A major focus of the meeting was the national team’s preparations for the upcoming AFCON qualifying assignment, with the Committee approving the technical team’s plans aimed at ensuring that the Black Sharks are fully prepared and battle-ready for the task ahead.

The meeting forms part of the Football Association’s continued efforts to strengthen the development of beach soccer while providing the necessary support and structures to ensure Ghana’s national beach soccer team is adequately prepared for continental competition.

The meeting, which was attended by GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) and Acting Director of Competitions Maxwell Caesar Kemeh, also confirmed the date and venue for the 2026 Beach Soccer Premier League final.

The championship-deciding fixture will be played on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Ada, bringing the curtain down on another exciting season of beach soccer competition.

The participating clubs and other key stakeholders will be officially informed of the confirmed date, venue and further arrangements ahead of the final.

The GFA Beach Soccer Management Committee is chaired by Yaw Kusi Gyamfi Awere, with Solomon Torson serving as Vice Chairman. The Committee’s members are Nana Poku Amankwaah, Ruben Adjahoe and Abdul Hayye Yartey.

Credit: Ghana FA

This star-studded show will feature performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise, bringing together some of the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment for an unforgettable celebration before kick-off.

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will deliver a special rendition of the United States national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. One of the world’s most celebrated performers, Hudson’s powerful performance will set the stage for football’s biggest match and the most anticipated moment of the tournament.

Produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the closing ceremony will celebrate the passion, emotion and global spirit that have defined the 23rd FIFA World Cup: a game-changing event featuring 48 teams that has shattered records and inspired a new generation of girls and boys around the world to dream. More artists and special guests will be announced over the coming days.

“Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” said Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer – FIFA World Cup 2026.

Fans at the stadium will have an active role to play in the show and should plan to arrive early, as the closing ceremony begins at 13:30 local time, 90 minutes before kick-off. Gates open at 11:00 (four hours before the start of the match), when a full suite of experiences will begin, including exclusive activations, rewards and additional pre-match entertainment.

Credit: FIFA

Their Majesties will join athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators from across the Commonwealth to mark the beginning of the XXIII Commonwealth Games, which will see over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports over 11 days.

During the Ceremony, The King will read aloud the message he placed into the King’s Baton on Commonwealth Day, 10th March 2025, at Buckingham Palace, when he launched the Relay with Sir Chris Hoy as its first Baton bearer. The reading of the message by His Majesty will mark the moment that Glasgow 2026 is officially declared open.

Sir Chris, one of the nation’s all time most decorated athletes, will also take part in the Opening Ceremony, marking a special moment in the celebration of sport, city and Commonwealth spirit.

Across 500 days, the Baton has visited all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories — the longest relay in the Games’ history — with each nation crafting and decorating its own Baton to reflect its culture and identity.

Alongside its journey, the Relay has carried forward the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign, run in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, which has brought communities together for coastal clean-ups and awareness events across the Commonwealth in support of its goal to keep a million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waters.

In Glasgow, all 74 Batons will be reunited for the first time, and the Scotland Baton, handmade in the city from sustainably sourced ash, will be presented to His Majesty so that the message hidden within it can be read aloud.

Taking place in one of the world’s leading entertainment venues, The Hydro, the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony it is set to be a stunning show that reflects the city’s warmth, enterprise and pride in welcoming the Commonwealth to Glasgow.

Sir Chris Hoy, six-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time Commonwealth champion, said: “It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with Their Majesties The King and Queen. A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself. I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event; and I very much look forward to being a part of it. The countdown is on!”

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said: “We are honoured that Their Majesties The King and Queen will join athletes, fans, delegations and communities from across the Commonwealth for the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026. As the first Commonwealth Games of His Majesty’s reign, and the culmination of the first King’s Baton Relay, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved in the Commonwealth Games.

“Glasgow 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. As athletes from 74 nations and territories come together, the Opening Ceremony will set the tone for a Games that celebrates world-class sport, friendship and the unique ability of the Commonwealth Games to bring people together.”

George Black CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026, said: “Welcoming Their Majesties The King and Queen to The Hydro is a proud moment for everyone building the Opening Ceremony. We set out to make something bold, unmistakably Glasgow and unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before — and to have Their Majesties there to see it come to life makes it all the more special.”

Further details of Their Majesties’ and Sir Chris Hoy’s engagements during the Opening Ceremony will be announced in due course.

Credit: Glasgow 2026

Andre Ayew spent time interacting with the players and technical team as preparations intensify for Saturday’s decisive return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Victory for Ghana will secure qualification for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The experienced forward urged the players to embrace the occasion, remain confident, and give everything for the nation.

Andre reminded the girls that: “Opportunities like these do not come around often and I encourage you to play with courage, discipline and belief in their abilities,” he said during his address.

The former Black Stars skipper also emphasized the importance of representing Ghana with pride, telling the players to trust the hard work they have put in throughout the campaign.

“You need to stay united, enjoy the moment and leave everything on the pitch. The entire country is behind you and believe you can qualify,” he added.

The Black Maidens Management Committee Chairman, Nana Sarfo Oduro welcomed the visit, describing it as a timely morale booster ahead of one of the team’s biggest matches.

“Having someone of Andre Ayew’s stature come to support the girls means a lot. His words have lifted the team’s spirits and given the players extra motivation as we prepare for this important game,” he said.

The Black Maidens will host Senegal on Saturday with a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at stake, as Ghana looks to seal qualification in front of home supporters.

Credit: Ghana FA

Their campaign combined defensive discipline with attacking efficiency, conceding just once in three games while finding goals through Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán. They secured first place ahead of their final group match, allowing head coach Néstor Lorenzo to rotate in Matchday 3.

The Black Stars survived a dramatic Group L to reach the knockouts. Carlos Queiroz’s side finished third with 4 points — 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss — after beating Panama, drawing with England, and falling 2-1 to Croatia in Philadelphia. Ghana’s progression to the Round of 32 was confirmed on goal difference, setting up a knockout date with Colombia.

Group results no longer matter. Colombia enter as favorites after a controlled group campaign, but Ghana have already shown they can live with tournament heavyweights, holding England to a goalless draw before a narrow defeat to Croatia.

For Ghana, this is the real World Championship starting now. For Colombia, it’s a chance to match their 2014 quarterfinal run and prove their Group K form was no fluke.

What to Watch

Colombia’s Press vs Ghana’s Midfield — Jefferson Lerma and Kevin Castaño will look to disrupt Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo. Ghana’s ability to play through the press with Partey’s passing will be key.

Wide Battles — Luis Díaz against Marvin Senaya is a headline matchup. On the other side, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and Antoine Semenyo offer Ghana pace in transition.

Set Pieces — Ghana scored via Derrick Luckassen’s header vs Croatia. Colombia are strong aerially with Davinson Sánchez and Yerry Mina.

Colombia bring form, rhythm, and a settled XI into Kansas City. Ghana bring a coach who believes qualification is just a credit card.  The match will be played on Saturday, July 4, at 01:30 (5:30am – Sunday, July 5 in Ghana) at Kansas City Stadium. The winner moves to the Round of 16.

Credit: Ghana FA

Speaking before Saturday’s World Cup Group L decider at Lincoln Financial Field, Semenyo said the players have fully bought into Carlos Queiroz’s game plan following solid displays against Panama and England.

“Again, this was most important for the team. We have to defend as a team for 90 minutes to get a result. That is what we have to do,” he said.

The 25-year-old said his time in the Premier League prepared him for Ghana’s current approach.

“I have been in a team previously, Bournemouth, where a lot of the time we were defending. I am quite used to it. It is what is needed for the team. That is all.”

He said the squad is united behind Queiroz’s philosophy. “I think all the players are happy, they’re content with what’s going on right now. We’re not trying to get ahead of ourselves.”

Ghana sit joint top of Group L on four points and will qualify for the Round of 32 with a win over Croatia. A draw could also be enough depending on England’s result against Panama.

“We know that tomorrow is an important game. We want to make sure we solidify that qualification,” Semenyo said. “But I think every player is ambitious. Everyone wants to push on, get through to the next round and see what happens.”

“But again, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”

Credit: Ghana FA

Speaking on recovery, belief, and the privilege of wearing the Ghana jersey, Thomas-Asante stressed the team’s focus, faith, and determination to “do the fans proud” as both nations sit on three points ahead of the Foxborough showdown.

Here is what he had to say to ghanafa.org

On recovery since Panama game

Well, you know, its tournament football, so there’s always a balance between recovering from the last game and the travel and everything and preparing for the next game. So, we started to have a look and put our minds to the different challenges that we’re going to face and how we’re going to use our resources and our team.

On belief

Everything to the best ability, it’s very much a case of you know. We back ourselves, we believe in ourselves, and you know. Whether people on the outside doubt us, believe us, or anything. That’s not what we think about. We think about why we’re here. We’re on a mission and yeah, that’s them.

Means that there’s no pressure. It’s even less pressure for us, in the sense that we like. A lot of people, we know that our fans believe, but we know that some people they might want to overlook us. We use that to our advantage. Of preparing properly and believing that we can go and do something.

On taking off with a win

Yeah, it gives us a lot of confidence. We understand, in a lot of major tournaments, sometimes the first game hasn’t gone to plan. So to get that right is a big positive and a big compliment. Boost and with that, we know that we can allow ourselves to be free to chase after more good results, chase after more points, and we believe we can. Do something so it’s a positive feeling out of the first game. A lot of people got minutes into their legs and of course having those minutes as well is good because you can build match fitness, so we’re feeling good.

On wearing the Ghana jersey to play against England

Yeah, I mean, I was speaking to someone last night, a dear friend, and just saying, you know, I’m very relaxed and I’m very excited because I’m walking in and answered prayer to be able to wear this jersey, even everything’s a blessing, everything’s a privilege, and with that, when I step onto the field, you know, taking the environment, the occasion, the fans, even the, you know, this is where I want to be on the best stage in world football. That’s where I believe I’ve always wanted to be and believe that I can make it to so there’s no reason to feel anything, but you know, confidence, joy, and I’m going play from that place. I believe that would allow me, with my hunger, my determination, my pride for the Black Stars, to perform and I believe we’re going do that as a team.

On team focus

Of course, we all want to win the game, so we’re going to do that. But I think we’re going to do our best to do that. What we can offer is just to give our best, to try our best to have an excellent performance, to try our best to show our dedication. We want to lay ourselves down for the nation and give everything. I think, you know, I was speaking to my friend as well and I was saying, ‘We love and we appreciate that everyone has so much hope in us achieving something.’ Of course. I was saying our best hope is in Jesus Christ, but we want to definitely encourage everyone by the way. We apply ourselves and by the way that we show them how much it means to be on this stage. And when we see everyone in the stands with the paint on their face or in their Black Stars jersey, we want them to know we’re out there for them to give everything.

On feeling playing at the World Cup

Like I say, joy, answered prayer, excitement, pride, you know, all of these things. I think I’m happy. Because these are the main pressure moments. And that’s why I want to be— I thrive under pressure. Pressure is, a lot of people say it’s a privilege. And I really believe in that. You know, we need to see it as an opportunity, not something where we should bow our heads and be nervous. It’s an opportunity, of course. Every sport has a winner or a loser, you can draw. But we go in really optimistic for what we want to do. And, you know, we’re praying that it goes well. Regardless, we keep marching forward.

On the goal against Panama

I think people know, with our team, we have so many fast attackers, we can go from defense to offense very quickly. So, I think the ball dropped to Caleb, and immediately I started peeling wide because Antoine had come into the middle. Caleb passed to Antoine. But as I turned, I realised that Antoine had already passed the ball in the space. This I’m happy because, because he knows that I’m a fast player and I like to use my legs. But I was probably expecting it to arrive a little bit later, so I had to really put the afterburners. And I saw the defender. The defender actually played in the championship with me at another team. So, I’m familiar with him and I just wanted to make sure. I give everything to get to the end of that pass. I know that he tried to tackle, but thankfully I got over that hurdle and pressed towards the goal. Of course, the first thing in my mind is, ‘Oh, can I shoot?’ And then I realized the angle was a bit tight. So, I had to look for the right pass and I saw Antoine was running, I saw Caleb at the back post. And only after I saw that there were some cutback options—maybe to Fatawa and Prince as well—but, in the end, I chose to put it across because it’s an easier finish. But yeah, I think, of course, there are two players who can both score goals. Caleb, he’s on a great run of form, isn’t he? Now he’s scored with Wales and now Panama.

On Caleb scoring against Wales and Panama

I was so happy for him. For him to get that moment, but yeah, we’ve got to keep on making more and more keep believing, keep getting behind us.

Message to the fans

We’re so proud of all that you’ve done and the whole world has seen how amazing fans you are. I’m one of you, I’m a Black Stars fan too, I always have been, and I’m representing you and we all are. We want to do you proud. So, let’s keep on fighting, keep on believing, and stay together always. Then no one can beat us.

Credit: Ghana FA

The goal was followed by a melee before the referee blew the full-time whistle, sealing a 1-0 victory in the Group L match on Wednesday.

After Ghana quickly moved the play from their own half, Brandon Thomas-Asante drove ⁠⁠the ball into the 18-yard box down the left flank and rolled a pass towards the middle for Yirenkyi to redirect into the net.

The second half was in complete contrast with the very quiet first half.

The teams picked up the tempo in the second half, but scoring chances remained minimal until the decisive play.

Panama were the superior team before half-time, while Ghana dictated more of the play after the interval.

The match was viewed as a crucial showdown between teams expected to battle for third place ‌‌in Group L.

Earlier on Wednesday, England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a match between the group favourites.

At the start of the tournament, FIFA ranked England fourth, Croatia 11th, Panama at 34, and Ghana at number 73.

In the second minute, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was called into action, diving to his right to stop a 15-yard volley attempt by Cecilio Waterman.

Panama had another half-chance in the 38th minute. Ati Zigi made ⁠⁠a leaping punch to clear a cross. The ball fell to ⁠⁠Panama’s Jiovany Ramos, who sliced his 14-yard, right-footed strike wide to the right.

Credit: Al Jazeera

The newcomers produced a disciplined and composed performance to overcome one of the competition’s most experienced sides in a tightly contested final.

The opening half offered few clear-cut chances, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough despite enjoying periods of possession.

Ghana Armed Forces Officers Sports Club controlled large spells of the game but found it difficult to turn their dominance into meaningful opportunities, while Wilmar remained compact and patient.

After a goalless first half, Wilmar returned from the break with greater attacking intent and gradually took control of proceedings.

Their sustained pressure eventually paid off midway through the second half when Rolland Tetteh found the back of the net to give Wilmar a deserved lead.

The goal proved decisive.

Ghana Armed Forces Officers Sports Club pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Wilmar’s defence stood firm, repelling repeated attacks to preserve their slender advantage.

At the final whistle, jubilant celebrations erupted as Wilmar secured their maiden UGCFL title, completing a remarkable first season in the competition.

Earlier, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) claimed the bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the third-place play-off.

Kingsley Nyame handed NPA an early lead before GCAA levelled from the penalty spot. However, NPA captain Tijani Shaibu restored his side’s advantage with a superb long-range strike that ultimately sealed victory.

NPA also had a penalty saved after the kick was taken before the referee’s signal, but they held on to secure third place and improve on last season’s fourth-place finish.

Since assuming leadership, Samson Deen has championed the growth and development of para sports, creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel and represent Ghana at major international competitions.

Under his administration, Ghana’s para athletes have enjoyed increased exposure, improved support systems, and greater recognition for their achievements.

His efforts have also attracted corporate interest and strengthened awareness of disability sports across the country.

Sports stakeholders believe his commitment to inclusivity and athlete development has helped elevate the image of para sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes and demonstrating that disability is not a barrier to sporting excellence.

Samson Deen’s leadership continues to position Ghana as a growing force in African para sports, with many expecting further success in the years ahead.

Credit: Asempa FM Sports