubles, Powers opened up about a dire financial situation that has left him unable to cover basic expenses, including an outstanding medical bill of GH"1,000 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). He attributed much of his financial instability to his foray into boxing promotion. Despite his global recognition and the earnings from his professional fighting days, Powers revealed that heavy investments in the promotional side of the sport did not yield the expected returns, leading to significant personal debt and economic hardship. The plight of Ayitey Powers underscores the challenges faced by many former athletes who struggle to maintain financial security after retiring from active competition. His transition into boxing promotion, intended to contribute back to the sport, has instead become a source of financial ruin. As the case involving the NSA Director-General unfolds, Powers' situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of fame and the need for better financial and psychological support systems for Ghana's sporting icons as they transition out of the ring.

Manchester City Leadership Defiant Following Premier League Financial Rule Verdict
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Manchester City Leadership Defiant Following Premier League Financial Rule Verdict

Manchester City has been found guilty of numerous financial rule breaches by the Premier League following a multi-year investigation into the club's fiscal conduct. The charges, which span the period from 2009 to 2018, include allegations of inflated sponsorship revenues, off-the-books payments, and the use of "double contracts" for staff. Despite the verdict from an independent panel, the club's hierarchy has maintained a staunchly defiant position. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano have both expressed confidence that the club will eventually prove its innocence through an appeal, with Al Mubarak reassuring fans that the legal process remains ongoing and emphasizing the need for confidentiality during this period. Speaking at a board meeting in Copenhagen ahead of a European Football Clubs general assembly, CEO Ferran Soriano asserted that the team has been wrongly accused and treated unfairly. The chairman, Al Mubarak, described the situation as an attempt to undermine the progress the club has made over the last decade—a timeframe in which City secured three Premier League titles. While the club prepares its legal defense, the potential consequences of the guilty verdict are severe. Experts suggest that sanctions could range from significant financial penalties and points deductions to the unprecedented step of expulsion from the Premier League. The controversy has already begun to cast a shadow over the broader football landscape, including the international arena. England manager Thomas Tuchel recently questioned whether the off-field turmoil contributed to "uncharacteristic mistakes" by City players during England's 3-2 loss to Spain at Wembley. However, England captain Harry Kane has downplayed these concerns, stating that players are capable of separating club legal issues from their international responsibilities. Meanwhile, former City manager Roberto Mancini has distanced himself from the investigation, stating that allegations regarding financial discrepancies during his tenure are not his concern. As the case moves toward an appeal, the implications for English football could be transformative. Former Liverpool executive Christian Purslow warned that the resolution of this case may trigger compensation claims from rival clubs who feel they were disadvantaged during the period of the rule breaches. While the UK Culture Secretary has urged a swift conclusion to the matter to ensure stability within the league, the complexity of the legal battle suggests that a final resolution may still be some time away, leaving the future of the reigning champions in a state of high-stakes uncertainty.

Ghana’s Black Challenge Squad Unveiled for 2026 Amputee World Cup with $500,000 Gold Fields Pledge
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Ghana’s Black Challenge Squad Unveiled for 2026 Amputee World Cup with $500,000 Gold Fields Pledge

The Ghana Paralympic Committee (NPC) has officially unveiled the Black Challenge squad for the 2026 Amputee World Cup, scheduled to take place in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. The unveiling ceremony, held at the ESP Hotel in Accra, signals the start of the national amputee football team's quest for global glory. During the event, Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams joined National Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen to present the athletes who will represent the nation on the world stage from November 13 to 22, 2026. Central to the team's preparations is a significant financial boost from Gold Fields, which has pledged $500,000 to support the Black Challenge. Minister Kofi Adams highlighted that $250,000 of this amount is specifically allocated for the team's immediate preparations. Adams used the occasion to call on other corporate entities in Ghana to follow this example, emphasizing that the success of the team depends on robust public-private partnerships. This funding is expected to cover critical logistical needs and ensure the athletes have the resources required to compete at the highest level. To further motivate the squad, Samson Deen introduced the "Target the Podium Initiative." Under this scheme, each player is set to receive GH₵10,000, while officials will receive GH₵5,000, provided the team meets specific performance targets during the tournament. Deen underscored the importance of discipline and rigorous preparation as the foundation for success. As part of their intensive training regimen, the Black Challenge will travel to Turkey next month for a specialized training camp, providing the players with international exposure and high-quality facilities before they head to Mexico. The 2026 Amputee World Cup represents a significant opportunity for Ghana to showcase its prowess in disability sports. The structured support from the NPC and the government, combined with the "Target the Podium" incentives, reflects a strategic shift toward more professionalized management of the amputee national team. As the players prepare for their stint in Turkey, the nation's expectations are high for a team that has historically shown resilience and talent on the pitch, now backed by the necessary financial and institutional support to aim for a world title.

Carlos Queiroz Demands Results as Injury-Hit Black Stars Prepare for Vital AFCON 2027 Qualifier Against The Gambia
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Carlos Queiroz Demands Results as Injury-Hit Black Stars Prepare for Vital AFCON 2027 Qualifier Against The Gambia

The Black Stars of Ghana are under intense pressure to secure their first points in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign as they prepare to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Following a disappointing 2-0 opening defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, where goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié left Ghana at the bottom of Group C, head coach Carlos Queiroz has emphasized that tangible results are the only measure of success. Queiroz, who was recently reinstated as the permanent head coach after a temporary stint during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, faces a mounting challenge as he seeks only his second win in seven matches under his leadership. Preparation for the crucial encounter has been hampered by a growing injury list, most notably the withdrawal of key defender Alexander Djiku. Djiku sustained an injury during the previous clash with Côte d’Ivoire and has returned to his club for further treatment. His absence compounds the challenges for Queiroz, who is already navigating the qualifier without star attackers Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo. Despite these setbacks, the coach has remained defiant, urging fans to support the players who are present rather than focusing on those missing. "If you’re coming to complain about absent players, it’s better to stay home," Queiroz stated during a pre-match briefing, stressing that the current squad needs uplifting support to overcome their recent slump of just one win in 11 games. Queiroz has also used the buildup to the Gambia match to articulate a long-term vision for the national team, focusing on a strategic rebuild that favors consistency over frequent squad overhauls. He argued that championship-winning teams cannot be built if the call-ups change every window, highlighting his goal of creating a core group capable of sustained success leading into the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Dismissing questions regarding the specifics of his contract with the Ghana Football Association, Queiroz asserted that he is in Ghana to serve the team rather than discuss personal terms, famously noting that "the god of football is results." As the team heads into their final mandatory training sessions on September 28, 2026, Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf has been confirmed to officiate the match scheduled for the following day. He will be assisted by a continental crew including Lahsen Azgaou and Tunisians Yassine Saadaoui and Amir Loucif. For a Ghanaian side that failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the stakes could not be higher. A victory against the Scorpions of The Gambia is seen as essential not only for their 2027 qualification hopes but also to restore public confidence in Queiroz’s rebuilding project.

A professional portrait of Eric Tinkler, the former coach of Asante Kotoko, wearing the club's official red polo shirt with a black collar. He is featured against a solid grey background, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.
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Asante Kotoko Parts Ways with Head Coach Eric Tinkler After Short-Lived Tenure

Asante Kotoko has officially announced the departure of head coach Eric Tinkler, concluding a brief stint that lasted only two months and four matches into the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. The Kumasi-based club confirmed on September 28, 2026, that it had agreed to Tinkler’s request for an immediate contract release citing personal reasons. The decision followed a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to 10-man Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium, which marked the South African manager's first league loss since his appointment in July. During his brief tenure, Tinkler oversaw a league record of one win, two draws, and one defeat, leaving the Porcupine Warriors in ninth place on the league table. Despite the early exit from the league campaign, Tinkler’s time in Kumasi was highlighted by securing the 2026 Democracy Cup with a victory over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. The club's Board of Directors reportedly held discussions with the former Orlando Pirates coach in an attempt to retain him, but they ultimately chose to respect his decision to move on after he expressed a firm desire to leave. While the official club statement emphasized personal reasons for the departure, some reports suggest Tinkler may have received interest from other clubs. Football analyst Kojo Addae Mensah provided another perspective, stating he was not surprised by the resignation. Addae Mensah speculated that Tinkler likely experienced "cultural shock" transitioning from South Africa’s advanced football infrastructure to Ghana’s standards, noting that even primary school pitches in South Africa often surpass the quality of some professional surfaces in the Ghana Premier League. In the wake of Tinkler's exit, the technical team will now operate under the direction of Stanley Purl Menzo, the club’s Director of Football. The transition comes at a critical juncture as the team prepares for its next league fixture against Karela United, scheduled for October 1 at the Baba Yara Stadium. Despite the sudden coaching change, the club management has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving its seasonal objectives and maintaining focus on their upcoming domestic challenges.

Ayitey Powers Opens Up About Early Educational Struggles and Class Six Exit
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Ayitey Powers Opens Up About Early Educational Struggles and Class Six Exit

Renowned Ghanaian boxer Michael Ayitey Okine, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, has shared a candid reflection on his early life, revealing that he terminated his formal schooling as early as Class Six. In a recent disclosure, the veteran pugilist explained that his departure from the classroom was primarily due to significant academic challenges. Despite his best efforts at the time, the structured environment of formal education did not align with his personal aptitudes, leading to an early exit that would eventually pave the way for his career in the boxing ring. This decision came in spite of the strong support system provided by his family. Powers noted that his father was a firm believer in the power of education and invested heavily in his schooling, hoping to secure a bright professional future for his son. However, the boxer admitted that the expected academic results never materialized, regardless of the financial and emotional investments made. The disconnect between his father's high expectations and his own performance in the classroom became a defining struggle of his youth, ultimately resulting in his withdrawal from the school system. Powers’ story highlights the diverse paths to success and the reality that traditional academic structures are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every individual. While he may have struggled with textbooks and examinations, he found a different form of expression and success through professional boxing. His rise to fame in the Ghanaian sports scene, characterized by high-profile bouts and a charismatic public persona, demonstrates how he was able to pivot from his early academic setbacks to become a recognizable figure in the national consciousness. As he reflects on his journey today, Ayitey Powers’ openness provides a nuanced perspective on the importance of recognizing individual talents. His narrative serves as a reminder to parents and educators about the complexities of student development and the various ways achievement can be measured outside of a classroom. While his formal education ended prematurely, his enduring presence in the world of sports continues to make him a subject of public interest and a testament to resilience in the face of unconventional beginnings.

MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah Labels Kurt Okraku as Worst GFA President in History
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MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah Labels Kurt Okraku as Worst GFA President in History

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, a prominent member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has launched a scathing critique of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) leadership, describing current President Kurt Okraku as the least effective leader in the association's history. The lawmaker’s remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding the governing body's handling of national football affairs and the general trajectory of the sport across the country. By labeling Okraku as the "worst-performing President" in the history of the GFA, Assafuah has amplified the discourse surrounding the current state of Ghana's most popular sport. Regarding the specifics of his grievance, Assafuah emphasized that his concerns are rooted in what he perceives as fundamentally poor management of football activities at all levels in Ghana. As a member of the legislative committee tasked with the direct oversight of sports development, Assafuah’s public denouncement carries significant weight, signaling deep-seated dissatisfaction within the government’s sporting oversight body. The critique suggests that the administrative failures under the current leadership have reached a point where parliamentary intervention or public condemnation is now deemed necessary by key legislative members. This high-level criticism adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for greater accountability, transparency, and reform within the GFA. With Ghana’s footballing infrastructure and the performance of various national teams under constant public debate, Assafuah’s comments underscore a period of intense pressure for Kurt Okraku and his executive committee. Whether this legislative disapproval will translate into formal inquiries, policy shifts, or structural changes within the GFA remains to be seen, but it clearly highlights a widening rift between the association’s leadership and the parliamentary stakeholders responsible for the nation's sporting future.

Huan and Mateo Clinch Boys' Doubles Title at ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J60 in Accra
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Huan and Mateo Clinch Boys' Doubles Title at ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J60 in Accra

The international junior tennis circuit recently turned its spotlight on Accra as the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J60 tournament concluded its doubles categories. In a display of rising talent and competitive spirit, the duo of Huan and Mateo emerged victorious in the boys’ doubles division, clinching the title and solidifying their standing in the junior rankings. The event, hosted in Ghana's capital, brought together promising young athletes from various backgrounds, reinforcing the country's growing reputation as a hub for developmental sports on the continent. The girls' doubles category saw an equally intense battle for supremacy, with the pairing of Fennis and Kolesova claiming the championship. They faced off against Nigeria’s duo of Yakubu and Ogunjobi in a match that tested both skill and temperament. Fennis and Kolesova managed to edge out their Nigerian counterparts with a controlled performance, finishing the match with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3. This victory underscores the high level of competition present in the junior circuit, as these young players vie for critical ranking points and international exposure. This successful tournament was made possible through a strategic collaboration between Tennis Foundation Ghana and the Ghana Tennis Federation. By partnering to host these international events, both organizations are working to provide local and international junior players with a platform to showcase their abilities under the professional standards of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Such initiatives are crucial for the development of tennis in the West African sub-region, offering athletes the chance to compete at a high level without the extensive travel costs often associated with the global tour. As the J60 tournament concludes, the momentum in Accra's tennis scene is set to continue. Organizers have confirmed that a J100 tournament—a higher-tier event on the ITF junior calendar—is scheduled to follow immediately, running from September 28 to October 3. This progression from J60 to J100 status reflects a concerted effort to raise the competitive bar in Ghana, providing even greater opportunities for elite juniors to test their mettle on the world stage and potentially transition to the professional ranks.

Accra Academy Dominates Prempeh College to Defend ODADEƐ ’90 5-a-side Football Title
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Accra Academy Dominates Prempeh College to Defend ODADEƐ ’90 5-a-side Football Title

Accra Academy has successfully defended its championship title in the ODADEƐ ’90 5-a-side football tournament, delivering a commanding performance in the final against Prempeh College. Playing on their home grounds at the Accra Academy AstroTurf park, the hosts secured a decisive 4-0 victory to cement their status as the premier team in the competition. This win marks the second consecutive title for Accra Academy, following their triumph in the tournament’s inaugural edition held last year. The tournament featured seven schools competing in a spirit of friendly but intense rivalry. Beyond the action on the pitch, the event served as a vital platform for alumni to reconnect through football and shared social activities. Captain Amos Jkieh, leading the victorious Accra Academy side, expressed immense pride in the team's tactical discipline and signaled their clear intent to pursue a third consecutive title in the next edition. Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, an attendee at the event, highlighted the broader importance of the tournament, emphasizing its role in fostering lifelong friendships and strengthening the network of former students across the country. Looking ahead, the ODADEƐ ’90 tournament is set to expand its footprint by moving the competition to the Ashanti Region for its next iteration. The upcoming tournament will be hosted in Kumasi, with Opoku Ware School and Prempeh College serving as joint hosts. This shift reflects the organizers' commitment to rotating the venue among participating schools to ensure the continued growth and national reach of the alumni sporting tradition.