Osikanitv, Author at Osikani Sports

Black Stars

Anthony Baffoe Calls for Greater Support for Antoine Semenyo in Black Stars Setup

By Osikanitv April 1, 2026

Anthony Baffoe Calls for Greater Support for Antoine Semenyo in Black Stars Setup

Former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe has urged players of the Ghana national football team to do more to support forward Antoine Semenyo, stressing that stronger teamwork will help the striker perform better for the national side.

Semenyo, 26, has been one of the standout performers at club level this season, enjoying impressive form with Manchester City. However, his performances with the Black Stars have not matched his club success, having scored only three goals since making his senior debut nearly five years ago.

Baffoe highlights difference between club and national team

Speaking to journalists at the residence of the German Ambassador in Accra during a watch party for the friendly match between Ghana and Germany national football team on March 30, Baffoe explained that Semenyo’s situation with the national team is very different from his club environment.

According to the former defender, the forward thrives in a structured and high-performing team at club level, but the current Black Stars setup is still trying to find stability.

Baffoe also pointed out that several key players were either unavailable or not fully fit during the recent international fixtures.

He noted that Mohammed Kudus missed the games, while Kamaldeen Sulemana had only just returned from injury. Midfielder Thomas Partey was also not fully fit during the matches.

Teammates must help create chances

Baffoe added that if the Black Stars squad can return to full strength and improve their overall performances, Semenyo will naturally benefit from better service in attack.

He also praised Jordan Ayew for his energetic display during the Germany game, saying the forward was very active throughout the match.

According to Baffoe, once the team’s key attacking players regain full fitness and form, they will be able to supply Semenyo with better opportunities in front of goal.

Difficult international window for Ghana

Despite scoring 15 goals across competitions this season at club level, Semenyo struggled to make a major impact during Ghana’s March international fixtures.

The Black Stars suffered defeats to the Austria national football team and Germany, results that have raised concerns about the team’s current form.

Focus now shifts to World Cup preparations

Ghana will now aim to regroup ahead of upcoming friendly matches against the Mexico national football team and Wales national football team in May.

These matches will serve as key preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama national football team, England national football team and Croatia national football team.

With the tournament approaching, Ghana will be hoping their attacking players can find better chemistry and improve their performances on the international stage.

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Black Stars

Over 600 Coaches Apply for Black Stars Job as GFA begins the selection process.

By Osikanitv April 1, 2026

Over 600 Coaches Apply for Black Stars Job as GFA begins the selection process.

The Ghana Football Association has reportedly received more than 600 applications for the vacant head coach position of the Ghana national football team following the departure of Otto Addo.

GFA president Kurt Okraku confirmed the overwhelming interest in the role, describing it as a clear sign of how attractive the Black Stars job remains within the football world.

Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku revealed that the FA has been flooded with applications from coaches across the globe who are eager to take charge of one of Africa’s most historic national teams.

Coaching position became vacant after recent defeats

The coaching role opened up after Otto Addo was relieved of his duties following a series of disappointing results.

Ghana suffered a heavy defeat to the Austria national football team before losing again to the Germany national football team in an international friendly. Those results triggered an emergency decision by the FA while the team was in Stuttgart.

Global interest in the Black Stars job

The large number of applicants reflects the prestige attached to managing Ghana, a four-time African champion and regular participant at the FIFA World Cup.

Both Ghanaian and international coaches are believed to be among the candidates hoping to secure the position.

GFA begins screening process

The Ghana FA is now expected to begin reviewing the applications as it looks to shortlist the most suitable candidates.

According to Kurt Okraku, the association hopes to appoint a new coach within the next one to two weeks in order to avoid disrupting the team’s preparations.

Focus shifts to World Cup preparation

The Black Stars are scheduled to play friendly matches against the Mexico national football team and the Wales national football team in May as part of their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana have been drawn in a challenging group that includes the Panama national football team, Croatia national football team and England national football team.

The next head coach will therefore face immediate pressure to stabilise the team and guide the Black Stars into the tournament with renewed confidence.

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Black Stars

GFA Start Search for New Black Stars Coach as Kwesi Appiah Emerges as Possible Interim Option

By Osikanitv March 31, 2026

GFA Start Search for New Black Stars Coach as Kwesi Appiah Emerges as Possible Interim Option

The Ghana Football Association has started the process of finding a new head coach for the Ghana national football team following the recent dismissal of Otto Addo.

The FA is currently evaluating several options as it looks to stabilise the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kwesi Appiah linked with return

One of the early names being discussed is former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, who is currently managing the Sudan national football team.

Appiah has received praise for his work with Sudan in recent months, but any move to bring him back to Ghana could prove complicated due to his existing contract with the team.

However, the opportunity to lead the Black Stars at the World Cup may influence his decision should the FA formally approach him.

Familiar face for Ghana

Kwesi Appiah is no stranger to the Ghana job, having previously managed the national team on two separate occasions.

During his first tenure, he guided Ghana to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Although the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage, the team delivered some memorable performances, including a dramatic draw against eventual champions Germany national football team.

That result made Appiah the only Ghana coach to avoid defeat against Germany at the World Cup.

His second spell with the national team was less successful, however, and he was eventually relieved of his duties in 2019 after struggling to maintain consistent results.

Internal interim option also considered

While discussions continue, the FA is also exploring the possibility of appointing an interim coach from within the current technical setup.

Desmond Offei is among the names who could temporarily take charge, with support from assistant coaches Alain Ravera, John Paintsil and Kim Lars Bjorkegren.

The Black Stars’ expanded technical team also includes scout Jose Daniel Martínez Alfonso and physiotherapist Carlos Lozano Romero, which could allow the FA to maintain stability while searching for a permanent coach.

World Cup preparations continue

The Ghana FA faces growing pressure to make a quick decision, especially with friendly matches against Mexico national football team and Wales national football team scheduled for May.

These games are expected to serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where Ghana have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Panama national football team, Croatia national football team and England national football team.

The FA is expected to announce further updates on the coaching situation in the coming weeks.

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Black Stars

GFA Dismiss Otto Addo After Germany Defeat as Black Stars Begin New Rebuild

By Osikanitv March 31, 2026

The Ghana Football Association has officially relieved Otto Addo of his duties as head coach of the Ghana national football team following the team’s 2-1 loss to Germany national football team in Stuttgart.

The decision was made just hours after the international friendly defeat, bringing an early end to Addo’s second spell with the Black Stars.

Poor international window raises concerns

Ghana endured a disappointing international break in March, suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat against Austria national football team before losing again to Germany.

The back-to-back defeats intensified pressure on the technical team as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the Germany match, an emergency meeting was held between officials from the GFA, representatives from the Sports Ministry led by Kofi Adams, and the coaching staff to assess the team’s situation.

FA confirms coaching change

In an official statement released Tuesday morning, the football governing body confirmed the decision to part ways with the coach.

“The Ghana Football Association has parted company with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team, Otto Addo, with immediate effect,” the statement read.

The FA also expressed appreciation for Addo’s work with the national team and wished him success in his future career.

Officials added that plans for the team’s new technical direction will be announced soon.

Mixed results in second spell

Addo returned to manage Ghana in 2024 after the Africa Cup of Nations, but his second tenure produced mixed results.

During this period, Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a major disappointment for the four-time continental champions. However, he later helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite achieving that milestone, concerns remained about the team’s defensive structure and overall performance levels.

Coaching record with the Black Stars

Across his second spell, Addo recorded:

8 wins
5 draws
9 defeats

in a total of 22 matches.

During his first tenure, he guided Ghana to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage after recording one win and two defeats.

World Cup preparations continue

Addo’s exit means he will not lead Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Black Stars have been drawn in a difficult group alongside Panama national football team, Croatia national football team and England national football team.

Ghana are also expected to face Mexico national football team and Wales national football team in friendly matches in May as part of their preparations.

With the tournament approaching, the GFA is now under pressure to quickly appoint a new head coach who can stabilise the team and prepare them for the global competition.

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Black Stars

Otto Addo Raises Defensive Concerns After Ghana’s Heavy 5–1 Defeat to Austria

By Osikanitv March 28, 2026

Otto Addo ‘surprised’ 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad will be played on concrete-like astroturf

Otto Addo has admitted that Ghana national football team are facing serious defensive and psychological challenges after their humiliating 5–1 defeat to Austria national football team in an international friendly.

The Black Stars struggled defensively throughout the match, conceding five goals in a performance that quickly deteriorated after a competitive start in Vienna.

While Ghana showed some promise in the early stages of the game, the team’s defensive organization collapsed as Austria capitalized on several mistakes at the back.

Otto Addo Admits Ghana Have Defensive Problems

Speaking after the match, Addo openly acknowledged that Ghana must address their defensive instability and improve their mental strength during difficult moments in matches.

“Defensively, we have problems. We have to be stable, especially psychologically. After the third goal we still have to keep our heads up and maintain the intensity,” Addo said.

The Ghana coach explained that although the players were disappointed with the result, the team must learn to respond better when games begin to slip away.

“I can understand that the players were disappointed, but these are the situations where we still need to step up. We have to overcome this,” he added.

Defensive Errors Cost Ghana Against Austria

Ghana conceded two early goals that Addo described as avoidable before the team completely lost defensive control in the latter stages of the game.

Austria took advantage of Ghana’s defensive lapses to score three additional goals, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Addo admitted that the goals conceded highlighted both technical mistakes and a drop in concentration among his players.

“The first two goals were easy. For goals three, four and five there were a lot of defensive issues. We have to work on that psychologically,” he explained.

According to the coach, maintaining focus and discipline throughout the entire match will be key to avoiding similar collapses in future games.

Black Stars Must Improve Mental Strength

Beyond tactical issues, Addo emphasized that Ghana must also improve their mental resilience when facing adversity on the pitch.

He warned that losing focus during crucial moments could prove costly in more competitive matches.

“The next step is to stay strong and stay focused. The players have to concentrate so that this doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Ghana Shift Attention to Germany Friendly

Despite the disappointing result, Addo is already turning his attention to Ghana’s next international friendly against Germany national football team.

The Black Stars will face Germany in Stuttgart on Monday, March 30, with kickoff scheduled for 18:45 GMT.

The upcoming match forms part of Ghana’s preparations for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Addo believes the team must quickly analyze their mistakes against Austria and make improvements before the Germany clash.

With several lessons to take from the defeat, Ghana will be hoping to bounce back and deliver a stronger performance in their next outing.

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Black Stars

Otto Addo Takes Responsibility After Ghana’s Heavy Defeat to Austria in International Friendly

By Osikanitv March 28, 2026

Otto Addo Takes Responsibility After Ghana’s Heavy Defeat to Austria in International Friendly

Otto Addo has taken full responsibility after Ghana national football team suffered a humiliating 5–1 defeat to Austria national football team in an international friendly played in Vienna on Friday.

The Black Stars showed promise in the opening half but collapsed after the break, conceding four goals in the second half against a side coached by Ralf Rangnick.

The defeat marks Ghana’s heaviest loss in nearly two decades. The last time the Black Stars conceded five or more goals was in 2007 when they lost to Saudi Arabia national football team.

Speaking after the match, Addo admitted the team made costly mistakes and stressed that everyone involved must accept responsibility for the disappointing performance.

Otto Addo: “We All Have to Take Responsibility”

The Ghana coach insisted that while he accepts responsibility as the head coach, the result was a collective failure involving players and the entire technical staff.

“I take full responsibility when we win and when we lose,” Addo said in an interview with the Ghana FA’s official website.
“But football is a team effort. It’s not only about me. The players, the technical staff, everybody has to take responsibility.”

Addo admitted that the early goals conceded by Ghana were preventable and ultimately shaped the outcome of the match.

“Surely we have to do much better. The first two goals were avoidable and they played a big role in how the game turned out.”

Ghana Missed Key Chances in the First Half

Despite the heavy scoreline, the Black Stars had several opportunities to take the lead earlier in the match.

Addo revealed that Ghana created three or four promising situations but failed to convert them.

“It was a very difficult game for us, but we had some really good situations where we could have scored,” he explained.
“Out of those chances, we should have scored at least one goal.”

The coach also hinted that Ghana might have been denied potential penalties during the game.

“I think one or two decisions could have been penalties, but that’s football,” he added.

One of Austria’s goals also came from a penalty situation involving defender Jonas Adjetey, a moment Addo believed could have been avoided.

Second Half Collapse Proved Costly

While the Black Stars managed to stay competitive during the first half, Addo described the team’s second-half display as disastrous.

“The second half was a really big disaster,” he admitted.

Austria’s high pressing and fresh substitutions further exposed Ghana’s defensive weaknesses, leading to additional goals that sealed the emphatic victory.

Addo said the team must quickly learn from the mistakes and improve their defensive organization, especially during transitions.

Ghana Shift Focus to Germany Friendly

Following the defeat, Ghana will now turn their attention to their next international friendly against Germany national football team.

The match is scheduled to take place in Stuttgart on Monday, March 31.

Despite the heavy loss, Addo remains confident that the Black Stars have the quality to compete with the four-time world champions.

“We have to analyse this game carefully even though we have little time,” he said.
“There were a lot of things wrong today, but I believe the team has the quality to keep up with Germany.”

Addo Urges Team to Stay Positive

The Ghana coach concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the right mindset ahead of the next match.

“My job is to keep the players positive even after a defeat,” Addo said.
“We must learn from our mistakes, trust ourselves, and focus on the next game.”

Ghana will hope to bounce back strongly when they face Germany in Stuttgart as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions.

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Black Stars

Ghana Football Association Targets a Stronger Ghana National Football Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup

By Osikanitv March 19, 2026

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a solid and competitive Ghana national football team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, emphasized that the association’s focus is to develop a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level, even in the absence of key senior players.

His comments follow the announcement of a 26-man squad by head coach Otto Addo for upcoming international friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team.

Focus on Competition and Squad Depth

The latest squad features four debutants — Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, Daniel Agyei, and Patrick Pfeiffer — highlighting the technical team’s effort to expand the player pool and strengthen competition within the team.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Asante Twum explained that the inclusion of new faces is part of a broader strategy to improve squad depth and performance.

“We want to build a strong team. We want to reach a stage where even without our senior players, we can still perform comfortably,” he said.

He added that several players have been engaged and are eager to represent Ghana, but must earn their place through performance.

“We want to create a competitive environment where every player pushes for a spot. Those already in the team must also improve, as it will help build a stronger and more competitive side,” he noted.

Upcoming Friendlies

The Black Stars will face Austria in Vienna on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart for a second friendly against Germany on March 30, 2026.

These matches are expected to provide a valuable platform for the technical team to assess both experienced players and new call-ups as Ghana continues its build-up toward the Mundial.

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AFCON

Senegalese Football Federation Rejects Confederation of African Football Ruling on 2025 AFCON Title

By Osikanitv March 18, 2026

Senegalese Football Federation Rejects Confederation of African Football Ruling on 2025 AFCON Title

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly opposed a shocking decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Jury to strip Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown months after the tournament concluded in Morocco.

In a dramatic turn of events, CAF announced on Tuesday that Senegal’s AFCON triumph had been annulled, awarding a 3-0 victory and effectively the title to the Morocco national football team. The ruling followed a successful appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), overturning an earlier verdict by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.

Controversy Surrounding the Final

The decision stems from chaotic scenes during the final match when the Senegal national football team players walked off the pitch for over 17 minutes in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

After intervention from captain Sadio Mané, the Senegalese players returned to resume the game. The Teranga Lions eventually secured a narrow victory, thanks to a decisive goal from Pape Gueye, after Brahim Díaz missed the controversial penalty that had sparked the protest.

However, CAF later ruled that Senegal’s actions violated competition rules. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, the governing body determined that the team’s conduct warranted forfeiture of the match.

Senegal Set for Legal Battle

In response, the FSF has firmly rejected the ruling and confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible,” the FSF stated.

Additional Sanctions and Decisions

CAF’s Appeals Board also reviewed other incidents from the heated final. Ismael Saibari of Morocco was found guilty of misconduct, though his punishment was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. A previously imposed fine of $100,000 was also отменён.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan federation was held accountable for the behavior of ball boys during the match, with their fine reduced to $50,000. However, CAF upheld a separate $100,000 fine related to interference near the VAR review area, while a sanction linked to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.

All other appeals submitted in relation to the final were dismissed, closing one chapter of the controversy while potentially opening another as the case heads toward CAS.

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AFCON

CAF Appeal Board Awards AFCON 2025 Final to Morocco After Senegal Forfeiture

By Osikanitv March 17, 2026

CAF Appeal Board Awards AFCON 2025 Final to Morocco After Senegal Forfeiture

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final outcome was reversed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board, which declared Senegal to have forfeited the game and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) filed an appeal, and the CAF upheld it in a historic finding under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, overturning the Disciplinary Board’s previous ruling.

The decision stems from dramatic scenes during the final, when Senegal players walked off the pitch for more than 10 minutes after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up but missed the spot-kick after attempting a panenka. Senegal later returned to the field and went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, with Gueye scoring the decisive goal.

CAF, however, ruled that the conduct of the Senegal team constituted a breach of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found to have infringed Article 82, leading to the forfeiture of the match under Article 84.

“The appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football is upheld,” the statement read. “The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the FRMF.”

The ruling effectively strips Senegal of the AFCON title and awards the victory to Morocco in what is one of the most unprecedented decisions in the tournament’s history.

The Appeal Board also issued additional rulings relating to incidents during the final.

Morocco player Ismael Saibari was found guilty of misconduct in violation of CAF’s disciplinary code. His sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed fine of $100,000 was set aside.

CAF also held Morocco’s federation responsible for the conduct of ball boys during the match, reducing the associated fine to $50,000.

However, a separate fine of $100,000 for interference around the VAR review area was upheld, while a sanction relating to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.

All other appeals and requests were dismissed.

The ruling brings closure to a highly contentious final and sets a significant precedent for disciplinary enforcement in African football.

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Football World

Iran in talks to move World Cup games out of US

By Osikanitv March 17, 2026

Iran in talks to move World Cup games out of US

Iran is exploring the possibility of relocating its 2026 World Cup matches away from the United States due to growing security concerns, according to officials from the country’s football authorities.

The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, revealed that discussions are ongoing with FIFA to have Iran’s games moved to Mexico instead.

In a statement shared on social media, Taj pointed to safety concerns, citing remarks from Donald Trump, who suggested he could not fully guarantee the security of the Iranian national team if they were to play in the United States.

Iran is currently scheduled to play two group matches in Inglewood, California, and another in Seattle between June 15 and June 26. However, uncertainty surrounding security and ongoing geopolitical tensions has prompted the federation to reconsider those arrangements.

Despite the concerns, Trump has publicly stated that Iran would still be allowed to enter the United States for the tournament, although he admitted that their presence might not be ideal given the current situation.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also weighed in, confirming he recently held talks with Trump, who assured him that Iran’s participation in U.S.-hosted matches would be permitted if safety conditions are met.

Infantino emphasized the importance of unity through football, noting that global tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup serve as a platform to bring nations together, especially during periods of international tension.

The situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing unrest in Iran, which has now extended into a third week, with no clear resolution in sight. FIFA is expected to make the final decision regarding any potential changes to Iran’s match venues.

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