Ghananain champions Hasaacas Ladies have been handed a very tough group in the 2024 WAFU Zone B Women's Champions League qualifiers which starts early next month
Black Princesses head coach Yussif Basigi has stressed the importance of his team arriving in Colombia at least a week before the start of the U-20 Women's FIFA World Cup.
Ghana will be making their seventh consecutive appearance in the global tournament, which runs from August 31 to September 22 in Colombia. Basigi's squad has been placed in Group E, where they will face Austria, New Zealand, and former World Champions Japan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
With the aim of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time, Basigi is confident in his team's motivation and preparation. He emphasized the necessity of arriving early to adjust to the altitude in Colombia.
“The authorities concerned know what it takes," Basigi stated. "The timeline is also a factor, so we need to acclimatize because the altitude there is a consideration. I know we will get there a few weeks or days before the competition begins,” he added.
Currently, the Black Princesses are training in Cape Coast to prepare for the tournament.
Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak are planning a preseason training tour in Germany ahead of the 2024/25 season.
After a disappointing campaign last season, the Phobians are determined to make a strong impact in the upcoming season. As part of their preparations, Hearts of Oak have decided to embark on a preseason training tour in Germany.
Accra-based Angel FM reports that Hearts of Oak are in advanced discussions with TSG Hoffenheim regarding the possible training camp in Germany. This initiative is part of the collaborative relationships established between FC Cincinnati, Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim, and Hearts of Oak.
If an agreement is reached, Hearts of Oak will travel to Germany to continue their preparations for the new season.
The Phobians narrowly avoided relegation last season with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Bechem United on the final day of the Ghana Premier League.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season is set to kick off on September 6, 2026.
Premier League Southampton FC are reportedly eyeing West Bromwich Albion striker Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The Saints are considering Thomas-Asante as a replacement for Che Adams, who is poised to join Torino. The 25-year-old forward has been influential at West Brom since his move from Salford in 2022, emerging as the club’s top scorer in his first two seasons.
Southampton's interest is spurred by Adams' upcoming transfer to Serie A club Torino. The Scotland international, Adams, has played 191 matches for the Saints, including 46 last season, playing a pivotal role in the club's return to the Premier League.
With Thomas-Asante’s contract at the Hawthorns set to expire next summer, this transfer window offers West Brom a chance to capitalize on his value.
While Thomas-Asante lacks Premier League experience, he has advanced from the National League, demonstrating his goal-scoring talent at every level. His ability to play in various attacking positions makes him an attractive prospect.
If Thomas-Asante moves to Southampton, he will face the challenge of meeting the club’s need for goals, a critical issue during their 2022-23 Premier League season when they scored only 36 goals, contributing to their relegation.
Thomas-Asante made his debut for Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium, a match that Ghana won 4-3. He netted 11 goals last season in the English Championship.
Ghana Premier League newcomers, Young Apostle, are close to signing former Hearts of Oak forward Michelle Sarpong during the current transfer window.
Reports indicate that Sarpong is currently in Wenchi to finalize the deal.
The 25-year-old striker, who advanced from Auroras FC to Hearts of Oak's senior team in 2019, is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Bono-based club.
Last season, Sarpong played for relegated Real Tamale United after concluding his time with the Phobians.
Sarpong is well-acquainted with the Ghana Premier League, having previously played for Elmina Sharks, Dreams FC, and RTU.
He will be a significant addition to Young Apostle next season, bringing his experience and skill to the team.
Young Apostle achieved a historic promotion to the Ghana Premier League after defeating Techiman Heroes on penalties in the Division One League Zone 1 playoff at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The club’s management has been diligently working to bolster their squad for their debut season in the top-flight league, and Sarpong’s potential signing could be a substantial asset for the team.
Michael Awuah Mensah, the new defender for Accra Hearts of Oak, revealed that Asante Kotoko initially expressed interest in signing him at the end of the 2023/24 season. Ultimately, however, Hearts of Oak secured his services.
Mensah, who previously played for Nations FC, made his debut for Hearts of Oak in the off-season Democracy Cup match against their arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, which resulted in a 2-1 loss for the Phobians. With the 2024/25 season on the horizon, Mensah is expected to strengthen Hearts of Oak’s defense.
In an interview with Silver FM in Kumasi, Mensah reflected on the attention he received from major clubs. "The feeling you know as a player you have ended the season a club like Kotoko Hearts are interested in you as a player you will know that it is due to your performance," he said.
“Kotoko were the first to approach me, but Hearts of Oak was pushing more than Kotoko,” he added.
Mensah’s addition to Hearts of Oak is anticipated to bring a new level of competition and resilience to the team’s defensive line. With his experience and talent, he is expected to play a crucial role for the Phobians as they aim to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.