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‘Salah not helping’ – Rooney calls for ‘big’ decision

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'Salah not helping' - Rooney calls for 'big' decision

Rooney demands a “big” choice because “Salah is not helping.”

Wayne Rooney, a former striker for Manchester United, believes that Mohamed Salah should be dropped by Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

The Egyptian, who has scored five goals this season, did not record a goal or an assist in Saturday’s 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest.

In his most recent podcast episode, Rooney stated, “If I were Slot, I’d try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team.”

“Salah is not helping them defensively.

'Salah not helping' - Rooney calls for 'big' decision

“If you’re one of the players who they’ve signed and you’re on the bench and you’ve seen him not running – and again he’s a club legend and everything he’s done for the club – but if you’re on the bench, then what message does that send to you?”

The 33-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to finish a season with the most goals and assists and win the player of the season award last term. His dazzling form coincided with a successful first season in charge for Slot, as he guided Liverpool to the title after succeeding Jurgen Klopp. After a busy summer transfer window – including the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined outlay of £241m – the Reds have struggled. Liverpool sit 11th in the table, with 18 points from 12 games.

“They’re going through a hard time, aren’t they?” added five-time Premier League winner Rooney.

“You’ve probably got to look at the effect of what sadly happened to Jota. What effect does that have on the players because that’s his team-mates? That surely has to have an effect.

“But then there’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling.”

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Football World

Mohammed Kudus set to make injury return in North London derby

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Mohammed Kudus set to make injury return in North London derby

Mohammed Kudus is expected to return from injury for the North London derby.

Mohammed Kudus, a midfielder for Ghana, is anticipated to play again for Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday.

Due to an injury he sustained while playing against Chelsea, the Spurs star was unable to participate against Manchester United in the Premier League and Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League. The return of the 25-year-old, who also missed Ghana’s international friendlies against South Korea and Japan to fully heal from the hit, will bolster Spurs ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Emirates.

Mohammed Kudus set to make injury return in North London derby

At the prematch press conference for the match against Arsenal, coach Thomas Frank will provide a comprehensive report on the Ghanaian’s health.

However, the former West Ham player was reportedly spotted with his teammates in training on Thursday, indicating he will be making the squad for the Arsenal match. It will be Kudus’ first North London derby, with the Ghana international previously scoring against Arsenal during his time at West Ham.

Kudus joined Spurs in the summer transfer window and has immediately become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with four assists and a goal in 10 Premier League matches.

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Black Stars

Asamoah Gyan tips Nigeria and two others to win AFCON 2025

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Asamoah Gyan tips Nigeria and two others to win AFCON 2025

Asamoah Gyan predicts that Nigeria and two other countries will win AFCON 2025.

Despite the disappointment of not making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan is adamant that Nigeria is among the favorites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Although Nigeria has a strong team that can advance in the continental tournament, they have not yet recovered from their loss to DR Congo in the African play-offs. In the previous Ivory Coast tournament, the Super Eagles finished second.

Champions Ivory Coast and hosts Morocco are also on Gyan’s list of candidates for the top prize.

Asamoah Gyan tips Nigeria and two others to win AFCON 2025

“I think we’ve got a lot of giants who are going there. Ghana is out which we are very disappointed but it is okay we have qualified for the World Cup. Nigeria did well; they were close last two years. Ivory Coast did well, so we have a lot of teams… Morocco is also a strong contender who are also doing well. I will say these three countries that I have mentioned, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco are favourites,” he said on the red carpet of the 2025 CAF Awards.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations begins on December 21 and ends on January 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi won the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award held at Mohamed VI Polytechnic University on Wednesday evening.

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Black Stars

Antoine Semenyo is a good player and I love him – Simon Jordan

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Antoine Semenyo is a good player and I love him - Simon Jordan

Simon Jordan: “I adore Antoine Semenyo; he’s a good player.”

Antoine Semenyo has received a lot of praise from former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who praised the Ghanaian forward’s outstanding start to the season.

In just ten games for AFC Bournemouth, Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists, making him one of the Premier League’s early standouts.

Several of the top teams in England are apparently keeping an eye on him ahead of the winter transfer window due to his impressive record. These teams include Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Antoine Semenyo is a good player and I love him - Simon Jordan

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan gave the 25-year-old a lot of praise.

“Antoine Semenyo is a top-quality player,” he said.

“I have spoken to a lot of people, and I think he is a good player, and I really love him,” he added.

Semenyo is expected to feature this weekend when Bournemouth host West Ham United at the Vitality Stadium.

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Black Stars

I would have done better if I was given enough time as Black Stars – Chris Hughton

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I would have done better if I was given enough time as Black Stars - Chris Hughton

Chris Hughton, a former Black Stars coach, says he would have liked to have been given more time on the job following his dismissal.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Chris Hughton, who had been Otto Addo’s technical advisor prior to the 2022 World Cup, was named as the permanent head coach following Addo’s departure during the Mundial in Qatar.

However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the former Nottingham Forest manager’s dismissal following the Black Stars’ elimination in the group round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Hughton acknowledged in an interview with 3Sports that playing for the national team takes more time than playing club football.

I would have done better if I was given enough time as Black Stars - Chris Hughton

“It’s about the structure – I was told that when you’re used to club level, it does take some time to adjust to national football, because the stakes today are very different in national football, and of course, working in Africa,” the former Newcastle United boss said.

“So I would have wanted more time, and I generally feel that, having been given more time, I would have adjusted better to the role. But this is football; it’s very much about results and emotions,” Hughton added.

Following Chris Hughton’s departure, the GFA reappointed Otto Addo on a long-term deal.

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Black Stars

Our high press did not work against South Korea – Ghana coach Otto Addo

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Our high press did not work against South Korea - Ghana coach Otto Addo

Otto Addo, the head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, said that his team’s 1-0 loss to South Korea ended their Asia tour disappointingly because they were unable to execute a successful high press.

The result came after a setback to Japan during the international window in November.

Addo identified the Black Stars’ tactical difficulties in pressuring South Korea high up the field and their inefficiency in front of goal during a post-match press conference.

Our high press did not work against South Korea - Ghana coach Otto Addo

“Except the Brazil game (where South Korea lost 5-0), I think they don’t concede so many goals anymore, and they are very compact,” he said.

“You can see the change since the last time we met [them in the 2022 World Cup]. I think the main tactical element is that they play with three at the back, always try to overload one side, which makes it sometimes difficult to press if you don’t have the right timing to take the right positions.

“We had problems sometimes, especially in the first half, when to press, who should press, but it’s not too easy for the guys because they haven’t played together for a long time. The timing was not there, and that’s why, especially in the first half, South Korea had more ball possessions and created more chances,” he added.

The Black Stars are set to regroup in March next year as they resume preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

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Black Stars

Antoine Semenyo reportedly leaves Black Stars camp

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Antoine Semenyo reportedly leaves Black Stars camp

According to reports, Antoine Semenyo departs the Black Stars camp and misses the friendly match against South Korea.

According to reports, Antoine Semenyo, a striker for Bournemouth, left the Black Stars camp for personal reasons, therefore he won’t be able to play in Ghana’s international friendly against South Korea on Tuesday.

Semenyo, who led the squad in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup loss to Japan 2-0, has left the team’s Seoul camp and will not play in the next game.

With players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku missing the trip for a variety of reasons, the Black Stars are currently dealing with a number of significant absences.

Antoine Semenyo reportedly leaves Black Stars camp

With three goals in 32 games for the national team, the 25-year-old attacker has been a key player for Ghana in recent years. He led a young and injury-plagued team through a difficult match in the Kirin Challenge Cup against Japan, demonstrating remarkable leadership.

As part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Semenyo’s absence will force coach Otto Addo to modify his attacking options and leadership structure before to the friendly match against South Korea.

The forward’s attention is reportedly anticipated to return to his club responsibilities at Bournemouth, with many elite European teams, such as Manchester City and Liverpool, being linked to his future.

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Football World

DR Congo edge Nigeria on penalties to reach 2026 World Cup Inter-Continental Playoff

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DR Congo edge Nigeria on penalties to reach 2026 World Cup Inter-Continental Playoff

DR Congo advances to the 2026 World Cup Inter-Continental Playoff after defeating Nigeria on penalties.

Following a thrilling penalty shootout loss to DR Congo on Sunday night, Nigeria’s chances of making it to the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were tragically dashed.

On a night full of tension, momentum shifts, and late disappointment, the Super Eagles had a strong start but ultimately failed.

Frank Onyeka’s goal-bound attempt was decisively deflected, leaving the Congolese goalkeeper rooted to the spot, giving Nigeria the lead as early as the third minute.

DR Congo edge Nigeria on penalties to reach 2026 World Cup Inter-Continental Playoff

The Super Eagles appeared determined to take control of the game after their early breakthrough.

DR Congo, however, grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 32nd minute. Meschack Elia struck with a powerful finish from close range, bringing the Leopards level and shifting the tone of the match.

Both sides wrestled for dominance in a cagey second half, but neither could find the winner, sending the fixture into penalties.

The shootout proved to be the defining moment of the night. Nigeria struggled from the spot, converting only three of their six attempts.

DR Congo held their nerve, scoring four, with captain Chancel Mbemba delivering the decisive penalty to seal the victory.

Nigeria’s trip came to an end with Mbemba’s winning goal, confirming the fears of many supporters. Nigeria will not participate in the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

It is a devastating blow for the Super Eagles following a season filled with promising moments that were ultimately lost by narrow margins.

With a memorable victory over one of Africa’s traditional football giants, DR Congo, on the other hand, is moving forward to the intercontinental playoffs with confidence and momentum.

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Black Stars

Black Stars head to South Korea for another friendly

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Black Stars head to South Korea for another friendly

As World Cup preparations continue, the Black Stars travel to Seoul for a test against South Korea.

In preparation for their second international friendly against South Korea on Tuesday, Black Stars will depart Nagoya for Seoul on Saturday.

The trip comes after Ghana’s Kirin Challenge Cup 2-0 loss to Japan, which was marred by a devastating injury to midfielder Francis Abu.

Black Stars head to South Korea for another friendly

After midfielder Francis Abu was ruled out, coach Otto Addo will have a smaller 21-man roster. Before playing the Koreans, the team will train for three days in Seoul. The game is a part of Ghana’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States in 2026.

Ghana hopes to use these friendly games to improve team cohesiveness and shape after already securing a spot in the tournament for next year.

The squad includes a blend of established names and several newcomers such as Prince Kwabena Adu, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Owusu and Prince Osei Owusu.

The Black Stars will seek a stronger performance against South Korea as they push to build confidence ahead of the World Cup.

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Black Stars

Japan defeats Ghana Black Stars 2-0 in a friendly Kirin Challenge Cup match.

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Japan defeats Ghana Black Stars 2-0 in a friendly Kirin Challenge Cup match.

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Ghana Black Stars lost to Japan 2-0 in their Kirin Challenge Cup friendly at Toyota Stadium.

The Black Stars faced a strong Japanese team that had just won a historic 3-2 victory over Brazil despite the absence of several important players, including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Partey.

Although they had early possession control, Japan initially struggled to get past Ghana’s small five-man defense. When Watanabe Tsuyoshi advanced on a cross in the sixteenth minute, Sano Kaishu intercepted and connected with Doan, Watanabe, and Kubo Takefusa to break the impasse. Japan took the lead after Minamino, who was left unmarked, finished quietly.

Japan defeats Ghana Black Stars 2-0 in a friendly Kirin Challenge Cup match.

Before Doan added a second goal in the 60th minute, Ghana’s goalkeeper Joseph Anang was put to the test by Japan’s persistent pressure in the second half. He extended the lead with a perfect shot into the near post after receiving a ball from Kubo on the right side of the box.

Francis Abu, a midfielder for Ghana, had a critical injury and had to be stretchered off, further ruining the team’s evening. While the Black Stars found it difficult to react, Japan made a number of late replacements, including three debutants.

Ghana will now focus on a friendly match against South Korea on Tuesday, with the score still 2-0. These games are a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations.

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