The delegation also included Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who delivered a message of support from President John Dramani Mahama.

Addressing the players and technical staff, Ibrahim Mahama praised head coach Carlos Queiroz for the impact he has made since taking charge of the Black Stars ahead of the tournament.

“I’m very proud because you came in at a shorter time, and you’ve been able to put the boys together. Wonderful performance,” he told Queiroz.

The businessman then challenged the players to finish the job against Croatia, promising them an additional reward if they secure qualification for the Round of 32.

“I have a much better bonus for you than the taxpayers because they have to go to Parliament. I don’t have to go to Parliament. Please do us proud,” Mahama said to applause from the squad.

Mahama, who is the younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama, has been one of the Black Stars’ biggest supporters throughout the World Cup campaign.

Earlier this year, his company donated US$5 million during a national fundraising campaign launched to support Ghana’s participation at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Black Stars head into Saturday’s final Group L fixture against Croatia knowing victory will secure their place in the Round of 32 after opening the tournament with a win over Panama and a goalless draw against England.

Mahama’s latest pledge is expected to provide an added incentive as Ghana seeks to extend its World Cup journey and continue its impressive run under Queiroz.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

Ati-Zigi produced an outstanding performance against Panama before picking up the injury, making several key saves to help Ghana secure all three points.

Speaking to Ghanafa.org, the goalkeeping coach revealed the goalkeeper is making encouraging progress, with his condition being assessed daily in consultation with head coach Carlos Queiroz and the Black Stars’ medical team.

“We’re extremely happy with his progress. It’s day by day. Obviously, this is a medical issue collaborated with head coach Carlos Queiroz, so we’ll take it session by session,” he said.

“We’re optimistic, and the decision will be made at the right time. But one thing is for sure, we always stress the team above the individual. Any decision we make is in the best interest of the team.”

Should Ati-Zigi fail to recover in time, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang are available to step in, while Solomon Agbasi remains with the squad in camp despite not being part of Ghana’s official 26-man World Cup roster.

Ghana face England knowing another positive result would significantly boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages after opening their campaign with a victory over Panama.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

“Okay, guys, this was only a warm-up. It was only to emphasise the history of the Ghanaian World Cup. Next game quiz, it will be tough,” he said.

Queiroz insisted that every training session and match carries significance, calling on the team to approach their development with seriousness and intent.

“So now, we are here together to make history for Ghana. So, remember our responsibility,” Queiroz said.

The experienced tactician also highlighted the influence of the players beyond the pitch, reminding them of their role as role models for young supporters across the country.

“When kids in Ghana start to put on a shirt with your number, it’s a great responsibility for you when you sleep tonight. Think about that,” he said.

He further pointed to the legacy of previous Ghanaian squads, urging the current generation to honour the country’s football history while writing their own chapter.

“These guys that they build this history behind us, it’s just a message to us. We have the opportunity in the next World Cup, other guys, they also talk about you,” he added.

Concluding his address, Queiroz called for discipline and focus as the team sharpens preparations for the tournament.

“Let’s put our names, your names, your efforts in the history of Ghana. Alright? Let’s go to sleep,” he said.

Ghana, who are set to make their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. Their final group match will be against Croatia on June 27.

The four-time African champions will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

The directive was issued in the case Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako & 2 Others after counsel for the accused, Andy Appiah-Kubi, prayed the court for more time to call further witnesses following testimony already given by Chairman Wontumi himself.

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai opposed the request.

He argued that the defence had earlier assured the court that the witnesses would be available this week, but failed to produce them.

He further contended that no witness statements had been filed to justify another adjournment.

According to him, the court rules also permit the trial to be closed where witnesses are unavailable for cross-examination.

Despite the objection, the court granted the defence one final extension.

The judge ruled that the accused persons must present their witnesses by Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The court warned that failure to do so would mean it would assume the defence has no more witnesses to call.

In that event, the court said it would proceed to order addresses, if any, before fixing a date for judgment.

Source:Fiilafmonline/JoyNews

With Carlos Queiroz now in charge and the World Cup fast approaching, attention has shifted to identifying the right striker to lead the line. Based on current form and recent performances, several names have emerged as potential options.

Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City)

Brandon Thomas-Asante is enjoying an impressive campaign, helping Coventry City secure promotion to the Premier League. The 27-year-old forward has registered 12 goals and four assists in 29 appearances this season.

He made his Black Stars debut in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier and has since earned seven caps, scoring once against Nigeria in a friendly. His consistency in front of goal places him among the top-performing Ghanaian attackers in Europe.

Jordan Ayew (Leicester City)

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has experienced a mixed season at club level, with Leicester City battling inconsistencies. Despite this, he delivered an outstanding performance during the World Cup qualifiers, contributing 14 goals.

This season, he has managed six goals and three assists in 40 appearances. While his experience remains invaluable, questions linger over whether his club form could impact his World Cup performance.

Caleb Ekuban (Genoa)

Caleb Ekuban continues to ply his trade in Serie A with Genoa but has largely been overlooked at the national level in recent years.

With four goals in 24 appearances this season and prior tournament experience from the 2019 AFCON, his absence from recent squads raises questions about his standing in the national team setup.

Daniel Agyei (Kocaelispor)

Daniel Agyei has featured regularly for Turkish side Kocaelispor, scoring four goals in 27 matches.

His recent call-up for friendlies against Austria and Germany suggests he remains on the radar, although he is yet to fully establish himself as a leading option.

Jerry Afriyie (RAAL La Louvière)

Young forward Jerry Afriyie is gradually making his mark in Belgium. The 19-year-old has scored five goals in 28 appearances this season.

He made an instant impact on his Black Stars debut, scoring against Niger in an AFCON qualifier. With three caps already, Afriyie represents one of the future prospects for Ghana’s attack.

Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzeň)

Prince Adu has shown flashes of promise, particularly in recent international friendlies.

The forward has scored six goals in 24 matches this season. While his potential is evident, questions remain about whether he can lead the line at the highest level.

Prince Owusu (CF Montréal)

Prince Owusu is enjoying a productive season in Major League Soccer, recording five goals and four assists.

Despite his form, he is yet to earn a call-up to the Black Stars. With the World Cup set to take place in North America, his inclusion could offer a fresh attacking option.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Ghana’s search for a dependable centre-forward remains one of the team’s biggest priorities.

With several players making strong cases across different leagues, the final decision will rest with the technical team as they aim to assemble a competitive squad capable of delivering on the global stage.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

After training, his persistence was rewarded when Semenyo approached and signed his Manchester City jersey, creating a special moment that drew smiles from those around.

A young Manchester City fan waited hours to watch the Black Stars train in Vienna and got Antoine Semenyo to sign his jersey.#SportyFM pic.twitter.com/2mylYjggSU

— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) March 24, 2026

The Black Stars players, who have been training at the Vienna Football Campus, took time to interact with fans present, with several supporters gathering to watch the session.

Ghana are in Austria as part of preparations for their international friendlies against Austria and Germany, as the team continues to fine-tune ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

Speaking to Citi Sports, Mensah acknowledged existing challenges within the team but praised the technical direction and overall quality of the squad.

“The technical team is very much aware of some of these hitches, and so they are doing everything possible,” she said.

She revealed that steps have already been taken to address key issues, including limited playing time for some players.

“One, we realised that most often the girls do not have a lot of playtime, and that is how come from January, I think December last year, they were kept in camp just so they would be able to experience each other more.”

Mensah highlighted the growing cohesion within the squad as a reason for optimism.

“They will have that group, you know, the teamwork; the team will be able to understand themselves as a team, and so the technical team is seriously working on it.”

“I believe that the team as we have today is a better team than before, if you ask me,” she added. “And I am convinced that it also has more to do with leadership issues.”

Mensah also praised the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, for his commitment to Ghanaian sports under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

“If you look at the administration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the experience of Honourable Kofi Adams, it is obvious that they are committed to our sports in general,” she said. “They are going to do everything humanly possible to encourage, to inspire, to motivate and to ensure that the girls are given the necessary support to give out their best for the country.”

With a decisive final qualifier against Uganda ahead, expectations are rising that this Black Princesses generation could secure a World Cup ticket and potentially set a new benchmark for Ghana’s U-20 women’s football on the international stage.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

The supporter, Aïda Faye Samb, lost her life in a road accident on the Rabat–Kenitra highway on Saturday while en route to Tangier for Senegal’s round-of-16 clash against Sudan.

The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed the news on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief across the Senegalese football community and beyond.

In an official statement, the federation said: “The Senegalese Football Federation is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Aïda Faye Samb, who died as a result of a traffic accident on the Rabat–Kénitra route on Saturday, January 3.”

It added: “The deceased was on her way to Tangier to support the Senegalese national team, which was playing a round of 16 match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Sudan.”

Despite the devastating news, Senegal went on to defeat Sudan 3–1, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

The victory, however, was met with muted celebration, as players, officials and supporters reflected on the loss of a fan whose final act was one of loyalty and passion for her national team.

The federation extended its condolences in the same statement, saying: “In this painful circumstance, the Senegalese Football Federation extends its sincere condolences to the grieving family, her loved ones, and the entire Senegalese football community.”

It further noted: “The FSF bows with reverence before the memory of the departed and prays that the Almighty welcomes her into His infinite mercy and grants strength and courage to her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”

As Senegal now prepare for a quarter-final showdown with Mali on Friday, January 9, in Tangier, the team does so carrying both ambition and grief.

The match, scheduled for 4:00 PM, will be played in the shadow of a loss that transcends football.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

In accordance with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or renew the appointments of existing officials on the FIFA list. This process is managed by the Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association, which ensures that all nominees meet FIFA’s stringent eligibility requirements, including the successful completion of FIFA-approved fitness and medical assessments.

Once the internal vetting process is completed, the nominations are submitted to FIFA for final validation. The world football governing body retains the authority to approve or reject any nominee based on its established standards.

Referees approved by FIFA are authorized to wear the FIFA badge from January 2026 to December 2026. Retention on the list in subsequent years will depend on individual performance, with the FIFA badge remaining the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.

The full list of officials approved by FIFA is attached.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet

For Core Mathematics, 61.39 per cent of candidates obtained Grades A1–C6 in 2022, rising to 66.23 per cent in 2023 and 66.86 per cent in 2024, before dropping sharply to 48.73 per cent in 2025.

In English Language, 60.39 per cent passed in 2022, increasing to 73.11 per cent in 2023.

The pass rate dipped slightly to 69.52 per cent in 2024 and recorded 69.00 per cent in 2025.

Performance in Integrated Science stood at 62.45 per cent in 2022, improved to 66.82 per cent in 2023, but fell to 58.77 per cent in 2024 and 57.74 per cent in 2025.

For Social Studies, the Council recorded 71.51 per cent in 2022, 76.76 per cent in 2023, and 71.53 per cent in 2024, before declining to 55.82 per cent in 2025.

WAEC said the 2025 results showed that 209,068 candidates (48.73%) obtained Grades A1–C6 in Core Mathematics.

Additionally, 52,991 (11.62%) had D7, 52,145 (12.15%) obtained E8, and 114,872 (26.86%) recorded F9.

In English Language, 289,673 candidates (69.00%) secured A1–C6, while 37,712 (8.18%) obtained D7 and 54,294 (12.86%) recorded F9.

For Integrated Science, 220,806 candidates (57.74%) passed with A1–C6. WAEC added that 54,580 (11.85%) had D7, 45,783 (11.97%) scored E8, and 61,243 (16.05%) obtained F9.

In Social Studies, 248,538 candidates (55.82%) made A1–C6, with 33,670 (7.38%) scoring D7, 40,608 (9.12%) obtaining E8, and 122,449 (27.50%) recording F9.

Source:Fiilafmonline/JoyNews