Sports
Asante Kotoko apologises to supporters after finishing 8th in Premier League
Asante Kotoko SC has apologised to its supporters after ending the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season in 8th place.
In a statement issued by the club’s Board and Management, the Porcupine Warriors described the season’s performance as disappointing and below the standards and expectations of the club.
According to the club, finishing 8th does not reflect the ambition and rich history of Asante Kotoko.
The Board stated that although football always offers another chance to improve, this season was “one to forget,” adding that decisive measures would be taken to help the club bounce back stronger next season.
Management also thanked supporters for their continuous support throughout the campaign.
The club acknowledged the sacrifices made by fans who travelled across the country to support the team despite the poor results.
“We sincerely apologise for the disappointment and frustration caused by our performance this season,” the statement said.
The Board further assured supporters that efforts would be made to rebuild a stronger and more competitive squad capable of restoring the club to the top of Ghanaian and African football.
The statement ended with the message, “Together we shall rise again,” and was signed by the Board and Management of the club.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused him entry.
A FIFA statement to The Athletic confirmed the Arsenal star cannot travel from Ghana’s base camp in Boston, USA, for Wednesday’s, June 17, opener against Panama.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read.
FIFA stressed it has no role in immigration decisions: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Canadian immigration rules state that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged with offenses in the UK but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The Black Stars will now have to do without their midfield anchor for the crucial Group E opener against Panama.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana have arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, for the final phase of preparations ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The team departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and touched down at T.F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island at about 6:00 p.m.
Head Coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad will resume training on Friday as they fine-tune preparations for their opening Group L game against Panama.
The Black Stars wrapped up a week-long training camp in Washington following their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
The camp in Virginia included intensive sessions at the American University and D.C. United training ground and a farewell dinner with the Ghanaian community in Alexandria.
Ghana now enters the final stretch of preparation in Providence before heading to Toronto for the June 17 opener against Panama at Toronto Stadium.
The Black Stars will also face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 to complete Group L.
Queiroz’s 26-man squad features captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who is set for his second successive World Cup.
The team is expected to hold training sessions and series of Community engagement programs in Rhode Island in the coming days.
