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CAF Announces Draw Procedures for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

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Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations

The draw process for the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, qualifications has been made public by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In Pot 1, Ghana is grouped with the champions of Africa, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Mali. Algeria, Tunisia, and Cameroon are among the others.

As to CAF, the official FIFA ranking that was released on June 20, 2024, serves as the basis for seeding. The 48 teams that advanced to the Morocco 2025 qualifications for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations second round were divided into four groups:

Group A to L (the twelve groups of four teams) II will be present. The top two finishers from each of the 11 groups—in which the host is not participating—will advance to the championship match. Only one team from the host group will advance because the host is automatically qualified.

A total of 48 African countries will compete in the draw, which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 14:30 Local Time (12:30 GMT), to select who will advance to the 35th edition of the largest event to take place on African territory.

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Ghana Sports

CONFIRMED: Hearts of Oak will undergo a significant overhaul

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Hearts of Oak
Hearts of Oak

Before the upcoming season, Hearts of Oak plans to make significant changes in an effort to cut loose failing players and assemble a stronger team.

Hearts of Oak had a difficult season in the recently concluded 2023–24 Ghana Premier League, placing them in 14th place with 45 points.

On the last day of the season, the team’s dismal play was summed up when they defeated Bechem United 3-2 at Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, just holding on to avoid relegation.

To contend with the top teams in the league, the team obviously needed a shake-up.

A source close to Graphic Sports said that Hearts of Oak intends to add players to bolster their roster for the following campaign.

The insider disclosed that “Hearts of Oak is set for a major overhaul.” “We want to cut ties with underachieving players and assemble a stronger team that will be able to contend for championships the following year.”

It appears likely that a few players will be let go as the club’s management is keen to add players who can have a big impact on the squad.

Although the precise number of players leaving is unknown, it is obvious that Hearts of Oak is prepared to go to great lengths in order to increase their chances of victory.

Hearts of Oak will play their bitter rivals Asante Kotoko Kotoko in the first Democracy Cup on July 17 at the Accra Sports Stadium before the new season begins.

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Ghana Sports

Ibrahim Danlad is advised by Asamoah Gyan following Kotoko’s departure.

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Ibrahim Danlad
Ibrahim Danlad is advised by Asamoah Gyan following Kotoko's departure.

Asamoah Gyan, a former striker for Ghana, has advised Ibrahim Danlad, a former goalkeeper for Asante Kotoko, to concentrate on becoming well-known again after leaving the team.

Danlad was named in Ghana’s 26-man World Cup team for 2022. Danlad was once regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the Ghana Premier League.

But even at the club level, the tournament experience seemed to have a negative impact on his performance rather than help his career. Danlad failed to stay Kotoko’s first-choice goalkeeper for the last two seasons, and Frederick Asare eventually took his place.

Danlad’s eight-year tenure with the Porcupine Warriors came to an end as a result of this drop in form.

Despite these difficulties, Gyan is positive about the 21-year-old’s prospects because he thinks he can repeat the kind of performance that led to calls up to the national team and a place in the Black Stars World Cup roster.

Danlad joined Kotoko when he was a teenager and worked his way up to become the team’s first-choice goalie and captain. In an interview with Wontumi Radio, Gyan offered words of encouragement and guidance.

“It’s clear to everyone that your form declined since you returned from the World Cup,” Gyan said. “Remember all the things that helped you to be successful during your loan spells and becoming the number one at Asante Kotoko. You are still young, and you can achieve more than you have over the years. The sky is your limit.”

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Ghana Sports

Our role is to set a path for youngsters. – Mohammed Kudus

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Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus

Following his Footballer of the Year achievement at the 2024 Ghana Football Awards, Mohammed Kudus emphasized the importance of established players in opening the way for emerging potential.

The explosive forward, who has become a standout performer for both Ajax and now West Ham United in England, spoke passionately about the responsibility of existing Black Stars players to mentor and guide younger ones.

“Everything they have done in the past has paved the way for us, the young ones. Our responsibility is also to pave the way for the upcoming youngsters and pass the torch backwards,” Mohammed Kudus said.

Mohammed Kudus, who has quickly established himself as a key member of Ghana’s national squad, stressed the importance of experienced players passing on their expertise and experience to the following generation. His words emphasized a dedication to developing talent and creating a positive atmosphere in Ghanaian football.

With his second season with West Ham United under his belt under new manager Julian Loptegui, Kudus is looking forward to it. His leadership on and off the field, together with his outstanding exploits, have cemented his place among Africa’s most promising football talents.

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Ghana Sports

Mohammed Kudus wins two awards at the 2024 Ghana Football trophies.

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Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United has expressed thanks after winning the double at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra on Saturday.

The Black Stars talisman, Mohammed Kudus won Footballer of the Year and Goal of the Year awards after a remarkable season with the Hammers and the senior national team.

Kudus finished his first season in the Premier League with eight goals and six assists, and he scored five times in the Europa League for the London club.

He was also Ghana’s finest player at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring two goals and receiving back-to-back Man of the Match awards as the Black Stars were eliminated from the competition in the group stage.

“THE MARATHON CONTINUES. Highly honoured and Grateful for the recognition Thanks to everyone for the belief and support,” wrote the ex-Ajax star on social media. 

The Right to Dream Academy graduate is winning the best player accolade for the second year running while this is the first time he walked home with the goal of the year accolade, which he received for his sensational solo strike against Freiburg in the Europa League Round of 16.

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Football World

With a goal, Joseph Paintsil helps the LA Galaxy defeat the San José Earthquakes.

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Joseph Paintsil
Joseph Paintsil

Major League Soccer (MLS) action on Saturday saw LA Galaxy defeat San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 at Stanford Stadium, with Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil scoring one goal and setting up another.

The 26-year-old Joseph Paintsil made his debut in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint assist from Gabriel Pec to give Galaxy a 1-0 lead going into the half. His goal established the tone for Galaxy’s total control of the game.

Dejan Joveljic increased Galaxy’s advantage in the 72nd minute with a strong header, after Riqui Puig’s first effort had struck the crossbar. Mauricio Cuevas scored his first MLS goal in stoppage time to complete the match and secure Galaxy’s victory.

Galaxy consistently applied offensive pressure, with seven of their shots on goal, against San Jose’s six. John McCarthy, the goalkeeper, was instrumental in keeping the scoreless record against the tenacious Earthquakes team by making six saves.

The victory highlights Galaxy’s excellent play this season and their fourth straight victory in the Major League Soccer. With this win, Galaxy and LAFC, two teams with 40 points apiece, are still tied for first place in the very competitive Western Conference. Real Salt Lake, with 37 points, is not far behind.

Paintsil has been crucial since joining LA Galaxy from Genk, making 17 appearances this MLS season and contributing six goals and four assists. His contribution to the team’s triumph versus San José is further highlighted by his performance.

As the Galaxy strive to hold onto their top spot in the Western Conference rankings and pursue more success in the MLS season, supporters should expect Paintsil and the squad to continue turning in outstanding performances.

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Ghana Sports

Ibrahim Osman, a teenage player from Ghana, explains why he chose Brighton above other teams.

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Ibrahim Osman
Ibrahim Osman

Ghanaian sensation Ibrahim Osman has disclosed that Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League team, was his first choice for a new home because of their emphasis on nurturing young players.

After departing Danish Super Liga team FC Nordsjaelland, the 19-year-old winger signed a long-term contract with Brighton for a reported sum of €19.5 million.

“I have been watching Brighton for quite a long time, and I believe they have the same style of play as FC Nordsjaelland,” Osman said in an interview with TV3.
“I think it’s a hub to nurture talents, and that’s why I chose Brighton ahead of other clubs.”

Osman, who made his Black Stars debut in March and finished the previous season with 10 goals and 8 assists, is eager to start a new chapter with Brighton.


“I’m looking forward to learning and growing as a player,” he added. Brighton’s pre-season begins on July 21, and Osman is eager to get started.
“I’m excited to meet my new teammates and coaches,” he said. “I’m ready to give my best and help the team achieve success.”

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Ghana Sports

I’m playing to change my house, not to win the Ballon d’Or. Former captain of Dreams FC, Abdul Jalilu

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Abdul Jalilu
Abdul Jalilu

Abdul Jalilu, the former captain of Dreams FC, gave an explanation for his choice to quit the Ghana Premier League after a number of years.

During the current transfer window, the center-back signed a two-year contract with Mukura Victory Sport, a top division team in Rwanda.

In the 2024–2025 season, the 24-year-old is anticipated to have a significant impact on the Rwandan team.

“I was not tired of playing in the Ghana Premier League, but after years of doing so, I felt it was time to move out”
“Just like everyone prays for the best in life, I needed to change because it was beneficial to me. I am playing football to transform the family, especially given the number of people that rely on you. So, when you get an offer and compare it to what you used to take, you just think about it and move”
“Honestly, I’m not playing football to win the Ballon D’or or the World Best, no! I’m more interested in changing homes because my current one isn’t very good”
“The Ghana Premier League is fantastic, but after four years, I felt it was time to alter the environment” he told Akoma FM.

Jalilu joins Richmond Lamptey and Dauda Saaka of Asante Kotoko and Bofoakwa Tano as the third Ghanaian player to relocate to the country in Eastern Africa in the past week.

The former captain of Dreams FC attracted notice for his part in the team’s incredible run in the CAF Confederation Cup, playing 11 games as the Still Believe boys advanced to the competition’s semi-final.

In the 2022–2023 season, he played a crucial role in the Dawu-based team’s first-ever major trophy win when Dreams FC overcame King Faisal to win the FA Cup.

He is anticipated to provide Mukura Victory Sports with his wealth of experience as they aim to succeed in the next campaign.

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Black Stars

Black Satellites start a European trip in 2024 to get ready for the WAFU B U20 championship.

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Black Satellites
Black Satellites

In good health, the Ghanaian Black Satellites have touched down in France to begin a three-week European tour.

The goal of the visit, according to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), is to assist the country’s male U20 team in getting ready for the WAFU B U20 competition in 2024.

Desmond Ofei, the Black Satellites’ coach, traveled with a 22-person team for the tour.

The team is expected to play a number of friendly matches after arriving in France on Thursday.

“The Black Satellites will play in a series of friendly matches in France and also in Belgium.
“The team will battle Belgian outfit KV Mechelen on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the K. Rumstse SK, Doelhaagstraat, 70, Tourcoing, Nord before facing Royal Antwerp U23 side on Sunday, July 19, 2024, at the Oude Bosuilbaan 54a, 2100, Antwerp,” parts of a statement from the Ghana FA said on Friday.

The Black Satellites will train regularly at Rue de l’Union à 70, Tourcoing, Stadium, Nord while they are in France. Coach Desmond Ofei will use the three-week training period to refine the team’s rough edges in order to compete in the WAFU B U20 championship in 2024.

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Ghana Sports

Winger Mathew Anim Cudjoe of Ghana is eying for a position on the Black Stars.

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Mathew Anim
Mathew Anim

The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations champion from 2021, where he played alongside several teammates who have already made the transition to the senior squad, is something that Ghanaian winger Mathew Anim Cudjoe is determined to achieve before the year ends.

He keeps in close contact with his former U-20 colleagues and emphasizes the significance of that experience. Although fellow U-20 champion Fatawu Issahaku has already made an impression with the Black Stars, scoring in a World Cup qualifier, Cudjoe is still eager for his opportunity.

He has always wanted to play for Ghana, and he thinks that this year, with perseverance and solid technique, he will get the call-up.

“I want to play for the Black Stars. It’ll be a dream. When I was playing for Asante Kotoko, I always told the media that I would like to play for the national team. I believe it is a matter of time,” he said.
“I believe in myself and I know the opportunity will come. It is about hard work, the coach, and your form. I think this year people will see me in the national team. And when they do they will see Messi in me,” he added.

The Black Stars’ most competitive position right now is winger, where a strong combination of youthful ability and experience combine.

The former Dundee United player is sure he can get beyond that obstacle, though.

“I am a winger but I can play the number 10. When I get the ball I just drive forward and try to make things happen. There’s no pressure on me and I believe all I need is one opportunity, maybe a friendly game.”

Cudjoe recently opted against renewing his contract with Dundee and is currently a free agent.

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