Sports
Eyes on the Prize as Black Stars Host Comoros
The Black Stars are on the brink of securing Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance as they face The Coelacanths of Comoros in the final game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
A single point from the game will confirm Ghana’s spot at next year’s global tournament—the first in history to feature 48 teams and jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Coach Otto Addo’s side currently top Group I with 22 points, three clear of second-placed Madagascar. Despite the advantageous position, Addo insists the team must remain focused.
“The job is not done yet, we have to finish off well tomorrow against Comoros,” Addo stated after Ghana’s victory over the Central African Republic on Wednesday.
Comoros, fourth in Group I, are already out of contention for a World Cup berth. However, they could play spoiler by attempting a shock defeat of the Black Stars at home. Even in such a scenario, second-placed Madagascar would need to score eight unanswered goals against Mali to surpass Ghana—a near-impossible task.
Since taking over his second stint as head coach, Otto Addo remains undefeated in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His record includes:
- Wins against Mali (away), Central African Republic (Kumasi), Chad (Accra), Madagascar, and Central African Republic (Morocco).
- The only draw came against Chad away in N’Djamena.
Meanwhile, Comoros has a competitive edge in recent encounters with the Black Stars, holding two wins, a draw, and one loss in their last four matches. This gives them motivation to finish the qualifiers on a high note and please their fans.
Tomorrow’s clash promises to be thrilling, with Ghana aiming to secure qualification and Comoros seeking to maintain their impressive record against the West Africans.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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.
