The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has expressed his confidence in the Black Stars following their recent performances in the June 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars achieved victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in the third and fourth matches of the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Under the guidance of Otto Addo, the team made a remarkable comeback to defeat Mali 2-1 in Bamako earlier this month. Three days later, they secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
These successes have not only improved Ghana's chances of qualifying for the World Cup but also boosted their position in the FIFA rankings, both globally and within Africa.
Speaking at the launch of the Democracy Cup, Bagbin said, “I'm very, very convinced. It takes time to gel. And so when you get them together like this, there's some difficulty in getting synchronization and telepathy.”
Ghana is now second in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers with nine points, tied with Comoros but behind based on goal difference.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will flourish under Otto Addo's leadership, following their recent victories in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars triumphed over Mali and the Central African Republic in the third and fourth matches of the tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Under Otto Addo's guidance, the team staged a comeback to defeat Mali 2-1 in Bamako earlier this month. Three days later, they secured a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
These victories have not only improved Ghana's chances of qualifying for the World Cup but also boosted their standings in both the FIFA global rankings and the African rankings.
“It takes time for the team to settle and gel. And you realize the names that you are mentioning, they didn't achieve it in a day,” Bagbin said at the launch of the Democracy Cup.
“It took a long group of them from the youth growing together to become the stars. So please, let's have patience and be tolerant.
“Let’s encourage and support the technical team, and everybody. Ghana will once again rise up to the glory of God.”
The upcoming FA Cup final between Nsoatreman and Bofoakwa Tano is poised to be an extraordinary event, according to FA Cup Chairman Wilson Arthur. Emphasizing the significance of the match, Arthur labeled the FA Cup final as Ghana's premier sporting event.
In a ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2024, the organizing committee, along with officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and MTN, presented the prestigious trophy to the pro-vice chancellor and leaders of the University of Ghana community. The trophy tour also made stops at other key departments on the campus.
Discussing the much-anticipated match, Arthur stated, "Everything is set for the grand finale of the 2023/24 MTN FA Cup competition, where Nsoatreman will face off against Bofoakwa Tano. It's important to note that every MTN FA Cup final is a unique game. You may have seen these teams in the league or in friendly matches, but the FA Cup is a different story."
Arthur further emphasized the event's significance by saying, "Being the biggest sporting event in Ghana, I assure you that this final, which will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, will not be any different. It will be special, it will be very special."
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium is ready to host the highly anticipated FA Cup match between the two teams this Sunday at 6 p.m.
Gideon Mensah has praised Otto Addo as one of the best coaches he has worked with at the Black Stars. Mensah, who currently plays for AJ Auxerre, has experienced Addo's coaching both during his time as an assistant to Milovan Rajevac and later as the head coach who led the team to the 2022 World Cup. Addo has now returned as the main coach.
Mensah has high regard for Addo's tactical approach, stating, "For me, I think he's one of the best that I've worked with in the national team in terms of the tactics and how he wants the team to play."
Reflecting on Addo's deep understanding of the game and his connection to the national team, Mensah added, “Obviously, he's always played in the national team before, so he knows what Ghanaians expect and what the team also wants."
Mensah also believes that Addo's return signifies thoughtful reflection and a commitment to improvement: "But I think coming back again shows that he's sat down and thought about what was not right, what was good, what to do next, and what to improve on."
Augustine Arhinful, a former Ghana international, has urged Black Stars coach Otto Addo to make it a point in improving the team's performances in the first half during matches.
Former Black Queen goalkeeper Patricia Mantey has appealed to the Ghana Football Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the public to assist her with funds to pay for surgery following a ligament injury she sustained.
The Black Stars of Ghana have moved four places up in the latest FIFA World Rankings which was released on the early hours of today, June 20, 2024.
Exclusive reports reaching Kickgh.com are that, English Premier League and Championship clubs are tracking Medeama SC defender Nurudeen Abdulai and might make a huge move for his service before the just-opened transfer window closes.
Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has confirmed that his team will undergo a significant transformation ahead of the new season, following the release of 18 players in the past 24 hours.
Ghana's Amputee football coach, Richard Obeng, revealed that the team had to purchase their jerseys from the Kantamanto market for the 2024 Amputee AFCON in Egypt due to neglect from authorities.
The Black Challenge triumphed in the Amputee AFCON, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final to retain their title.
Despite their success, the team faced criticism from the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, for accepting external donations before officially meeting him to present the AFCON trophy.
The controversy arose after former President John Dramani Mahama donated $10,000 to the team, prompting the Sports Minister to request an accounting of all funds received.
“We went to Kantamanto to buy them [jerseys] because our budget was not approved by the Sports Ministry. They have to sanction via GFA to get us the national jerseys,” Obeng told Joy Sports.
“Time was not on our side, so as a coach, I always have plan B with the management. Then I said, why not? Let's go get it. We have done it before.”
The Black Challenge's victory over Morocco not only secured the Amputee AFCON title but also qualified them for the 2026 Amputee World Cup.
Captain of Ghana’s Amputee Football Team, Richard Arthur Openti has complained bitterly about how they've been prevented from meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo and presenting their trophies.
Former Ghana star Laryea Kingston says Black Stars head coach Otto Addo should stamp his authority on the team.
Otto Addo, who was reappointed as head coach of the Ghana's senior national team has been able to revive the 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes of the team.
In recent years, rumours have suggested that some highly-placed Ghana FA officials influence call-ups into the Black Stars team, with the head coach's choices being usually overlooked.
But in reaction, Laryea Kingston stressed that Addo should be his own man and only follows due process to discuss his selection with the Management Committee members of the team.
"We should not be excited about the two wins but Otto Addo must plan for the rest of the games," he told GTV Sports Plus.
"I think he has clearly shown what he wants to do but he should send the message to the players that this is how we must approach the game and we must deliver. These players cannot be taught how to play football but Otto Addo must stamp his authority on the team,” Kingston added.
By: Pascal Amoah
