Sports
Black Stars coaches hold meeting in London ahead of 2023 AFCON qualifiers
The Black Stars’ technical team, led by head coach Otto Addo, converged in London to discuss the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana has been paired in the same group with Madagascar, Angola and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the qualifiers for the tournament, which will be hosted by the Ivory Coast next year.
The Black Stars will host Madagascar at the Cape Coast Stadium on June 1, before taking on CAR four days later.
Ahead of the two games, Ghana’s interim head coach Addo, technical director Chris Hughton and assistant coach George Boateng converged in England.
It is believed that the trio discussed squad selection and other matters relating to the upcoming crucial matches against Madagascar and CAR.
After the AFCON qualifiers, Ghana will immediately begin its preparation for the 2022 World Cup with a four-nation tournament that includes Japan, Chile and Tunisia.
Dubbed the 2022 Kirin Super Cup, the tournament will be hosted by Japan from Friday, June 10, 2022 to Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
A statement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in April said the Black Stars will face hosts Japan in their opening game while Tunisia also takes on Chile.
The winners of both matches will then clash in the final four days later, with the losers also facing off for the third and fourth places.
Ghana qualified for the World Cup in March following a 1-1 aggregate scoreline against rivals Nigeria in a two-legged playoff in March.
The Black Stars drew goalless with the Super Eagles in Kumasi before securing a 1-1 draw far away in Abuja to qualify on away goals.
Otto Addo’s side has since been paired in a tricky Group H of the World Cup, alongside Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Source: www.pulse.com.gh
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
