Sports
Frimpong Manso appointed Head Coach of Black Starlets
The Ghana Football Association has appointed Coach Stephen Frimpong Manso as the new Head Coach of the Male National Under-17 team, the Black Starlets.
The seasoned Coach brings a wealth of experience to the table. Coach Manso’s coaching career has taken him to a number of club sides, namely Stade d’Abidjan, Asante Kotoko, Karela United, B. A. United, Kessben FC (currently Medeama SC) and Nkoranza Warriors. He is currently the Head Coach of Premier League club, Bibiani Gold Stars.
Coach Frimpong Manso is noted for discovering and nurturing young talent and he handled the National U17 team between 2009 and 2010, having previously been Assistant Coach of the team. From 2006 to 2008, he was Assistant Coach of the Black Meteors (Ghana’s National Male Under 23 team).
Frimpong Manso played for the senior national team, the Black Stars, for whom he featured from 1986-1995. He also played for Ghanaian giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko for eight years before leaving the shores of Ghana to ply his trade with Kuwaiti club, Al Shabab. In his playing days, Frimpong Manso was a stalwart defender.
His expertise will undoubtedly be an asset to the Black Starlets as they get set to commence preparations for a number of international assignments.
As the team gears up for these assignments, it is anticipated that Coach Manso’s experience and know-how will help shape the team’s strategy and tactics, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Coach Stephen Frimpong Manso is a holder of a CAF Licence A Coaching certificate.
Coaches Nana Kweku Agyemang and Jacob Nettey have been retained as Assistant Coaches of the team.
The Ghana Football Association’s decision to appoint Coach Manso reflects its belief in his ability to restore Ghana to a lofty perch in Youth football in Africa and the world.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The Black Queens will on Wednesday, April 29, learn their opponents for the African qualifying phase of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament.
The draw, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place at CAF headquarters in Cairo and will be streamed live on CAF TV from 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Ghana is among 35 national teams participating in the qualification campaign, which will determine the two African representatives for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, scheduled for July 11 to 29, 2028.
The qualification series will be played over five rounds, with each nation aiming to secure one of the two available slots for Africa at the global event in Los Angeles.
Having recently climbed to 59th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings and currently ranked third in Africa, the draw marks the beginning of another major international mission, the quest to seek a return to Olympic football.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially awarded the nation the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
CAF covered the decision in a letter addressed to the General Secretary, Lawyer Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq.
The decision underscores CAF’s strong confidence in the Ghana Football Association’s ability to organize and deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards of youth football on the continent.
Ghana last hosted the competition in 1999 – when the Black Satellites lifted the trophy on home soil amid scenes of national celebration.
Coincidentally, 2027 will mark the 70th Independence anniversary and the competition could be a great part of the celebrations.
CAF says it will work closely with the Football Association and a soon-to-be-established Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the successful planning and execution of the tournament.
This collaboration is expected to focus on infrastructure readiness, logistics, security, and overall fan experience, all aimed at delivering a world-class event worthy of Africa’s growing football stature.
Beyond the excitement of hosting, the tournament represents a broader endorsement of Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier football hubs.
Over the years, the country has consistently demonstrated its capability to stage high-profile competitions, backed by passionate supporters, improving facilities and a rich football culture.
The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations holds particular importance in the global football ecosystem. Widely regarded as a breeding ground for future stars, the competition has historically served as a launching pad for some of Africa’s most celebrated players. Many participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success at top European clubs and on the international stage, making the tournament a key showcase of emerging talent.
With history, passion and proven capability on its side, Ghana now stands poised to deliver a memorable and impactful U-20 AFCON tournament, one that could shape the future of African football once again.
