Home Blog Page 647

Agyemang Badu hails GFA’s efforts in women’s football, urges more support

By
admin
-
0
Agyemang Badu

Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has lauded the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its strides in developing women’s football but believes more can be done to elevate the game.

The 2025/26 season of the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League is scheduled to begin on October 31, 2025, and will run until April 27, 2026. The competition will once again feature 20 teams, split into the Northern and Southern Zones.

Speaking ahead of the 2025/26 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League, Badu praised the GFA for changing the narrative around women’s football and called for increased sponsorship and investment in the female game.

I have been visiting some of the clubs and watching some of the games. You can see they have done a great job. We can do more,” he said.

The way they have started, I think if things are going on well, we need to commend the FA for what they have done. And that is what has happened in what we see in our Black Queens,” Badu added.

He further stressed the importance of equal attention for the women’s league now that the men’s competition is enjoying a strong commercial boost.

“They deserve every accolade now. Whatever the government wants to do for them, we would appreciate that. Now that we have gathered a lot of sponsorships for the Ghana Premier League for the men, I think gradually they will get something for the women too; so that where we want our football to be, the game will go there. I’m very happy, and the GFA has done a very good job in women’s football.

Defending champions Police Ladies will look to retain their title after a dominant 2024/25 season. Newly promoted sides include Northern City Ladies and Ashtown Ladies in the Northern Zone, while Oak Ladies and Samartex Ladies join the Southern Zone.

Credit: citisportsonline.com

Black Stars midfielder Abu Francis completes four-year move to Toulouse

By
admin
-
0
Ghanaian midfielder Francis Abu

Ghanaian midfielder Francis Abu has completed a move to French Ligue 1 side Toulouse, signing a four-year contract.

He joins from Belgian club Cercle Brugge, having arrived in France on Sunday night to undergo his medical.

Abu made over 60 league appearances for Cercle Brugge, registering one goal and seven assists.

Turkish sides Basaksehir FK and Trabzonspor were among the clubs pursuing his signature, while Burnley, Torino, and Genoa also showed interest but Toulouse ultimately won the race.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Abu told the club’s media.

“I can’t wait to start this new challenge and join this wonderful family. I’m also looking forward to discovering the Pink City and meeting all the club’s incredible supporters.”

Francis came through the Right to Dream Academy before eventually signing for Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.

He has also been capped five times by the Ghana national team – Black Stars – with his debut coming in March 2024.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Kurt Okraku to visit Gold Stars, Kotoko and Police Ladies ahead of CAF Competitions

By
admin
-
0
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, FA President

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, will embark on a working visit to three Ghanaian clubs preparing to represent the nation in the 2025/26 CAF Inter-Club Competitions, beginning Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The clubs Gold Stars FC, Asante Kotoko SC, and Police Ladies FC,  secured qualification for their respective continental tournaments following exceptional performances in the just-ended 2024/25 domestic football season.

President Okraku will commence his tour in Accra, where he is scheduled to visit Gold Stars FC during their ongoing pre-season training camp. The Bibiani-based club made history by clinching their first-ever Ghana Premier League title and are now gearing up for their maiden appearance in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

While in the capital, the GFA President will also visit Police Ladies FC, champions of the 2024/25 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League. The club will represent Ghana in the CAF Women’s Champions League – WAFU B Zonal Qualifiers, as they aim to secure a place in the continental finals.

Following his engagements in Accra, President Okraku will travel to Kumasi to meet with Asante Kotoko SC at their training grounds. The MTN FA Cup winners are preparing to compete in the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, as they return to continental action.

This series of visits forms part of the GFA President’s commitment to engaging with key stakeholders and offering hands-on support as the clubs intensify their preparations for Africa’s premier club competitions.

Ghana’s representation in the 2025/26 CAF Inter-Club Competitions are Gold Stars FC – CAF Champions League (Premier League Champions), Asante Kotoko SC – CAF Confederation Cup (FA Cup Winners) and Police Ladies FC – CAF Women’s Champions League (WAFU B Zonal Qualifiers).

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Gor Mahia job a chance for Charles Akonnor to relaunch coaching career -Ibrahim Sannie

By
admin
-
0
Charles Kwabla Akonnor, head coach of Gor Mahia

Ibrahim Saanie Daara beleives that Charles Kwabla Akonnor’s appointment as head coach of Gor Mahia is an opportunity to relaunch his coaching career.

The former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko head coach has been unattached after he was dismissed as the head coach of the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.

However, the Kenyan giants have named Akonnor on a two-year deal with Bismark Kobby Mensah serving as the assistant coach, while George Owu has joined the fold as goalkeepers’ trainer.

Speaking in an interview, Sannie Daara, who is a former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) believes the move presents a fresh platform for Akonnor to rebuild his reputation and open new doors on the continental stage.

“We wish him the best and hope that he can make the best of it since this is a big opportunity for CK to somehow relaunch his career, because since he left the Black Stars, he’s not had a job.

“He’s had offers, but some of the offers were not suitable for him, but with this opportunity to go outside and make his name, I think it’s good news for him to do that and perhaps come back into recruitment for some of the top jobs,” he said.

Akonnor will be looking to bring his experience to the table, having managed Kotoko to the CAF Champions League.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Scotland keeper Gunn joins Forest after contract expiry

By
admin
-
0
Angus Gunn

Nottingham Forest have signed Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a one-year deal.

Gunn made 35 Championship appearances for Norwich City last season but left the Canaries when his contract expired in May.

The 29-year-old began his career at Norwich, before moving to Manchester City where he signed his first professional contract in 2013.

He joined Southampton in 2018 before re-signing for Norwich three years later – making 172 appearances for the Canaries over two spells.

Gunn said Forest “is a historic club on an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to being a part of it and getting to work”.

“I’m joining a good group of keepers, and I believe my experience will add something to the team. I can’t wait to get going,” he added.

Gunn has been capped 16 times for Scotland and started all three of their group games at Euro 2024 last year.

He will provide competition for Matz Sels who was ever present for Forest in the league last season, keeping 13 clean sheets to share the Golden Glove with Arsenal’s David Raya.

Credit: bbc.com

Muller joins Vancouver in MLS after Bayern exit

By
admin
-
0
Thomas Muller

Former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has joined Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps for the rest of the 2025 season.

The 35-year-old left the German side at the end of last season when his contract expired, bringing an end to his 25-year association with the Bundesliga champions.

Vancouver’s deal includes the option to sign Muller as a designated player (DP) for the 2026 MLS season – each club is allowed three DPs whose wages are not counted against their salary cap.

Whitecaps acquired the discovery priority rights for Muller from FC Cincinnati in exchange for $200,000 (£149,000) in 2025 general allocation money (GAM), $100,000 (£75,000) in 2026 GAM, and a conditional $100,000 (£75,000) in 2026 GAM.

He will officially join the club upon receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC), visa and work permit.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship,” said Muller, who started his youth career at Bayern in 2000 and led them to two Champions League and 13 Bundesliga titles.

“I’ve heard great things about the city, but first and foremost I’m coming to win. I’ve had great conversations with [sporting director] Axel Schuster and [head coach] Jesper Sorensen, and now I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the play-offs.”

Muller also made 131 appearances for Germany, scoring 45 goals, and lifted the 2014 World Cup after winning the Golden Boot as top scorer of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Vancouver are currently second, a point behind San Diego, in the Western Conference with 10 regular season matches remaining.

Credit: bbc.com

Wissa back in Brentford training but wants move

By
admin
-
0
Yoane Wissa

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has returned to first-team training following constructive talks with head coach Keith Andrews but is still seeking a move away from the club.

Wissa and Andrews spoke at the team’s training ground on Wednesday morning following a fortnight of strained relations between player and club.

The talks have resulted in Wissa resuming senior training for the first time since he decided to leave Brentford’s pre-season base in Portugal on 21 July.

However, the 28-year-old still wants to secure a transfer to Newcastle during the current transfer window – a move that would provide him with an opportunity to play Champions League football.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Brentford will consider selling Wissa but value the forward at a figure significantly more than the £25million plus £5m offer they have received from Newcastle.

Identifying and signing a replacement for Wissa is also said to be a factor in any possible move ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1.

In addition to his return to training, Wissa was also part of Brentford’s Premier League media day on Tuesday, when the squad were filmed and photographed for external broadcasters ahead of the new season.

And having missed Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over Queens Park Rangers, it now remains to be seen whether Wissa is part of the squad to face Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.

Since flying home early from the club’s Portuguese camp, Wissa has been in conflict with Brentford. The former Lorient man had threatened not to play or train for the club again, making clear his desire to move to St James’ Park.

Credit: bbc.com

Isak excluded from training and family day with Newcastle squad

By
admin
-
0
Alexander Isak

Eddie Howe has stood firm on his stance over Alexander Isak’s conduct after excluding the want-away striker from training and a family day with the Newcastle squad.

The striker, who wants to join Liverpool, has been told to report to the training ground later on Wednesday, after a special team-building lunch involving the players and their families has finished.

Howe told Mail Sport on Sunday night in Korea that Isak must earn the right to train with the group, in light of ‘acting poorly’.

Isak did not tell his manager he was flying to Spain last week to use the training facilities at his former club Real Sociedad. Before that, the AWOL Swede had ruled himself out of the club’s Far East tour when he walked out of training citing a thigh injury. A subsequent scan showed no damage.

And Howe has been good to his word by telling the 25-year-old he cannot yet train with the rest of the group, who reported back to their North Tyneside base on Wednesday morning.

‘You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,’ said Howe in Seoul. ‘The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.

‘We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.’

Liverpool will return with an improved offer for Isak once Newcastle have found a replacement. They had a £110million bid rejected on Friday. However, with the Magpies set to miss out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Isak’s hopes of securing a move imminently have taken a hit.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Omane Boamah, Mutala, Others Die in Military Helicopter Crash

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
-
0
Debris of the crashed military helicopter

Ghana has been plunged into mourning following the tragic crash of a military helicopter in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The accident claimed the lives of several high-profile government officials and military personnel.

In a solemn press briefing, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the devastating loss of:
• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Mutala Muhammad, MP and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Alhaji Muniru Muhammad Lemunade, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
• Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
• Squadron Leader Peter Parfumi Anala,
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu,
• Sergeant Ernest Ado Mensah

Mr. Debrah described the incident as a “national tragedy” and extended the government’s deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased. He further announced that all national flags are to be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen until their burial.

The Ghana Armed Forces, in an earlier statement, indicated that the aircraft—a Z-9 military helicopter went off radar shortly after takeoff on its way to Obuasi. Initial reports suggest the helicopter crashed in a remote forested area, with some passengers reportedly burnt beyond recognition.

Emergency teams, including military search and rescue units, were quickly deployed to the crash site. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

The loss of key national leaders has sent shockwaves across the country, with tributes pouring in from political, civil, and military institutions.

IGP Pledges Maximum Security for Daddy Lumba’s One-Week Observation

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
IGP, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno signing a book of condolences of the late Daddy Lumba

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has pledged full security support for the one-week observation of Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Ofosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The event is scheduled to take place on August 30, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Complex.

As part of tradition and to be briefed on funeral arrangements, the IGP paid a courtesy visit to the bereaved family and the funeral committee.

During the visit, Dr. Yohuno expressed his admiration for the late musician, describing his songs as a source of personal inspiration.

He humorously noted that he often feels compelled to give money to the Police Band whenever they perform Daddy Lumba’s songs—especially the hit track “Yentie Obiaa.”

The IGP’s commitment to providing maximum security is in response to the massive turnout witnessed during the night vigil held on August 3.

In a gesture of support, the IGP and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) donated 25 packs of bottled water and an undisclosed amount of money to the family.

Collins Owusu Amankwah, Vice Chairman of the funeral committee, expressed appreciation to the IGP and POMAB for their support and stated that the committee would reciprocate the visit to further discuss funeral arrangements.

1...646647648...3,050Page 647 of 3,050

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle