Sports
FIFA TDS: Regional teams receive orientation ahead of elite U15 Boys Championship Kick-Off
Ahead of the much-anticipated Elite U15 Boys Championship, participating regional teams gathered at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram for an orientation session on Wednesday.
The meeting provided crucial information about the competition, ensuring that players, coaches, and officials are well-prepared for the tournament’s commencement.
The orientation session began with a welcome address delivered by Eugene Noel Nobel, an Executive Council Member and Chairman of the Elite U15 Committee.
Nobel expressed his excitement for the tournament, emphasizing the significance of the event in developing the next generation of football talent in Ghana. He highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and discipline throughout the championship, urging the young athletes to make the most of this opportunity to showcase their skills.
Following the welcome address, JoeSalam Abubakar, 1st Vice Chairman of the National Juvenile Committee, delivered a special message to the players and coaches on behalf of President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and the National Juvenile Committee.
In his message, Abubakar encouraged the young players to approach the competition with focus and determination, reminding them that this tournament is a stepping stone toward their future aspirations in football. He also commended the coaches for their dedication to nurturing talent and contributing to the development of Ghanaian football.
Michael Kwabla Fiaduse, a member of the organizing committee, then took the teams through essential aspects of the competition, ensuring that all participants are aware of the rules and procedures that will govern the tournament.
He covered critical topics such as pre-match meetings, submission of team sheets, appropriate strips for games, and key match regulations.
His detailed presentation aimed to ensure smooth coordination throughout the championship, helping teams to focus on their performance on the field.
The orientation session marks the final preparation stage before the official kick-off of the Elite U15 Boys Championship. With the teams now fully briefed, anticipation is building as young talents from across Ghana get ready to compete for regional pride and showcase their potential on the national stage.
The Elite U15 Boys Championship is part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme designed to identify and nurture promising young players and offer them a platform to compete at a high level.
Sports
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)
