A total of 10 foreign players have completed transfers to Ghana Premier League clubs so far, with four clubs accounting for the signings.

Kotoko’s six recruits come from five different countries. Burkina Faso defender Abdoul Kader Tarnagda has joined the Porcupine Warriors alongside Ivorian duo Koffi Marius Ange Bini and Eric Gbetta.

Moroccan Abdelwadie Mourad, DR Congo’s Aristote Tamuzi and Cameroonian Solomon Nsor Asaah complete Kotoko’s foreign contingent.

Medeama SC have signed two foreign players, with Ivorian defender Abdul Latif Bamba joining the Tarkwa-based club alongside Sudanese midfielder Monged Abuzaid Salman.

Hearts of Oak have added one foreign player to their squad, securing the services of Ivorian Mamadou Kader Kourouma.

FC AshantiGold 04 have also completed one foreign signing, bringing in Burkina Faso’s Ben Yamine Nassirou Kabore.

Ivory Coast is the most represented country among the foreign recruits, with four players moving to Ghana for the new campaign.

Burkina Faso follows with two players, while Morocco, DR Congo, Cameroon and Sudan have one representative each.

Foreign players by club

• Asante Kotoko: 6
• Medeama SC: 2
• Hearts of Oak: 1
• FC Ashantigold 04: 1

Foreign players by nationality

• Ivory Coast: 4
• Burkina Faso: 2
• Morocco: 1
• DR Congo: 1
• Cameroon: 1
• Sudan: 1

The figures show that Asante Kotoko have been the most active Ghana Premier League club in the foreign transfer market so far, accounting for six of the 10 completed moves ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Credit: Ghanasoccernet

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Queiroz called Saturday’s Group L finale another battle against a great team with wonderful, experienced players.

Read on for the transcript:

“For sure it will be tough, intensive for both sides. But at the end of the day, I do believe it will be a lot of fun and entertainment for everybody,” he said. “I hope, with the inspiration of my players, that we will be able to express good football. The best football on the day, on the pitch.”

“And if we are able to do that, I’m sure that we will be more close to winning. Which is the target that we have in our mind, to play for winning, as always. So, that’s it. Simple like that. We are ready for the match tomorrow.”

“Entertainment is winning”

Queiroz pushed back on criticism of Ghana’s defensive display in the 0-0 draw with England, redefining his version of entertainment.

“For me, entertainment in this game, some people call it football, I call it the winning business,” he said. “It is to fight 90 minutes for the result to win. The only medicine that works in football is to win and see everybody happy around us.”

“For some people, when they see a game with a result 6-1 or 7-1, it is entertainment for one side. The others are the clowns on the pitch. I was not born to play that role, and I don’t want my players when they play one game, they don’t put everything in the game to win the game, to compete at a high level.”

“So, for me, it is the meaning of entertainment. Emotional, technically, drama in the game. I think the game against England has everything. Drama, emotion, the effort, sacrifices of the players. It was wonderful.”

“I think tomorrow it will be another game. We will see if the game is rock and roll, samba, tango, I don’t know. One thing is sure; both teams have to be ready to play the game that is in front of us.”

“At the end, for me, I like to leave the pitch proud of myself, proud of my players, proud of the work they did for the fans. When the fans are happy, we can be happy. Because we work in the entertainment business and that is our job, to make people happy.”

To win is very expensive

Queiroz said Ghana must embrace the moment after grinding out four points from two games.

“If you check the results in this World Cup, the number of draws and some surprises, to win in football, especially at this level, it is very expensive,” he said. “You have to pay a lot of sacrifices and efforts to be able to win or get one result. So, when you achieve those moments, if you don’t celebrate, when are you going to celebrate?”

He said his animated touchline reaction against England was a message to supporters. “My body language at the end of the day was to share my feelings with the Ghana fans. Because I felt that before the World Cup around our boys, our team, there was a lot of hesitation, suspicions, not confidence.”

“To engage and bring the player number 12 inside the pitch is very important for us… The boys, nobody more than the boys want to win the game. But sometimes it is important that player number 12 also understands his role in the game.”

Only one game: Croatia

With Ghana joint top of Group L on four points, Queiroz refused to discuss permutations or Thomas Partey’s visa situation for a potential Canada return.

“The game of football is so difficult. You cannot play two or three games at the same time. We just focus on one game, which is Croatia, and get results,” he said. “Play good football. With good football, be better than them on the pitch. That’s what we’re going to try to do. Fight more, be better.”

“When the results come at the end of the game, we’ll be there to make decisions, if we’re first, second or third… But important is to play one game. Only one game. And the game is big enough tomorrow against Croatia to play other games outside the pitch.”

On Partey’s Canada issue: “Your question should be addressed to the visa authorities of Canada not to me… If you ask me if I agree with that, I don’t agree with that. But as members of the press, you have the power to ask the right questions to people.”

“Tomorrow, we have one game. We’re going to play the best we can, fight as much as possible to get the best result. And the best result is to be number one.”

VAR and penalties

Queiroz said Ghana “should be qualified with six points” after missed penalty calls and blasted VAR’s progress.

“VAR was born in 2016. 2018 was the first World Cup. Ten years is gone. There is no excuse, no reason for VAR not to be better than this,” he said. “It’s time for FIFA authorities to review what has been happening behind the scenes.”

“When VAR comes it was to help the referees to referee and make good decisions. And we hope that will be better in the next few years.”

“We have a good rate scoring penalties and we believe that if the penalties happen, we should be qualified already. But Croatia deserves our respect, full respect.”

We attacked for 90 minutes vs England

Responding to suggestions Ghana were overly defensive against England, Queiroz was adamant: “By the way, when you talk about defensive, it is wrong. We played 90 minutes against England attacking.”

“I’m going to probably share something next time you have to pay for these lessons, but we played the game 90 minutes attacking — attacking the players, attacking the spaces, attacking the ball, attacking the English team.”

“This is a power approach in the mind when you don’t have the ball and you have to have this attitude of attacking. We will be in the space before they arrive. We fight for the ball before they come. We attack the space, we attack the ball, we attack the free players, 90 minutes. It was fantastic.”

On 1970s/80s Italy comparisons

‘’First of all, you talk about Italy in the 70s and 80s. I was there, the people was happy. And I’ve been in Italy three months ago when they’re not qualified. You cannot even imagine what they think about the coaches and the players,” Queiroz said.

“Football, it is all about that. So, for me, it’s simple… It’s winning business. If I have to, and the boys, they showed that, if they have to dance rock and roll 90 minutes, and in one minute score and win, congratulations, son.”

Croatia threat

Queiroz praised Luka Modric as “one of the most brilliant players in football history” but said the 4-2 loss to England flattered the Three Lions.

“I think after I saw the game several times, they even deserve a better result. I think the result four-two was too heavy for Croatia,” he said. “That’s why we are full alert… Tomorrow we only have one option. We have to come out more strong and better.”

Mindset for Saturday

“I only have one way to play the game. It is play for win and that is what we going to do tomorrow,” Queiroz said. “Express ourselves and have the freedom to enjoy and play good football and during 90 minutes with the same concentration and same resilience.”

“The only thing that I ask them is never lose one second in the mind that wish to go there and build up the result to win the game. All our training session have been to create opportunities to score, keep the ball and win.”

“We are not here to make people happy about the defensive appreciation of the game. That is not my job. My job is to make the people of Ghana happy with the result and achievement to make them proud of the performance of the team.”

Ghana face Croatia at 5 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. A win guarantees a Round of 32 place.

Credit: Ghana FA

The technical team includes Hamza Mohammed as assistant coach, Stephen Ahorlu as Goalkeepers trainer and Waisu Ali Mohammed as Team Manager.

The Coach Mingle-led technical team has commenced work immediately as the National U17 team prepare for this year’s WAFU B U17 Qualification Tournament.

To kick start preparations, a nation-wide scouting exercise aimed at identifying talented footballers born in 2010 from schools, colts clubs, academies, and community teams across the country is underway.

The exercise is expected to cover all 10 football regions in Ghana, providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and earn a place in the National U17 team.

Meanwhile, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum who led the National U-17 team for players born in 2009 this year, will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing preparations for the next cycle involving players born in 2011.

Dr. Ogum is also expected to begin monitoring emerging talents and coordinating scouting activities ahead of the team’s assembly next year.

This arrangement is expected to ensure a smooth transition and to ensure adequate preparation for the National U17 team ahead of its international assignments.

U17 Technical staff for 2010 cycle:

Credit: Ghana FA

The 23-year-old forward, who started Ivory Coast’s opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador, is currently the subject of a probe by French authorities over allegations of spot-fixing during a Ligue 1 match involving his former club Nice.

According to multiple media reports, Wahi is accused of deliberately seeking a yellow card during Nice’s league fixture against Metz on May 17.

The booking reportedly attracted suspicious betting activity across several countries, prompting an investigation by French football authorities and law enforcement agencies.

French prosecutors have previously confirmed that the striker was arrested and questioned in May as part of an investigation into alleged organised fraud, sports corruption, money laundering and handling criminal proceeds.

However, Wahi has not been charged with any offence and remains under investigation.

The latest development is a major setback for Ivory Coast ahead of Saturday’s showdown against Germany in Toronto.

Wahi played an important role in the Elephants’ opening victory over Ecuador and was expected to feature prominently against the Group E leaders.

Neither FIFA nor the Ivorian Football Federation has officially commented on Canada’s decision.

It remains unclear whether the denial of entry is directly linked to the ongoing investigation or whether other immigration considerations were involved.

Wahi switched international allegiance from France to Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year and has quickly become an important figure in the national team setup.

His absence leaves Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé with a significant selection dilemma as the African champions prepare to face one of the tournament favourites.

Germany head into the contest full of confidence following their emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening match.

Cote d’Ivoire, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their winning start despite the off-field distraction surrounding one of their key attacking players.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Wahi’s future, but for now the striker’s World Cup campaign has suffered a major blow with his enforced absence from Saturday’s high-profile encounter.

Credit: Africa Soccer

In a press release issued on June 12, 2026, CGA Ghana stated that it has neither appointed nor authorized INGO TSR to organize, manage, promote, or operate any initiative linked to “Ghana House” or “Ghana Village” during the Games.

The Association said it had become aware of claims by INGO TSR suggesting that it was the official organizer, sponsor, or promoter of Ghana House. CGA Ghana described those representations as false and misleading, stressing that they do not carry its endorsement, approval, or recognition.

As a result, the Association cautioned corporate bodies, sponsors, government institutions, diplomatic missions, and the general public not to enter into agreements, make financial commitments, or conduct transactions with INGO TSR based on any purported authority from CGA Ghana.

It further stated that it would not be held liable for any obligations, financial transactions, or commitments undertaken by the Ingo Group or individuals acting on its behalf in connection with Ghana House or activities related to Team Ghana at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“CGA Ghana strongly cautions the general public, corporate entities, sponsors, government institutions, diplomatic missions, and all stakeholders not to engage, transact, enter into agreements, or make any financial commitments with the INGO TSR in respect of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and or on the basis of any purported authority from CGA Ghana,” the statement noted.

“The Association shall not be held responsible for any commitments, representations, financial transactions, or obligations undertaken by the Ingo Group or any person acting on its behalf,” it added.

CGA Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of Team Ghana and the Commonwealth Games movement. It noted that all official hospitality programmes, promotional activities, and commercial initiatives connected to Ghana’s participation in the Games would be communicated through its recognized channels.

The Association also advised the public to verify any claims of authorization directly with CGA Ghana before entering into arrangements relating to Team Ghana and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

In the goalkeeping department, St Patrick’s Athletic’s Joseph Anang will wear number 12, with Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare taking number 16.

Cyprus-based defender Derrick Luckassen, called up as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku, will wear number 23. Captain Jordan Ayew maintains the number 9 shirt, while Thomas Partey sticks to his traditional number 5. Gideon Mensah, Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi and Baba Abdul Rahman will wear 14, 8, 3 and 17 respectively.

Ghana will play their opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Credit: Ghana FA

The national team departed Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon and touched down in Washington DC around 9 p.m. local time. They were met on arrival by staff of the Ghana Embassy in Washington as the team enters the final phase of preparations for the World Cup. 

Ghana drew 1-1 with Wales on Tuesday night in a preparatory friendly match and will look to draw positive inspiration from the performance heading into the tournament.

Carlos Queiroz’s side will resume training on Thursday to fine-tune strategies ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11.

Black Stars team photographer, Emmanuel Osei, captured these moments:

Credit: Ghana FA

Ghana has officially set its sights on the podium at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana unveiled its para-athlete contingent with a bold declaration from President Samson Deen: “Target the Podium.”

At a colourful ceremony held under the theme “Rising Beyond Limits, Carrying the Dreams of a Nation,” the NPC officially introduced five outstanding athletes who will represent Ghana at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 28 to August 8, 2026.

The event was not only a celebration of sporting excellence but also a powerful statement of ambition, inclusion, resilience, and national pride.

Addressing athletes, officials, sponsors, and the media, NPC President Samson Deen described the team as a group of exceptional competitors capable of making history for Ghana on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

“These athletes are not merely participants. They are medal contenders. They are champions in waiting. They represent the very best of Ghanaian determination, discipline, and excellence,” Mr. Deen declared.

The five-member team will compete across three disciplines — Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, and Para Swimming.

The squad includes:

•   Zinabu Issah – Women’s F57 Para Athletics
•   Botsyo Nkegbe – Men’s T54 Wheelchair Racing and three-time Paralympian
•   Hayford Addai – Men’s T47 Para Athletics
•   Haruna Tahiru – Men’s 100kg+ Para Powerlifting
•   Promise Aheto – Para Swimming

According to the NPC President, every athlete earned qualification through merit, performance, and hard work, making Team Ghana one of the strongest para contingents the country has assembled in recent years.

A key message from the unveiling ceremony was the need to shift perceptions about disability and recognise the extraordinary potential of persons living with disabilities.

Mr. Deen reaffirmed his long-standing position that para sports should never be viewed through the lens of charity but rather as a platform for excellence, empowerment, and opportunity.

“Disability is not inability. Our athletes do not seek sympathy. They seek opportunity. They seek inclusion. They seek the chance to compete and prove themselves on equal terms.”

His remarks received strong applause from attendees, reinforcing the growing recognition of para sports as a vital part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.

The NPC President reflected on Ghana’s para sports journey, paying tribute to trailblazers who paved the way for today’s generation.

He highlighted the historic bronze medal won by Anita Fordjour at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, describing it as a defining moment that inspired a new generation of athletes.

“That achievement opened doors and inspired many athletes who followed. Today, we are building upon that legacy and writing a new chapter in Ghana’s sporting history.”

Mr. Deen used the occasion to call on government, corporate institutions, and the media to play a greater role in supporting para sports development.

He stressed that investing in para sports delivers benefits far beyond competition.

“Supporting para sports is not charity. It is an investment in talent. It is an investment in inclusion. It is an investment in national development and future generations.”

He also urged the media to continue telling positive stories that inspire and unite Ghanaians.

“We cannot build a successful sporting industry through negativity. We must celebrate our successes, support our athletes, and tell stories that inspire.”

In perhaps the most memorable moment of the event, Samson Deen challenged Team Ghana to compete fearlessly and aim for medals.

“Never be intimidated by rankings or reputations. Champions are not made on competition day; champions are revealed on competition day.”

He reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes of millions of Ghanaians and encouraged them to compete with confidence, courage, and pride.

With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, the message from the National Paralympic Committee is clear: Ghana is not travelling to Scotland merely to participate.

Team Ghana is travelling to compete. Team Ghana is travelling to inspire. Team Ghana is travelling to target the podium.

As the nation rallies behind its para athletes, expectations are rising that Glasgow 2026 could become another landmark chapter in Ghana’s sporting history.

TEAM GHANA — ONE NATION, ONE DREAM.
FROM GHANA TO GLASGOW FOR GOLD.
TARGET THE PODIUM.

The Black Stars took the lead through Caleb Yirenkyi in the 66th minute, but Wales struck back in the closing stages to deny Ghana victory.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi started in goal, with a backline of Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey. Elisha Owusu and Thomas Partey anchored midfield, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kamaldeen Sulemana provided width. Jordan Ayew and Prince Kwabena Adu led the attack.

Introduced in the 60th minute, Caleb Yirenkyi needed only six minutes to make his mark, tapping in from close range. The goal came after Wales failed to deal with a dangerous attack led by Ernest Nuamah, with Yirenkyi finishing calmly to give Ghana the lead.

Nuamah was Ghana’s standout performer after coming on in the second half. The Olympique Lyon winger was electric on the right flank, constantly troubling the Wales backline.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz made several changes in the second half. Brandon Thomas-Asante, Alidu Seidu, Kwasi Sibo and Benjamin Asare replaced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Marvin Senaya, Prince Kwabena Adu, Thomas Partey and Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Elisha Owusu, Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Jerome Opoku later made way for Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Mumin, Inaki Williams, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Baba Rahman as Ghana continued to threaten on the break.

The Black Stars looked dangerous with Nuamah and Bonsu Baah on the flanks, but Wales had the last laugh with a late goal from Lewis Koumas three minutes into stoppage time.

Coach Carlos Queiroz will take positives from the performance having spent only about a week with the side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars now turn attention to preparations for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The team opens their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia in the other group matches.

Credit: Ghana FA

The Commonwealth Games began originally in Hamilton, Canada in 1930 as the British Empire Games. It was created to foster goodwill across the British Empire and the quadrennial event has evolved into a global multi – sport competition featuring 73 countries and territories. Since 1978 the competition has been known as the Commonwealth Games.

Ghana has participated in every commonwealth games except 1986 in Edinburgh which we boycotted with many other countries due to political disputes regarding the sporting ties of other commonwealth countries with apartheid-era South Africa.

TODAY we are exactly 50 days away from the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Today begins our countdown; Today is the official launch of Team Ghana’s definitive campaign for continental and global glory on the sports field. We are here to announce to the world that Team Ghana will be at Glasgow 2026 and We Dare To Win.

Our history at the Commonwealth Games is an enviable one written in grit, sweat, and undeniable glory. Since our maiden appearance, Ghanaian athletes have consistently brought honour and recognition to our nation, proving that our flag deserves to fly among the highest echelons of global sport.

Team Ghana has won an impressive 63 medals in the last 22 editions of the Games. It is also important to note that Team Ghana has won medals at all the games except Vancouver 1954 and Brisbane in 1982.

We do not go to Glasgow merely as participants, we go to protect and expand a profound sporting legacy built by generations of icons before us.

“Our vision for 2026 is anchored on a radical, necessary shift in how this nation views and funds sports excellence. Our athletes continue to bring immense pride to our dear nation, and they must be supported to prepare adequately, celebrated and rewarded.

We thank government and the Ministry of Sports & Recreation for the announcement of budgetary support of GH₵11M towards this commonwealth campaign but my respectful appeal to corporate institutions remains clear; government alone cannot fund our preparation and participation at the games and corporate bodies, institutions and individuals are encouraged to extend their support to the GOC/CGA..

When we intentionally balance the funding for sports, our impact on young people becomes broader, deeper, and infinitely more meaningful.

Our expectations for these Games transcend the podium. We expect a structural commitment to the youth of this country. There are thousands of brilliant young Ghanaians from Gambaga to Accra, and from Wiawso to Keta, who do not play football. They prefer hockey, boxing, badminton, cycling, volleyball, basketball, canoeing, or armwrestling. Even if they are perceived to be in the minority, they also fundamentally deserve the ‘crumbs that fall from the dinner table’.

Our expectation for Glasgow 2026 is that every athlete we field will be treated with the absolute dignity and resource-backing of a national hero.

Administratively, the CGA Secretariat has worked tirelessly over the past months to navigate the rigorous logistics mandated by Commonwealth Sport. I am pleased to inform the press and the public that the technical, media, and athletic accreditation phases for the Ghanaian delegation have been successfully finalized and cleared and soon, Commonwealth Sport will submit the list of accredited media to us.

Our administrative structures are airtight, ensuring that our contingent faces zero off-field distractions.I am proud to also inform you about the establishment of ‘Ghana House’ in Glasgow throughout the duration of the Games. Ghana House will serve as our nation’s operational headquarters, a cultural hub, and a strategic business lounge in Scotland. It will be a space where international corporate partners, diplomats, and the global Ghanaian diaspora can converge to celebrate our culture, explore sports tourism, and network for future investments.

To unify our collective mission, Team Ghana will march under a singular, powerful, and definitive banner for the 2026 Games. Our official campaign slogan is: ‘TEAM GHANA, FROM GHANA TO GLASGOW FOR GOLD’.

As we have built the culture of Daring to win, this slogan represents our direct journey of ambition. It connects the soil of our motherland directly to the podium in Scotland. It is a declaration that every athlete, from every sports code, is moving with one clear destination and one clear purpose, to bring back the ultimate prize for Ghana.

“Ghana will be fiercely competing across carefully selected, high-performance sports codes where our athletes have proven regional and international capability.

Our competitive focus for Glasgow 2026 spans Athletics (13), Boxing (10), Judo (2), Para Athletics (3), Para Powerlifting (1), Para Swimming (1), Swimming (4), Track Cycling (2) and Weightlifting (1).

Each discipline is undergoing gruelling technical validation to ensure we are sending high-performance contenders.

Following strict performance metrics and quota allocations, Ghana’s contingent will consist of a lean, mean, high-efficiency squad. The final delegation comprises qualified elite athletes alongside a highly specialized technical team of coaches, medical staff, and trainers.

This streamlined number ensures that every single resource is optimized directly for athlete performance and podium success.

Finally, it is my absolute pleasure to unveil the official armor our athletes will wear when they step out onto the global stage. Produced by an indigenous Ghanaian company The Hope Brand (THB), Our 2026 Glasgow competition, presentation, and casual kits proudly display our iconic Red, Gold, Green, and the dominant Black Star. They have been engineered for high-performance durability while capturing the vibrant energy of Ghanaian culture.

When our athletes wear THE HOPE BRAND, they wear the pride, the history, and the hopes of 34 million people.

To the media here today: your voice is our wind. Broadcast this message, tell the stories of these athletes, and let the nation feel the pulse of Glasgow.

Corporate Ghana, the table is set, step up and partner with the winning brand.

Fifty days to go.Team Ghana – Feel the Power! Team Ghana – We Dare To Win!! Team Ghana – From Ghana to Glasgow for Gold!!!

God bless our athletes, and God bless our homeland. Thank you very much.