Ghana U-20 Coach Desmond Ofei Targets AFCON Title and World Cup Berth

GBCApril 24, 202503 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Ghana’s U-20 national team, the Black Satellites, is gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with high ambitions under the leadership of head coach Desmond Ofei. The talented young squad, seeking to reclaim their status as one of Africa’s top youth sides, has set its sights on winning the tournament, scheduled to take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025.

Drawn into a tough Group C, Ghana will face defending champions Senegal, as well as DR Congo and the Central African Republic. The competition promises to be fiercely contested, with Ghana aiming to navigate the challenging group stage successfully. Their first priority is to advance beyond the initial phase, which will set the tone for their overall campaign.

In an interview with CAF media, Coach Desmond Ofei highlighted the importance of taking the tournament step by step.
“Our immediate goal is to get out of the group stage. From there, we take it one step at a time. Of course, the long-term aim is to win the tournament and qualify for the U-20 World Cup, but we’ll do that by staying consistent and focused on the process,” he said.

The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advance to the quarter-finals. Ghana knows that every match will be crucial, and the team is determined to perform at its best. The aim is to reclaim their dominance on the continent, reflecting their rich history of success in youth football.

After recent setbacks, Ghana is eager to return to the continental summit and showcase the talent that has historically made them a force in African youth football. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the Black Satellites are motivated to make their mark and bring glory back to Ghana in the 2025 AFCON.

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CAF Unveils African Schools Championship Groups as Young Stars Chase Glory

Henrietta AffulApril 24, 2025April 24, 202505 mins

By: Belinda Nketia

The stage is now officially set for Africa’s brightest young footballers as the draw for the 2025 CAF African Schools Football Championship was successfully conducted on April 21, 2025, in Accra.
The championship is scheduled to run from April 23 to 26, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The draw, which took place at MultiChoice Ghana, brought together top football figures, including Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan and Ivorian coach Clémentine Touré, who conducted the draws for the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.

In the boys’ category, host nation Ghana lands in Group A alongside South Africa, Uganda, and Algeria, each boasting a strong pedigree in youth football. Ghana’s home advantage and history of technical play make them a team to watch, but South Africa’s structure and Uganda’s recent investments in school football could provide stiff competition.

Group B sees defending champions Tanzania grouped with DR Congo, Senegal, and debutants Côte d’Ivoire. Tanzania will be confident, but Senegal’s athleticism and DR Congo’s unpredictability offer a real threat in what appears to be a tight group.

In the girls’ division, Ghana headline Group A with Morocco, Malawi, and Benin. Morocco brings a tactical edge, but Ghana’s balanced squad could make a strong impression. Group B features title-holders South Africa, joined by Uganda, DR Congo, and The Gambia which is happens to be a group packed with speed, power, and technical flair.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the winners earning their shot at the title in the grand final.

Speaking during the event, Asamoah Gyan urged players to take education seriously alongside football. “They should focus on their education, and have it support their natural talent which no one can take from them,” he said.

Touré, highlighting the broader impact of the event, noted: “We are not just developing players, we are developing people. That’s what we want.”

Also present were Amanda Dlamini, a former South African captain and now a CAF Women’s Football Development Officer, and Ghana Football Association Vice President Mark Addo.

Ahead of the tournament, CAF is also rolling out youth-focused programs in refereeing, sports journalism, coaching, medical care, and safeguarding bringing this year’s theme, “Encourage, Educate, and Engage,” to life both on and off the pitch and further portrays the championship not only as a showcase of emerging football talent, but a platform to support education, build confidence, and cultivate leadership among Africa’s next generation.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship is fast becoming a cornerstone of youth football development on the continent. With its blend of high-level competition and grassroots empowerment, the tournament brings together rising stars from across Africa in a showcase of talent, teamwork, and determination to compete internationally.

This year’s finals in Ghana brings together the best school teams from across Africa in both boys’ and girls’ divisions.

This is about pride, progress, and the future of African football.

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Ghana Drawn in Group A of 2025 African Schools Football Championship

Mondo Duplantis Crowned Laureus Sportsman of the Year

GBCApril 23, 202502 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis has been named Laureus Sportsman of the Year. Duplantis, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, received the prestigious award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. The ceremony, attended by many of the world’s top athletes, highlighted the significance of his achievement.

The award was presented to Duplantis by tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, the 2024 World Sportsman of the Year. The moment underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite athletes in the global sporting community.

Duplantis’s recognition comes on the back of a remarkable season. In February, he broke the men’s pole vault world record for the eleventh time, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His consistent record-breaking performances and dedication throughout the season earned him widespread admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.

This win also marks a historic milestone for field events. Duplantis becomes the first male field athlete to claim the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. Until now, only one other male track and field athlete — Usain Bolt — has won the accolade, making Duplantis’s accomplishment even more significant and a testament to his exceptional abilities.

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Kotoko Names Karim Zito as Interim Head Coach and Technical Director

GBCApril 23, 2025April 24, 202503 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko SC has announced the appointment of Abdul Karim Zito, a former player and coach, as its interim head coach and new technical director.

Zito brings extensive experience from both club and national levels, including guiding Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and leading Ghana’s U-20 team to victory at the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

This transition follows the club’s decision to part ways with former coach Prosper Ogum, who was dismissed due to a decline in team performance. The move aims to stabilise and strengthen the club’s technical setup during this transitional period.

Supporting the technical team further, Prince Yaw Owusu has been appointed as Assistant Coach. Owusu boasts over twenty years of coaching experience across Ghana, Sudan and the United States, with a notable track record at clubs like Medeama SC, Inter Allies, and Khartoum National Club.

He has also worked with Ghana’s national youth teams, nurturing talents who have gone on to play for top European clubs, including AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Malik Jabir, who previously served as technical director, will now take on the role of technical advisor. His new position will involve providing strategic guidance to ensure long-term stability and growth for the club. These appointments reflect the club’s commitment to building a robust and experienced technical leadership team.

The changes at Asante Kotoko are part of an ongoing effort to improve team performance and overall club success. With Zito, Owusu, and Jabir in key roles, the club is positioning itself to benefit from their expertise and achieve sustained success both on the pitch and in its strategic ambitions.

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Eintracht Frankfurt Partners with Accra Lions to Nurture Ghana’s Next Football Stars

Seli BaisieApril 23, 2025April 24, 202504 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt has announced a strategic partnership with Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions, set to begin in June 2025. This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the global presence of both clubs and fostering deeper connections within the football community across continents. The partnership was officially unveiled through a joint statement, emphasizing their shared commitment to youth development and international growth.

The primary goal of this alliance is to promote the development of young football talent from Ghana and provide them with opportunities to showcase their skills on the European stage. Eintracht Frankfurt, renowned for its focus on nurturing young players, will offer training support, mentorship, and scouting opportunities to the Accra Lions. Conversely, the Ghanaian club will benefit from the expertise, infrastructure, and exposure that a top-tier European club can provide, opening pathways for promising players to advance their careers.

Both clubs expressed enthusiasm about the mutual benefits of this partnership. Officials from Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted their desire to tap into Ghana’s rich football talent pool, helping to identify and develop future stars. Meanwhile, representatives of Accra Lions emphasized their ambitions to elevate their status and competitiveness through this collaboration, which also aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between German and Ghanaian football cultures.

Beyond player development, the partnership aims to incorporate community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. Plans include youth outreach programs, coaching exchanges, and educational projects designed to promote sports participation, health awareness, and social development in both countries. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.

As the partnership takes effect in mid-2025, it is expected to create numerous opportunities for young athletes, coaching staff, and fans. By building this international bridge, Eintracht Frankfurt and Accra Lions are setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize talent growth, cultural exchange, and community development. This alliance promises to be a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of football stars and strengthening global football ties.

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Ghana Sports: Kotoko part ways with Coach Prosper Ogum after dip in form

samboadApril 21, 2025April 21, 202503 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Asante Kotoko has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum following a series of disappointing results that have seen the club drop from top position to fourth place in the league standings.

Recent heavy defeats to Accra Lions and Nations FC marked a challenging period for the team, prompting the decision to make a coaching change ahead of key upcoming fixtures.

Despite the recent setbacks, Ogum’s contributions to the club remain significant. He previously led Kotoko to a league title in the 2021/22 season, a victory that rekindled memories of the club’s glorious past and reignited hope among supporters for sustained success. His return in 2024 was met with optimism, but challenges both on and off the pitch prevented the team from maintaining that momentum.

This season, Kotoko played 28 league matches, earning 13 wins, 8 draws, and suffering 7 defeats. The inconsistency in performance ultimately prompted the club’s Interim Management Committee to reconsider their strategy. Recognizing the importance of the upcoming MTN FA Cup semi-final against Berekum Chelsea, they believed a coaching change was necessary to improve the team’s prospects.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure, saying, “Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has this afternoon parted company with Head Coach Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum. This decision was reached following constructive discussions between both parties, with a shared understanding that it is in the best interest of the club at this time.”

The statement also expressed gratitude for Ogum’s dedication and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The club urged supporters to remain calm and continue backing the team during this transitional period. Further updates are expected soon as Kotoko looks to regain their form and push for success in the remaining fixtures of the season. The decision marks a new chapter for the club as they aim to restore their competitive edge.

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Black Satellites Depart for Egypt to Pursue Fifth U-20 AFCON Title

Seli BaisieApril 21, 2025April 21, 202505 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Ghana’s Black Satellites, led by coach Desmond Offei, will depart Accra for Cairo later today. With high hopes of making a deep run in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt, the team is motivated by recent successes and a desire to restore Ghana’s dominance in youth football.

The journey to Egypt marks a crucial step in their quest for qualification to the U-20 World Cup, which could see the nation re-emerge as a global football powerhouse at the youth level.

The team concluded their training camp in Accra with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Inter Allies. Following their final preparations, the Black Satellites are set to arrive in Cairo, where they will face stiff competition in a challenging Group C.

The group includes defending champions Senegal, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic, making Ghana’s path to the knockout stage highly competitive. Success in the group stage will be critical to the team’s ambitions of qualifying for the World Cup and showcasing their talent on the continental stage.

This edition of the CAF U-20 AFCON serves as a gateway to the world’s biggest youth football tournament, the U-20 World Cup in Chile. Ghana, with a storied history—including a tournament win in 2009 has not participated since 2015, making this an urgent opportunity to reclaim its place among the world’s best youth teams.

A strong showing in Egypt could secure Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s football reputation and inspiring future generations of young players.

Building on their recent triumph at the 2023 African Games, where they won gold, the Black Satellites are confident in their chances of lifting the AFCON trophy. That victory has invigorated the team and fostered a winning mentality that they hope to carry forward in Egypt.

With promising talent and renewed determination, the squad is eager to prove their mettle, aiming for their first continental title since 2009 while also securing a spot on the global stage.

As the tournament approaches, coach Offei is finalizing the squad that will represent Ghana. After two weeks of intensive training, the team is focused on executing their strategies and showcasing their skills.

With 13 teams competing across three groups from April 27 to May 18, the Black Satellites face a demanding schedule that could lead them through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final. Their performance in Egypt could shape the future of Ghana’s youth football for years to come.

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Morocco Clinches First U-17 AFCON Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Mali

GBCApril 21, 2025April 21, 202504 mins

By Kwame Bediako

Morocco have been crowned champions of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic final held at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, overcoming Mali 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw.

The match saw both teams showcase determination and skill, but neither side was able to find the back of the net during regulation and extra time, leading to a nerve-wracking shootout.

The game was fiercely contested, with Mali dominating large spells of the match, but Morocco’s disciplined defence held firm. The hosts showed resilience and composure throughout, refusing to let the pressure overwhelm them. The final was a testament to both teams’ consistency and fighting spirit during the tournament.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco’s goalkeeper Zakaria Alaoui emerged as the hero, making crucial saves that ultimately sealed the victory. His performance sent the home crowd into wild celebration, as Morocco secured their first continental title at this level in years. The players and fans revelled in a momentous achievement, ending a long wait for youth team glory.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Moroccan football, coming just two years after finishing as runners-up to Senegal in the same competition. It reflects the growing strength of the country’s youth development programmes and their ability to perform under pressure on the continental stage.

For Mali, the defeat was heartbreaking, particularly after their impressive display throughout the tournament. Despite the loss, the Malian side can hold their heads high, having reached their fifth final — a testament to their consistency at the youth level. The tournament provided a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and fierce competition among Africa’s best U-17 teams.

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