Champion of Champions: Nsoatreman FC back in Ghana to battle FC Samartex 1996 in Cup final

Nsoatreman FC have arrived in Ghana from Cameroon to prepare for the Champion of Champions against FC Samartex 1996 on Saturday August 31, 2024 at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa.

The 2023-24 MNT FA Cup holders completed the double over Chad’s Elect Sport in the preliminary stage of the 2024-25 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation.

The Nsuatre-based side will travel to Tarkwa this weekend to battle 2023-24 Premier League Champions, FC Samartex 1996, in the Champion of Champions showdown.

The game, which will traditionally usher in the new football season, will take place at the TNA Park in Tarkwa, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm.

FC Samartex 1996 defied the odds to emerge winners of the Ghana Premier League after staging an incredible campaign.

For Nsoatreman FC, beating Bofoakwa Tano in the finals of the MTN FA Cup was not only historic but also a statement of their determination in the competition.

Both clubs are currently flying Ghana’s flag high in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, making this encounter a perfect prelude to what promises to be an exciting season.

The match will not only serve as a curtain-raiser for the 2024/25 season but also as preparations for the upcoming season, which starts on Friday September 6, 2024.

The TNA Park is expected to filled with fans to witness what will surely to be a thrilling contest between two of Ghana’s finest football clubs.

GFA Communications

Otto Addo names 23-man squad for Chad and Madagascar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

The team, led by captain Jordan Ayew includes three home-based players: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC and Razak Simpson of Nations FC.

Deputy captain and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad after missing four of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year. With over 50 appearances for Ghana since his debut in June 2016, Partey brings valuable experience to the team.

Other notable inclusions are Kamal Deen Sulemana of Southampton FC and Jerry Afriyie of CD Lugo. Sulemana has regained full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, while Afriyie retains his spot after impressing in the match against Niger in November last year.

Belgium-based Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk, has also received an invitation. The left-footed right-winger, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, began his career with Accra Shooting Stars before joining Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 and later Genk in July 2023.

The team will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, and train for four days before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in another Group I match on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana are currently second in Group I with nine points from four matches after securing three wins and one defeat, leveling them with Comoros.

Ghana’s qualifying campaign began with a 1-0 win over Madagascar, followed by a loss to Comoros. They bounced back with consecutive victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in June last year to keep their chances of qualification intact.

Below is the full Squad:

Sports

Twelve players left out of Black Stars squad due to injury

Twelve players could not make the Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.

They include Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nuruudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Painstil.

The injury details are as follows:

Alidu Seidu (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Rehab), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle Ligament Injury), Brandon Thomas Asante (Muscle Tear), Abdul Mumin (Anterior Crucial Ligament), Joseph Aidoo (Muscle), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (Ankle), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Recovering), Baba Idrissu (Recovering), Ibrahim Sulemana (Adductor Tendonitis), Daniel Kofi Kyereh (Knee), Majeed Ashimeru (Rebuilding from injury – Needs time to fully recover), Joseph Painstil (Quadriceps)