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Sports Minister Kofi Adams: “Black Stars players are more than committed.”

Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reiterated the dedication of the Black Stars players, even though they will not participate in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars players have brought back national pride by achieving qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in North America. Concerns have been raised regarding the team’s lackluster performances in major tournaments.

Many football fans have criticized the players’ dedication after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in over two decades.

However, Kofi Adams has defended the players, asserting that they are committed to representing their country despite the recent challenges.

Black Stars players more than committed – Sports Minister Kofi Adams

“The players of the Black Stars are fully dedicated. I mentioned that I had hoped we could have qualified for the AFCON to test our strengths. This dedication goes beyond just preparing the players; we want to get them ready and give Ghanaians a chance to experience what the team can deliver.”

With regards to preparations, camping and others, Kofi Adams said, “We’ve had conversation with the FA and we know what we want to do, which will involve the generality of Ghanaians also.”

Channel 4 secures a groundbreaking agreement to broadcast AFCON 2025 free of charge in the UK.

The Confederation of African Football has made a significant agreement with Channel 4, granting the UK broadcaster exclusive rights to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON 2025).

This agreement represents the first instance that the tournament will be offered free-to-air in the UK, allowing millions of viewers to experience Africa’s premier football event.

With Channel 4 securing the rights, every one of the 52 matches will be streamed live across its various platforms.

The coverage will be available on Channel 4, as well as E4, 4Seven, Channel 4 Streaming, and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.

The competition is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, featuring 24 nations competing in nine stadiums across Morocco.

Channel 4 lands historic deal to show AFCON 2025 free-to-air in the UK

CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba referred to this collaboration as a significant achievement for African football.

“The partnership between CAF and Channel 4 is groundbreaking in numerous respects,” he stated.

The tournament will showcase a notable presence from the Premier League, spearheaded by Egyptian players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Egypt, the competition’s most successful nation, face Zimbabwe on 22 December and South Africa on 26 December.

Other Premier League players set to feature include Manchester United trio Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, along with Everton pair Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye.

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to represent Nigeria, while West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is in line to appear for DR Congo.

The agreement was finalised with IMG, CAF’s international media rights and sponsorship partner, supporting the deal.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have formed a new strategic alliance aimed at enhancing coach development, sharing best practices, and exploring future collaborative opportunities in football between the two countries.

As part of this partnership, Ghanaian coaches will gain access to the FAW’s esteemed coach education system. A group of promising coaches selected through the Ghana national program will travel to Wales in 2026 to embark on their development journey, contributing to the sustained growth of football in Ghana.

A senior delegation from the GFA, headed by President Kurt Okraku, recently visited the FAW’s headquarters in Hensol to meet with FAW CEO Noel Mooney and Chief Football Officer Dr. David Adams. The discussions centered on mutually beneficial areas, including potential youth and senior international matches between Cymru and Ghana, who have recently secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

FAW CEO Noel Mooney expressed: “We are thrilled to forge this partnership with the Ghana Football Association. Collaborative efforts like this offer valuable chances to exchange ideas and support the ongoing advancement of football globally.”

FAW Chief Football Officer Dr. David Adams remarked: “This partnership demonstrates the FAW’s increasing prominence on the international stage. It will provide our young male and female players the opportunity to experience football outside of Europe, introducing diversity and challenge as we work towards consistent qualification for major tournaments. Simultaneously, it allows us to impart knowledge to a successful African footballing nation and learn from their strategies.”

GFA President Kurt Okraku was equally enthusiastic about the opportunities this strategic partnership would present, stating: “This partnership signifies another crucial milestone in our quest to create a stronger, smarter, and more globally integrated Ghanaian football scene. We are excited to deepen our ties with the Football Association of Wales, an organization renowned for its dedication to excellence in coach education.

The chance for our skilled coaches to benefit from this environment will have a direct positive impact on player development in our country and ultimately strengthen our national teams at all levels.”

The conversations held between the GFA and the FAW reflect a shared conviction that football flourishes when associations learn from one another, share ideas, and provide players the opportunity to experience different playing styles. Both associations concurred that this collaboration was timely and would benefit both sides, thereby enriching the football cultures in Ghana and Wales.

Black Queens put up spirited performance but fall to Lioness of England in friendly

The Lionesses of England concluded 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens in an international friendly held at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on Tuesday. Lucia Kendall netted her inaugural senior international goal in the 6th minute, while Alessia Russo confirmed the win with a penalty in the 95th minute.

This match was the first encounter between the two countries, and England showcased dominant possession and created numerous scoring chances.

With this win, England remains unbeaten against African teams, their last defeat occurring back in 2004 with a 3-0 loss to Nigeria.

Ghana’s coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren selected goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Fiindib to start, with captain Portia Boakye and Susan Ama Duah forming the defensive line.

Black Queens fall to Lionesses of England in friendly 2-0

Benedicte Simon made her debut for the Black Queens, joining the backline for her first match representing Ghana alongside Comfort Yeboah, Portia Boakye, and Susan Duah.

The midfield featured the industrious trio of Jennifer Cudjoe, Stella Nyamekye and Grace Asantewaa as Alice Kusi, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Doris Boaduwaa played upfront.

Kendall’s goal was her first senior international goal, and she expressed her joy, saying, “It felt like it was written for me to score today… It was a really special moment for me.”

England captain Alessia Russo also praised Ghana’s performance, stating, “Ghana provided the type of test we wanted… We want to test ourselves against different playing styles, and we definitely got that tonight”.

This friendly match marks England’s final game of 2025, and they will now focus on their qualifying campaign for the 2027 World Cup, as Ghana also shifts attention to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ghana’s goalkeeper, Cynthia Konlan, made some impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

The Black Queens will pick a lot of positive lessons from the match ahead of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Many players from the Black Stars lack the quality required for participation in the 2026 World Cup, according to Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe

Former chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has called on the Black Stars’ coaching staff to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, cautioning that many current players do not possess the quality necessary for the sport’s premier event.

Ghana has missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking their first absence in over two decades, but they qualified for the World Cup by finishing at the top of their qualifying group with 25 points.

Most Black Stars players are not good enough to play at the 2026 World Cup - Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe

Despite this, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe believes that substantial changes are needed for the team if they aim to progress beyond the group stage in the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He argues that a majority of the players who participated in the qualifiers are not equipped to handle the pressures of the World Cup, and he has urged head coach Otto Addo and his staff to seek out stronger, more competitive players.

“We will be competing at the highest level of football, and if we want to advance, then most of the players who got us here are not suitable,” he stated to Graphic Sports.

“If there are other seasoned players available, we should search for the best talents that can take us to the World Cup,” he continued.

The Black Stars will find out their opponents for the group stage when the World Cup draw takes place on Friday, November 5.

Kevin Prince Boateng, a former midfielder for AC Milan, has disclosed that he turned down an invitation to represent Ghana.

Kevin Prince Boateng switched his nationality to play for the West African nation in 2010, just before the World Cup held in South Africa.

After delivering a remarkable performance at the tournament, he became a key player for the Black Stars.

However, in an interview with Bona Fide Sports, the 38-year-old shared that he initially declined the opportunity to play for Ghana because he felt a stronger connection to his German heritage than to his Ghanaian background.

“I grew up in a household that was German. My mindset was not entirely German when it came to adhering to rules. That may be my arrogance, but it was also my talent,” Kevin Prince Boateng explained.

Kevin Prince Boateng Explains Why He Chose To Represent Ghana Black Stars Over Germany

“Ghana had already offered me a spot for the 2006 World Cup, but I refused because I believed my chance in Germany was still viable, as there’s a perception that playing for Germany holds more value for your career.”

“But by 2010, I thought differently; I felt it wasn’t about prestige anymore, because I had already made a name for myself; my nationality didn’t define my importance,” he continued.

Prince Boateng also participated in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He has played 15 matches for Ghana and netted two goals.

Gideon Kodua netted a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for Luton Town against Bolton Wanderers in their League One match at Kenilworth Road.

The English-Ghanaian striker, Gideon Kodua began the match on the bench and was brought on in the 64th minute, taking Jacob Brown’s place. His presence invigorated the home supporters as Luton fought hard for a response after going behind early.

Bolton opened the scoring in the 8th minute with Kyle Dempsey striking a low shot into the bottom corner. Luton attempted to penetrate the defense but struggled with their finishing in the first half.

Gideon Kodua scores late to rescue Luton Town against Bolton Wanderers

The visitors were down to ten men in the 70th minute when Xavier Simons was shown a second yellow card for a reckless tackle. Luton capitalized on the numerical advantage, pushing forward in search of an equalizer.

READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan tips Nigeria and two others to win AFCON 2025

In the 83rd minute, Gideon Kodua made his moment count. Millenic Alli set him up inside the box, and he finished with his left foot into the center of the net, sending the stadium wild.

Both sides searched for a winner, but the match ended level. Luton Town now shift focus to their EFL Trophy match against Exeter City.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ghanaian international, has advised his colleagues at Leicester City to learn from their Saturday English Championship home loss to Sheffield United.

In the highly anticipated match at King Power Stadium, the Black Stars winger started and gave it his all as his team lost 3-2.

Issahaku has emphasized that his team will grow from the loss and return stronger.

“Now is the moment to remain united as team, grow from our errors, and return stronger on Saturday. Thanks to the foxes.  The second half support was amazing” he wrote on Instagram.

Sheffield United broke the deadlock through Thomas Cannon, just two minutes into the much-anticipated clash before Jairo Riedewald doubled the advantage for the visitors in the 4th-minute mark.

Fatawu Issahaku urges lessons from Leicester City’s home defeat to Sheffield United

The visitors showcased determination and resilience in the first half, with Sydie Peck firing home the third goal of the match to cement victory.

Issahaku was instrumental for the Foxes despite the defeat. He set up England Stephy Mavididi to reduce the deficit for the hosts in the 53rd-minute.

In the 83rd-minute, Leicester City pulled one back Jordan James but it was not enough to save the host from defeat in the highly competitive clash.

The 21-year-old Ghana international has now contributed eight goals in the Champions for Leicester City, scoring three and delivering five assists in 18 appearances.

Meanwhile, his compatriot, Jordan Ayew, the captain of the Black Stars made substitute appearance as the Foxes fell short to Sheffield United on home turf.

The Copa Alamo Classico 2025, formerly known as the Fall Shootout, once again brought international excitement to San Antonio, Texas. Sponsored by the SA City Soccer Club and sanctioned by US Club Soccer and the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA), the tournament welcomed boys’ and girls’ competitive teams from U11 through U19, along with recreational and academy teams from U5 through U19. With single-age and level-of-play brackets, the event ensured balanced competition for all participants. Shanelle’s Journey with SA Athenians At 14 years old, Shanelle stood tall in goal for the SA Athenians. Her performances were crucial in guiding her team through a challenging bracket: Her team played was paired with 08 and 09 teams which gives them a 1–0 victory over Angeles Soccer Elite (Mexico) 1–0 victory against Urban Champions Academy 2–1 defeat to Medina Valley Soccer Club Shanelle’s reflexes and composure under pressure kept the Athenians competitive throughout the tournament. Though the team fell short against Medina Valley, her consistency highlighted her potential to one day represent the Black Maidens of Ghana.
Denzel’s Run with DMFC ⚡ At just 11 years old, Denzel guarded the net for DMFC in the 2014 Boys Gold Division. His team’s journey was marked by dominant wins and strong defensive play: 2–0 victory over Dripping Springs Soccer 3–0 victory against Premier Futbol Academy 3–0 semifinal win in a Semi Finals against Dripping Springs Soccer 2–1 Final defeat to Angeles Soccer Elite (Mexico) Denzel’s confident goalkeeping gave DMFC the backbone they needed to reach the finals. Despite the loss, his performances showed maturity and promise, fueling his dream of playing for the Black Starlets of Ghana.
Siblings United by a Dream What makes their story remarkable is not just their individual achievements, but the fact that Shanelle and Denzel are siblings, both excelling as goalkeepers in different divisions of the same international tournament. Their journey from Ghana to Texas highlights the global reach of soccer and the determination of young athletes striving for greatness. Together, they embody the spirit of the Copa Alamo Classico: competition, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. With their eyes set firmly on representing Ghana’s national teams, the Black Maidens and the Black Starlets, Shanelle and Denzel’s story is only beginning.  

Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years by scoring a stunning overhead kick in Al-Nassr’s 4-1 win over Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League.

The 40-year-old rose in the middle of the penalty area to meet Nawaf Boushal’s right-wing cross in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

It was Ronaldo’s 954th career goal and was reminiscent of his bicycle kick for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus in 2018.

Ronaldo scored a stunning overhead kick

The Portugal captain also scored an overhead kick against Poland in the Nations League in November 2024.

Victory took Al-Nassr four points clear at the top of the table.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has not won a trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

https://youtu.be/TrEp4ePwYtQ