Ghana’s Golden Shuttlers have received a warm reception from key sports stakeholders following their impressive five-medal return from competitions in Cairo, Egypt, with promises of support to sustain the growth of badminton.

The seven-member junior team who arrived back home last Friday and officials of the Ghana Badminton Association (BAG), led by President Evans Yeboah, paid courtesy calls on Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Richard Kofi Akpokavie, Ghana Sports Fund Administrator Dr David Kofi Wuaku and Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) President Kwabena Yeboah.

The team won four medals at the All-Africa Under-19 Championships — one silver and three bronze — before securing the gold Team Cheers Award in the 2026 BWF World Junior Championships, becoming the first African country to win the accolade.

Mr Akpokavie congratulated the players and urged them to set their sights on senior-level success, while promising to explore opportunities for specialised training in badminton powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, India and Malaysia.

“This is only the U-19 stage, you must be aiming at senior level,” he advised, stressing that education and sport should complement each other in shaping their futures.

Dr Wuaku challenged BAG to translate the team’s promise into a sustainable development programme through practical, costed proposals covering junior development, equipment, coaching and international exposure.

“Talent alone does not win championships; it must be backed by investment, opportunity and the right structures,” he said, assuring the association that proposals would be considered within the Fund’s mandate and available resources.

SWAG chief Kwabena Yeboah praised the players for excelling despite limited support and pledged the sports media’s commitment to telling their stories.

“You made us proud with the little support you receive, you put smiles on our faces,” he said, urging the players to maintain their discipline, commitment and dedication.

BAG president Evans Yeboah expressed appreciation for the stakeholders’ recognition and support, highlighting the medals, international exposure and opportunities gained by the young players. He said the association would continue working to build a strong system capable of producing champions for generations.

He stressed that the courtesy calls mark the beginning of further engagements with stakeholders, scholarships, media partnerships, Asian training exposure and support for the association’s Mission 2032 ambitions among the priorities.

Semenyo sustained the problem in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Ipswich.

Maresca said the club had feared the injury could have been even worse.

The City boss said: “After the scan we feel much better because it’s not as bad as we expected.

“It could be eight weeks, so now the most important thing is for him to recover.”

Maresca delivered a more positive update on Erling Haaland after he left the field limping at the weekend following a blow to the foot.

“He can be available,” Maresca said ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against AEK Athens. “We have a session now and we’ll see.”

The historic change was announced at Tuesday’s preliminary-round draw at the GFA headquarters in Accra, where lower-division clubs learnt their opponents for the opening stage of the country’s premier knockout competition.

Under the new arrangement, the final will be played over two legs, with the first scheduled for June 5–7, 2027, and the return leg set for June 12–13.

Frank Nelson of the FA Cup Committee described the format as a pilot initiative intended to give both finalists the opportunity to stage a major cup match before their home supporters.

“The two-legged final is a pilot project; however, if it works, it goes on,” he said, urging communities to embrace the competition.

The preliminary draw divided participating teams into 10 zones, producing several intriguing match-ups. Victory Club Warriors will face Eleven Wonders, Real Tamale United meet Yapei United, while Okwawu United take on Kotoku Royals.

Other notable fixtures include Great Olympics against MSK Zilina Africa, Golden Kick SC versus Attram De Visser, Accra Lions against John Paintsil FC and Tamale City’s clash with Wa Power SC.

The preliminary round will determine which lower-division sides advance to the Round of 64, where Ghana Premier League clubs will enter the competition. The remaining stages comprise the Round of 32, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the two-legged finale.

This season’s campaign will run under the theme “My MTN FA Cup, My Community”, with organisers calling on traditional leaders and residents to support their local teams and promote peaceful competition.

Established in 1958, the FA Cup remains a pathway for clubs beyond the top flight to challenge established sides. MTN Ghana became the competition’s headline sponsor in the 2010/11 season, when Nania FC beat Asante Kotoko 1–0 in the final.

Nations FC begin their title defence after beating Dreams FC on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time last season. The winners will earn the opportunity to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, subject to qualification requirements.

Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President Dauda Fuseni says the Black Bombers will face a series of international tests as the national team intensifies preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, beginning with Saturday’s 10-fight friendly against Metro Detroit Golden Gloves at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Fuseni will miss the Accra contest because of working engagements in the United States, where he has over the past week been studying American excellence in combat sports and exploring opportunities to strengthen Ghana’s amateur boxing structures.

He held discussions with USA Boxing Executive Director and CEO Mike McAtee on a potential strategic partnership covering athlete development, coaching education, training exchanges, high-performance systems and international opportunities for Ghanaian boxers. He also met USA Boxing Elite National Team head coach Billy Walsh and toured the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre.

“My visit to the United States is about learning the American excellence in combat that cuts across all combat sports, including boxing, judo, MMA, Muay Thai and wrestling,” Fuseni told the Graphic Sports.

The GBF chief said his study visit also covered regulatory systems, safety standards, anti-doping measures and the business of sport, including its impact on youth development and opportunities.

On the Detroit encounter, Fuseni described it as the first in a series of competitive tests designed to expose Ghana’s boxers to different opposition, with the tough Olympic qualifiers in mind.

“We all know the strength of America when it comes to boxing, and engaging the Detroit Golden Gloves is a step in that direction,” he said.

The GBF president disclosed that the Black Bombers would also participate in the debut IBA President’s Cup in Instabul, Turkey, and face a French boxing side, both in December, as well as an English team in March 2027, keeping the squad active ahead of Olympic qualification events expected in the summer of 2027.

Ghana is also hoping to secure hosting rights for the continental Olympic qualification tournament, he disclosed.

The federation’s programme includes participation by Ghanaian teams – concurrently – at both the 2026 (International Boxing Association) IBA African Elite Men and Women’s Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo from October 19-November 1, and the inaugural World Boxing (WB) African Championships scheduled for October 15–28, 2026, at Nairobi’s Kasarani Indoor Arena, Kenya.

Fuseni’s strategy is to build a battle-tested team through sustained international competition, technical development and partnerships as Ghana pursues a stronger presence on the road to LA 2028.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Carlos Queiroz’s side collapsed in the second half to leave Ghana bottom of Group C with no points from two games.

Queiroz made three changes from the side that lost to Cote d’Ivoire, handing Benjamin Asare a start in goal, with Jonas Adjetey replacing the injured Alexander Djiku and Felix Afena-Gyan coming in for Christopher Bonsu Baah.

Ghana started on the front foot as expected and were rewarded in the 18th minute. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s corner kick from the right found Jerome Opoku, who was fouled in the box for a penalty.

Ernest Nuamah smashed home the opening goal in the 27th minute as he coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to bring the stadium alive. Six minutes later, Felix Afena-Gyan drilled home a delightful low drive into the bottom corner to give Ghana a 2-0 lead.

The Gambia, who were without star man Yankuba Minteh, responded well and pulled one back from the spot through Mohammed Badamosi in the 37th minute. Ebrima Colley then found space in the box before planting the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser.

The Gambia came out transformed after the break, but it was Ghana who made two quick substitutions, with Benjamin Tetteh and Ibrahim Sulemana coming on for Brandon Thomas-Asante and Kwasi Sibo.

The turning point came in the 71st minute. A quick counter-attack caught Ghana’s defence out and Mohammed Badamosi slotted home to give the visitors a 3-2 lead, silencing the Accra crowd.

Queiroz introduced Augustine Boakye and Christopher Bonsu Baah for Kojo Peprah Oppong and Ernest Nuamah to add more attacking options, but Ghana struggled to create clear chances with The Gambia sitting deep.

The defeat was sealed in the 88th minute when Ebrima Colley delivered the decisive blow, scoring his second goal of the night to complete a memorable 4-2 victory for The Gambia.

The result leaves Ghana in a difficult position in Group C. The Gambia move to six points from two games.

Credit: Ghana FA

Carlos Queiroz’s side held a recovery and training session a day after arriving from Bouaké, where Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in the group opener on Thursday.

The team is now focused on bouncing back against the Scorpions. Training on Saturday involved recovery work for those who started in Bouaké, while the rest of the squad went through full tactical drills.

Ghana will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The Black Stars will be desperate to get their qualification campaign back on track with a win in front of their home fans.

The team will continue preparations with a final training session on Monday before the matchday.

Our team photographer Emmanuel Osei was at the Accra Sports Stadium to capture these moments:

Credit: Ghana FA

The match at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake proved to be a revisit of the infamous debacle of the Black Stars in 1984 when they bowed out of the Afcon at the group stage as defending champions.

The Stars began well, matching the Elephants boot-for-boot in a pacey start to the Group C qualifiers.

It got a little heated at some point, leading to Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal flashing the yellow card to Coventry City’s Brandon Thomas-Asante.

With a minute to end the first half, Thomas-Asante’s Premier League mate Malick Junior Yalcouye, who was making his debut for the national team, caught the Ghanaian defence off-guard to send in a 20-yard strike to beat Lawrence Ati-Zigi at the near post and send the home fans into raptures.

Twelve minutes after the break, Yalcouye benefitted from a soft penalty after he was touched by another Premier League star Abdul-Fatawu Issahaku.

Referee Ghorbal may have made a mistake with the call but Ivorian captain Franck Kessie made no mistake as he doubled the lead for the Elephants.

Ghana came close to halving the score with Coventry City midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi hitting a free ball at goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Substitute Benjamin Tetteh also had his free header saved by the Turkey-based goalie.

It ended 2-0 as the Black Stars return home to prepare for their next qualifier against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.

The Group C clash at the Stade de la Paix pits two former African champions against each other at the start of a qualifying campaign that will run through March 2027. Ghana will host The Gambia on September 29, while Côte d’Ivoire face Somalia.

Ghana’s preparations have been disrupted by late withdrawals. Mohammed Kudus, initially recalled after missing the 2026 World Cup through a seven-month injury layoff, has opted to continue his recovery rather than join the Black Stars. Antoine Semenyo has also withdrawn with an ankle problem, while reports on Tuesday indicate captain Jordan Ayew is also doubtful with a knee injury. Baba Rahman has separately withdrawn through injury.

Those absences leave Queiroz looking towards Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ibrahim Osman, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Prince Adu Kwabena for attacking inspiration. The coach has already introduced fresh options, with Jan Gyamerah and Ronald Donkor among the players rewarded with call-ups after good club form.

Ghana’s recent competitive experience provides some encouragement. Queiroz guided the Black Stars to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, where their campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, are also beginning a new chapter. Hervé Renard has returned for his second spell in charge and named a 25-man squad containing eight newcomers. However, the Elephants are without injured Amad Diallo and Wilfried Singo, while several established players, including Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra, are absent.

Renard’s experience gives the encounter another dimension. He won the AFCON with Zambia in 2012 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2015, and previously worked with Ghana as part of Claude Le Roy’s technical team.

The Ivorians retain significant quality through players such as Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Evan Ndicka and Ousmane Diomandé, while Nicolas Pépé and Elye Wahi offer attacking threats.

Historically, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have produced closely contested encounters. Their most famous recent meeting was the 2015 AFCON final, which Côte d’Ivoire won on penalties after a goalless draw. The teams also drew 0-0 in their most recent meeting, a 2021 friendly in Cape Coast.

With both sides undergoing changes, Thursday’s encounter carries significance beyond the opening three points. It will test Ghana’s squad depth and Queiroz’s ability to adapt, while offering Renard an immediate competitive examination of his rebuilding project.

For Ghana, the challenge is to negotiate Bouaké without several key players and establish a strong foundation in Group C. For Côte d’Ivoire, home advantage and the beginning of Renard’s new cycle add further expectations to an already highly anticipated West African encounter.

The grand finale provided a fitting conclusion to an exciting 11-day championship, exceeding expectations as the two sides served up an unforgettable seven-goal thriller at the GFA Technical Centre.

In a contest packed with attacking football, drama and relentless determination, Eastern Region fought back from behind on three separate occasions but ultimately fell short as Ashanti Region held their nerve to dethrone the reigning champions and take the prestigious trophy to Kumasi.

Ashanti made a blistering start to the final and took the lead as early as the seventh minute through Mohammed Dayvon. However, Eastern Region showed the resilience that had carried them to the final and responded swiftly, with Umar Archraf restoring parity in the 12th minute.

The champions’ relief was short-lived as Issah Seidu, who proved to be a constant threat throughout the contest, put Ashanti Region back in front six minutes later.

Eastern, however, refused to be intimidated and once again demonstrated their fighting spirit. Tetteh Narh found the equaliser to bring the score to 2-2, ensuring the two teams went into the break level after an entertaining and fiercely contested first half.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, with both sides pushing forward in search of the decisive advantage.

Ashanti Region eventually regained the lead in the 78th minute through Elvis Kwarteng, whose outstanding performance would later earn him the Most Valuable Player award for the final.

But Eastern Region were not finished.

True to their resilient nature, the defending champions responded once again, finding an equaliser just three minutes later to make it 3-3 and set up a dramatic finish.

However, Eastern’s celebrations were cut short almost immediately.

Substitute Emmanuel Boateng emerged as the hero for Ashanti Region when he struck the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, restoring Ashanti’s advantage and completing the scoring in one of the most dramatic finals of the championship.

Eastern Region threw everything forward in the closing stages and piled incessant pressure on the Ashanti defence in search of another equaliser. But Raphael Amankwah’s side remained resolute at the back, defending with determination and discipline to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.

When the referee brought proceedings to an end, it was Ashanti Region celebrating a memorable 4-3 victory and a richly deserved championship triumph.

The victory capped an impressive campaign for Ashanti Region, who displayed consistency, quality and resilience throughout the competition before delivering when it mattered most in the grand finale.

Individual and team Awards

Ashanti Region’s Elvis Kwarteng was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the final following his influential display and crucial contribution to his side’s victory.

The championship also celebrated outstanding individual and team performances throughout the 11-day competition.

Central Region were adjudged the Fair Play Team, while Ashanti Region’s Raphael Amankwah was named Best Coach of the Tournament after guiding his side to the championship title.

Kelvin Osei Owusu of Ashanti Region was named Goalkeeper of the Championship, while Greater Accra Region’s Dennis Adjei emerged as the competition’s top scorer after finding the net six times.

Central Region’s Desmond Korlettey was deservedly crowned the Most Valuable Player of the Championship following a series of exceptional performances.

The talented youngster won an impressive four MVP awards during the 11-day tournament at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, underlining his consistency and immense potential.

A fitting end to an exciting Championship

The curtain has now officially fallen on the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship, a competition reserved exclusively for players competing in the Second Division.

The closing and presentation ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Championship Committee, Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, alongside Andy Cofie, representative of MTN.

They were joined by Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel, Juvenile Committee Vice-Chairman Samuel Anim Addo, as well as Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu.

 The championship once again demonstrated its importance as a key platform for identifying, developing and showcasing the next generation of Ghanaian football talent.

The MTN Elite U-19 Championship continues to provide young footballers with an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain competitive experience and take significant steps towards fulfilling their potential.

Ashanti Region will return home as champions after a dramatic and unforgettable final, while the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship will be remembered for the exciting football, emerging talents and unforgettable moments it produced.

For Ashanti Region, the celebrations have only just begun.

Credit: Ghana FA

Abban is ranked number 15 in the latest WBO global standings released on Wednesday, with fellow Ghanaian Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey alias Theo Lopez – the WBO Global champion – also making significant progress by climbing a step up to number 12 in the same division. The WBO junior bantamweight world title is held by experienced Japanese three-time world champion Kenshiro Teraji.

The development further strengthens Abban’s growing credentials on the international scene. He is also ranked No. 39 by the WBC and is the reigning WBA Africa super flyweight champion, while also holding the Commonwealth Silver title.

His latest rise follows a unanimous decision victory in Accra last month over South Africa’s Yanga “Showtime” Sigqibo who held the WBO interncontinental title between 2018 to 2021, defending it three times.

The statement victory in Pokuase on August 9 improved Abban’s record to 15 wins, one defeat, with 10 knockouts. It also earned the rising Ghanaian star mandatory challenger status for the Commonwealth super flyweight title held by Britain’s Matt McHale. McHale defends the title in a unification with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) super flyweight title in Scotland this Friday, September 4.

Abban’s emergence has been carefully built over the past year. He captured the WBA Pan African and Commonwealth Silver titles on New Year’s Day after Tanzanian opponent Muhsin Kizota failed to answer the bell for the third round. He had previously won the Commonwealth Youth title last October.

His progression also earned him a long-term management and promotional agreement with Landmark Promotions, headed by Anthony Kermah, formalising a partnership that had already produced substantial progress. Kermah has backed Abban’s ambition to become a world champion and has identified potential opportunities at the highest level.

The young Ghanaian had earlier signalled his world ambitions after stopping Benin’s Damien Zannou in April, and targeting the WBC International crown held by Charlie Edwards.

With his WBO ranking now secured, Abban’s path towards a world-title opportunity is gathering serious momentum.