The game was meant to be played on 8 March but was called off 20 minutes before kick-off after the death of Barcelona’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick criticised the timing of this rescheduled match, coming a day after the end of the international break – with 27-goal Raphinha missing out after travelling back from Brazil duty.

But the Catalans were comfortable winners at their temporary Olympic Stadium home.

Ferran Torres slid them into the lead from Alex Balde’s cross.

Dani Olmo then won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.

Herrera saved Olmo’s spot-kick – but it had to be retaken because an Osasuna player encroached in the box. Olmo scored the second time around, but in a busy first half later had to be replaced because of injury.

Substitute Robert Lewandowski headed in a third goal to cap a swift counter-attack.

Barcelona, who are three points above Real Madrid and seven clear of Atletico Madrid, are next in action at home to neighbours Girona in La Liga on Sunday.

This is subsequent to CAF having been informed by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (“FIF”) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that due to unforeseen circumstances, they are unable to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The Egyptian Football Association and the Egyptian Government had previously submitted a bid to host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will be played on Sunday, 27 April 2025 and the Final on 18 May 2025.

The 35-year-old Le Havre attacker has not featured for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and was once again left out of the squad for the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, despite his consistent performances at club level.

“If we need Andre Ayew, we will call him. At the moment, I see others ahead of him,” Addo told Joy Sports in an interview.

Ayew has been in decent form for French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, scoring four goals in 11 starts this season.

In his absence, his younger brother, Jordan Ayew, has captained the Black Stars to back-to-back victories—a 5-0 win over Chad and a 3-0 triumph against Madagascar.

These results have propelled Ghana to the top of Group I in the World Cup qualifiers with 15 points, with four matches remaining in the campaign.

Ghana bolstered its qualification hopes with two emphatic victories in the recent World Cup qualifiers, securing a 5-0 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium and a 3-0 triumph against Madagascar in Morocco.

These back-to-back wins have pushed the Black Stars to 15 points after six matches.

Speaking on Kessben FM, Adams stressed the importance of Ghana’s participation on the global stage.

“Ghana must play on the world stage next year. Indeed, we should be able to not just play; I wish that we play and even reach the finals,” he stated.

Ghana’s best-ever World Cup performance came in 2010 when the team reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, narrowly missing out on a historic semifinal spot.

The Black Stars will reconvene in June for a four-nation tournament in England before resuming their qualification campaign with crucial matches against Chad and Mali in September.

The senior national team secured back-to-back victories, thrashing Chad 5-0 before defeating Madagascar 3-0, boosting their chances of securing a spot at the tournament, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

In an emotional open letter to fans, the Leicester City forward reassured Ghanaians of the team’s commitment to redemption following their failure to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“On behalf of my colleagues, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support during our recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar,” Ayew stated.

“Your infectious energy, passion, and loyalty inspire us, and we’re deeply honored to represent this great nation.

“Although we faced challenges in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, we’re committed to turning things around and making you proud.

“We’re working diligently to enhance our game, ensuring we secure the necessary results in the remaining matches to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Black Stars skipper also vowed to give everything to ensure Ghana’s return to the world stage.

“We’re not giving up! We’re focused on the task ahead, and we’re confident that together, we can achieve our goal.

“We’ll do everything in our power to make Ghana proud and bring joy to your hearts,” he added.

The Black Stars will regroup in June for a four-nation tournament before resuming their qualification campaign against Chad and Mali in September.

The Black Stars boosted their qualification hopes with crucial back-to-back victories over Chad and Madagascar in their Matchday 5 and 6 encounters.

These wins have propelled Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, three points ahead of second-placed Comoros, with four games remaining.

Speaking to SuperSport, the AFC Bournemouth striker expressed his determination to see Ghana return to football’s biggest stage.

“Hopefully, by September, we can win one game and qualify for the World Cup. Then in 2026, we can show the world what a team we are and put ourselves on the map again because that’s where we deserve to be,” Semenyo said.

“We have one of the best teams in Africa, so I don’t understand why people doubt us. We just need to prove ourselves on the big stage, and the World Cup would be the perfect opportunity.”

The Black Stars will continue their qualification campaign with crucial fixtures against Chad and Mali in Matchday 7 and 8.

The Pacers held a one-point lead with 42 seconds remaining, but James was on hand to tip in a Luka Doncic miss a split-second before the buzzer to secure a 120-119 victory in Indianapolis.

James did not make a field goal until the fourth quarter but finished the night with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

“It’s another great example of where he doesn’t necessarily have it going early, and got off to a slow start offensively but he was so good defensively and then takes over in the fourth quarter” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said.

“He gets rewarded by the basketball gods because he didn’t let go of the rope and didn’t stop competing.”

The Lakers, fourth in the western conference, improved their record to 44-28 after ending three-game losing run.

Doncic had 34 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Los Angeles, while Austin Reaves scored 24 and Rui Hachimura added 14.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, the Washington Wizards ended a five-game losing streak with victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Toronto Raptors routed the Brooklyn Nets 116-86.

Nikola Jokic scored 39 points – and secured his 30th triple-double of the season – on his return from injury to inspire the Denver Nuggets to a 127-117 win against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to seven with a 132-102 win against the Phoenix Suns.

The Los Angeles Clippers kept their play-off hopes alive by coming back from 14 points down to defeat the New York Knicks 126-113, improving their record to 41-31.

The Golden State Warriors are seventh in the West, also with 41 wins, with the Minnesota Timberwolves in eighth with a 41-32 record.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have served a one-match ban after picking up yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe earlier in the campaign.

Instead the 28-year-old helped his side to a 2-0 win in Polokwane, and Lesotho have submitted a query to world governing body Fifa about the incident.

“We are hoping for them to respect their own regulations and act appropriately,” Lesotho Football Association secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi told BBC Sport Africa.

“Even if they just caution South Africa, it will be okay. If they give us the points, so be it. [It would be] the cherry on top.

“There’s no malice but it’s just that we are looking for the regulations to be adhered to. If it were us who had defeated South Africa, wouldn’t [they] do the same?”

The South African Football Association declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport Africa.

Mokoena was withdrawn from the squad to face Benin in Tuesday’s qualifier and, after the 2-0 win that took his side five points clear at the top of Group C, national team coach Hugo Broos said the matter is “something that will be sorted over the next week”.

Fifa’s competition regulations state that any protest about player eligibility should be lodged within 24 hours of the end of a match.

Should South Africa be punished with a points deduction, their hopes of appearing at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 will be back in the balance.

Instead of the 2-0 win for Bafana Bafana, Lesotho could be awarded a 3-0 technical victory that would move them up to second in the table and one point behind South Africa.

It would also boost Nigeria’s chances of qualification, given the Super Eagles sit six points adrift of top spot with four rounds of fixtures remaining after drawing 1-1 with Zimbabwe.

Only the group winners are assured of a place at next year’s 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

How Group C table might change

Image source: BBC Sport

Image caption: South Africa hold a five-point lead in Group C after six rounds of the 10-match campaign…

Image source: BBC Sport

Image caption: … but Bafana Bafana’s lead could be reduced to one point and throw the group wide open if Lesotho are awarded a 3-0 win by Fifa

The overall prize fund, shared between all 32 teams based on different factors, will be £775m, with £407m divided between all participating clubs and £368m awarded on a performance-related basis.

By comparison, last season’s prize money in the Premier League ranged from £175.9m for winners City to the £109.7m earned by bottom-placed Sheffield United.

Money awarded for participation is weighted by a ranking based on sporting and commercial criteria, meaning European clubs will earn more for taking part than teams from other continents.

The top-ranked European team by Fifa’s metrics will receive £29.6m just for participating – and they would secure the maximum prize available of around £97m for winning all of their group-stage games and then going on to win the tournament.

A group-stage win will net a team £1.5m, with £5.8m for reaching the last 16, £10.2m for reaching the quarter-finals, £16.3m for reaching the semi-finals, and £31m for winning the final.

As a result, Manchester City and Chelsea, the two Premier League sides in the competition who qualified thanks to their recent Champions League wins, could earn the biggest prize money ever awarded in club football over a seven-game format.

The expanded Club World Cup will take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July.

Previously an annual tournament contested by seven teams, it will now feature 32 clubs and take place once every four years.

“The distribution model of the Fifa Club World Cup reflects the pinnacle of club football,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

Teams from each of the six international football confederations will participate: Asia (AFC), Africa (Caf), North and Central America (Concacaf), South America (Conmebol), Oceania (OFC) and Europe (Uefa).

There are 12 places available for European teams – the highest number of any of the confederations – and they are decided by clubs’ Champions League performances over the past four seasons.

Only two clubs per country can qualify, so 2022 Champions League finalists Liverpool are not included but 2021 winners Chelsea and 2023 winners City are.

Other European teams have qualified through a Uefa ranking system determined by clubs’ performances over the four seasons.

‘Tournament now looks very worthwhile for biggest clubs involved’

The success of this tournament, which has barely registered on the global football consciousness so far, largely hinges on clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

They have negotiated substantial revenue to be part of it – they should earn a minimum of £40m if they progress from the group stage and can earn up to £97m for winning it. That revenue is comparable to the money earned from taking part in the Champions League.

But not all clubs are equal. The smaller European clubs to have qualified, such as RB Salzburg, will only get around £15m if they qualify from the group. South American clubs such as Boca Juniors, River Plate and Flamengo are due a similar sum.

Teams in North America, Asia, Africa and Auckland City, the only club from Oceania, will get even less.

Of course, the biggest clubs will argue they are already stretched in terms of the football calendar and will miss out on pre-season revenue but this tournament now looks very worthwhile for those involved.

Those revenues will give Chelsea and Manchester City more room to stay on the right side of profit and sustainability regulations, but they could distort the competition with smaller leagues in Europe and beyond, in the same way that Champions League participation gives those involved a major financial advantage.

Fifa said this tournament will help grow the game beyond Europe and distribute money to clubs outside the traditional elite.

But the elite have leveraged their importance in negotiations to get a bigger share of the total prize fund.

READ ALSO

• Ex-GFA boss hails Black Stars’ revival after Chad, Madagascar wins
• Jordan Ayew names Christian Atsu as best player he played with

After a disappointing 2024—where they won just two of their 10 matches and failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the Black Stars have started 2025 on a strong note.

Ghana secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium in their Matchday 5 fixture before extending their fine form with a 3-0 triumph against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco on Monday night.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe commended the team for their improved performance, highlighting their teamwork and discipline.

“The overall performance was better than what I’ve seen before,” the Hearts of Oak Board Member noted. “They demonstrated commitment and teamwork more than they used to. No player was trying to play to the gallery.”

With these back-to-back victories, the Black Stars now sit atop Group I with 15 points.

Otto Addo’s side will resume their qualification campaign in September, facing Chad away before hosting Mali in Matchdays 7 and 8.

READ ALSO

• We’re almost there – Stephen Appiah on Black Stars’ World Cup hopes
• Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe commends Jordan Ayew for selfless performance in World Cup qualifiers

The 32-year-old shot-stopper made his debut in style, keeping clean sheets in Ghana’s victories over Chad and Madagascar.

Asare was in goal when the Black Stars secured a commanding 5-0 win against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium before replicating his fine form in a 3-0 triumph over Madagascar.

Speaking to 3Sports, the former Great Olympics goalkeeper stressed that locally-based players deserve national team opportunities if they prove their worth.

“I appreciate the confidence and support from everyone. I’m happy that I met expectations. If a local player is performing well, he deserves a chance,” Asare stated.

“Sometimes, people assume that playing for the national team is difficult for local players, but we are determined,” he added.

Following his outstanding performances, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has confirmed that Asare will retain his position as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

He is now set to be in goal again when Ghana faces Chad and Mali in the next round of qualifiers in September.

READ ALSO

• Black Stars Technical Team commended after bold decision on Benjamin Asare
• We’re almost there – Stephen Appiah on Black Stars’ World Cup hopes

Atsu, who was named the Best Player at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tragically passed away in 2023 after being found under rubble following a devastating earthquake in Turkey, where he was playing professionally.

When asked about the best player he has played with, Ayew had no hesitation in naming Atsu.

“The best player I’ve ever played with, unfortunately, is no longer with us, and that’s Christian [Atsu]. I played with Muntari and Essien,” he told Joy Sports.

“Asamoah [Gyan] and Andre [Ayew] are also up there, but I’ll go with Atsu. He didn’t get enough plaudits for how good he was on the field,” he added.

Ayew has been in fine form as Black Stars captain, leading Ghana to back-to-back wins in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The team secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad before dispatching Madagascar 3-0. The forward played a pivotal role in the victories, contributing five goal involvements—scoring once and assisting four times.

With Ghana sitting atop Group I with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed Comoros, Ayew will be eager to maintain the team’s momentum.

The Black Stars will participate in a four-nation tournament in England before resuming their World Cup qualifying campaign against Chad and Mali in September.

READ ALSO

• Black Stars to play four-nation tournament in June
• Black Stars Technical Team commended after bold decision on Benjamin Asare

The incident happened on March 8 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium when unaccredited individuals, specifically supporters, entered a restricted safety zone after Hearts of Oak’s 2-0 victory.

As a result, the club has been fined GHS 20,000, with GHS 10,000 of the amount suspended for the remainder of the season, the GFA announced on Tuesday, March 25.

The GFA also warned that any future misconduct would attract stricter sanctions.

Ahead of the league’s resumption, the GFA introduced stricter matchday protocols to enhance security, but the Accra-based club was found to have violated these measures.

Bashiru, who is a former Equipment Officer of the Club, has been found guilty of unlawfully entering the inner perimeter and assaulting Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.

Bashiru is now prohibited from participating in any football-related activities for the duration of the ban, significantly impacting his involvement with Nsoatreman FC.

The GFA earlier this week, referred Nsoatreman FC to the Association’s Prosecutor after failed talks to rescind the club’s withdrawal from the Ghana Premier League.

Sudan, forced to play all their home games on neutral turf while civil war continues in the country, conceded a 98th-minute equaliser against South Sudan and slipped to third in Group B.

DR Congo lead the table after their 2-0 win in Mauritania, with the Leopards a point ahead of Senegal and the Sudanese.

Egypt restored their five-point advantage at the head of Group A with a 1-0 win against Sierra Leone while Algeria moved three points clear in Group G as Mohamed Amoura bagged a hat-trick in their 5-1 triumph over closest challengers Mozambique.

Morocco have a commanding nine-point cushion after beating Tanzania 2-0 – but the standings in Group E may be affected if Congo-Brazzaville’s suspension from international football is not lifted.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year, with the four best second-placed sides playing off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots at the World Cup.

Nigeria are in danger of missing out on a ticket to the United States, Mexico and Canada after drawing 1-1 at home against Zimbabwe, leaving the Super Eagles six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa.

The final four rounds of group fixtures will be spread across September and October, with African play-offs scheduled for November.

Elsewhere amid 15 qualifiers on Tuesday, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo scored one and set up another as Cameroon beat Libya 3-1 to remain a point behind Cape Verde in Group D.

And Comoros cut Ghana’s lead to three points in Group I following a 1-0 home win over Chad in neutral Berkane.

Senegal remain in hunt after Sudan draw

Sudan upset the odds to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but their dreams of reaching the World Cup are fading despite remaining unbeaten in Group B.

The Falcons of Jediane were frustrated by neighbours South Sudan in Benina, Libya, until Mohamed Eisa stabbed home from close range in the 76th minute.

Sudan were seconds away from victory when David Omot Sebit levelled with an acrobatic volley after substitute goalkeeper Ali Abu Eshrein failed to gather a high ball into the box under pressure.

That allowed DR Congo to seize top spot after goals from Charles Pickel and Fiston Mayele secured three points in Mauritania.

Senegal then moved above Sudan on goal difference after seeing out a 2-0 win over Togo.

Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr steered in to open the scoring in Diamniadio 10 minutes before the break and Moussa Niakhate doubled the lead midway through the second half.

Morocco remain the only side in African preliminaries with a perfect record but the Atlas Lions had to wait until the second half to find the breakthrough against Tanzania in their Group E clash in Oujda.

Former West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd put the hosts in front from close range in the 51st minute and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz made it 2-0 from the penalty spot seven minutes later after Ibrahim Bacca was penalised for handball.

Aboubakar nets twice for Indomitable Lions

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar (centre) ensured his side’s third win in Group D with two goals against Libya

The pressure had been on the Cameroon before kick-off against Libya after two goals from Dilon Livramento gave Cape Verde a 2-1 win in Angola earlier on Tuesday and established a four-point lead for the Blue Sharks in Group D.

But the Indomitable Lions took the lead in the first half through Vincent Aboubakar’s penalty and Mbeumo slotted home eight minutes into the second period to double the lead.

Aboubakar converted Mbeumo’s pull-back to make it 3-0 just after the hour mark and Cameroon saw out victory despite the Mediterranean Knights pulling a goal back in injury time.

Cape Verde sit top on 13 points, with Cameroon on 12, Libya on 8 and Angola on 7.

Meanwhile, Egypt struggled to break down Sierra Leone for long periods of their Group A meeting in Cairo.

Zizo netted what proved to be the only goal in first-half stoppage time with a fine left-footed finish after being slipped in by Trezeguet.

Mohamed Salah is the top scorer in African preliminaries with six goals and the Liverpool forward could have added to that tally in the second half but dragged an effort wide of the right-hand post.

Algeria cruise to victory

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Mohamed Amoura’s hat-trick against Mozambique added to his double against Botswana on Friday

Mohamed Amoura had netted twice in Algeria’s victory in Botswana on Friday and the Wolfsburg forward bettered that feat against Mozambique in Tizi Ouzou.

He converted deft through balls from Riyad Mahrez either side of Aissa Mandi’s header to help the North Africans into a 3-0 lead inside half an hour.

Geny Catamo pulled one back before half-time but Amoura crossed for Jaouen Hadjam to head home before completing his treble with 10 minutes remaining.

Algeria are on 15 points, three ahead of Mozambique and six points above Botswana and Uganda.

Botswana saw off Somalia 2-0 in Francistown while Allan Okello’s stunning first-half free-kick was enough to secure Uganda a home win over Guinea.

Tuesday’s African World Cup qualifying results

• Egypt 1-0 Sierra Leone (Group A)
• Sudan 1-1 South Sudan (Group B)
• Mauritania 0-2 DR Congo (Group B)
• Senegal 2-0 Togo (Group B)
• Benin 0-2 South Africa (Group C)
• Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)
• Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho (Group C)
• Angola 1-2 Cape Verde (Group D)
• Cameroon 3-1 Libya (Group D)
• Morocco 2-0 Tanzania (Group E)
• Burundi 5-0 Seychelles (Group F)
• Botswana 2-0 Somalia (Group G)
• Uganda 1-0 Guinea (Group G)
• Algeria 5-1 Mozambique (Group G)
• Comoros 1-0 Chad (Group I)

Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone were on target for Argentina, whose World Cup qualification was confirmed before kick-off by Bolivia’s draw with Uruguay.

Matheus Cunha replied for the five-time world champions, who suffered their worst defeat in World Cup qualifying and are not yet guaranteed of a place in next year’s finals.

“What we did here can’t happen again,” Marquinhos told Brazilian TV station Globo. “It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment. It’s embarrassing.”

He added: “We started the game badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart. I’m sorry for our fans.”

Argentina, who were without Lionel Messi, went 2-0 ahead in the opening 12 minutes through Alvarez and Fernandez

A mistake from Cristian Romero allowed Cunha to pull one back, but Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before half-time.

Argentina wasted several chances to extend their lead before Giuliano Simeone wrapped up the win with 19 minutes left, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

“It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud, I’m so happy for the fans,” said Atletico forward Alcaraz.

Argentina top the South American table with 31 points from 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the top six automatically qualifying for next year’s finals.

Brazil are fourth on 21 points and not yet guaranteed of qualification with four matches remaining.

Elsewhere, Paraguay stayed fifth and one point clear of sixth-placed Colombia after the sides drew 2-2 in Barranquilla.

Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran put Colombia 2-0 up inside 13 minutes. Junior Alonso pulled one back just before the break, before Julio Enciso levelled in the second half.

The shocking decision was made public by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) by the Executive Secretary on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as per widespread reports in the country.

The Ivorian government, through a letter to the FIF, as sighted by AfricaSoccer.com, indicated the impossibility of hosting the 24th edition of the tournament.

The withdrawal leaves CAF in a rush to identify a new host weeks before the tournament.

President Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is also FIF and chairman of the COCAN U-20 organizing committee, was sorry about the incident.

He thanked individuals who worked and dedicated their time to preparations for the tournament, promising stakeholders that he would keep them informed about CAF’s next move.

The motives behind Ivory Coast’s withdrawal are unknown, though rumors point towards logistical challenges and finances.

With the dust yet to settle, CAF will have to quickly find a new host to ensure the tournament goes ahead on schedule.

The sudden turn of events is symptomatic of the pitfalls of hosting big sporting tournaments and the gulf between desire and reality.

FIFA said it allocated $525 million in guaranteed fees for teams taking part in the June 14-July 13 tournament, ranging from $38.19 million to the top-ranked European team – likely Real Madrid – to $3.58 million for the Oceania representative Auckland City.

A further $475 million is earned by results in the 63 games, with $2 million paid for winning group stage games, $7.5 million for playing in the round of 16 and $40 million to the team that wins the final at MetLife Stadium near New York.

The golden trophy has been sitting in the Oval Office at the White House this month after FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered it to President Donald Trump.

The prize fund was delayed until a global broadcast deal was belatedly agreed in December with streaming service DAZN, which then got a major investment from a state-backed sports agency in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia also was confirmed in December by FIFA as host of the men’s 2034 World Cup.

Each of the 12 European teams in the Club World Cup lineup will be paid at least $12.81 million as an entry fee. Payments will be decided by “a ranking based on sporting and commercial criteria,” FIFA said without providing details.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also qualified by either winning a Champions League title from 2021 to 2024, or having consistent results in the competition over those four seasons.

Countries were capped at two entries, unless they had three Champions League winners. Salzburg of Austria qualified as the final European team, despite never advancing beyond the round of 16, because higher-ranked clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona were blocked by the country cap.

The six South American teams each will get a $15.21 million entry fee.

Teams from Africa, Asia and the CONCACAF region of North America — including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, despite not winning the MLS Cup title last season — each will get $9.55 million for playing.

Leon of Mexico is currently contesting its removal from the competition by FIFA because it is in shared ownership with Pachuca which also qualified.

FIFA aims to pay $250 million to clubs worldwide who did not qualify for the tournament. It is unclear how many clubs will be paid, or how much they will get.

READ ALSO

• Why Black Stars budget for Chad and Madagascar games was not disclosed – Sports Minister
• Black Stars Management Committee not receiving payment – Kofi Adams

President John Mahama had earlier stated in his State of the Nation Address that budgets for national teams would be made public.

However, ahead of the crucial Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures, calls intensified for the government to reveal financial details of the team’s preparations.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Adams explained that withholding the budget was necessary to prevent distractions that could affect the team’s focus and performance.

“People were asking me to disclose the budget for the games, but I kept asking myself, what will the budget do for the team ahead of the games? Sometimes, certain situations create distractions, so we must weigh every decision carefully,” he said.

Despite the secrecy, the minister assured the public that the budget details would eventually be made available.

“The budget for the team will be made available. There is nothing to hide, but people must understand that running the national team is expensive because most of the players come from Europe. Apart from that, all details will be made public,” he added.

The Black Stars will now turn their focus to their next round of games against Chad and Mali as they push for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

READ ALSO

• Black Stars to play four-nation tournament in June
• We’re almost there – Stephen Appiah on Black Stars’ World Cup hopes

READ ALSO

• We’re almost there – Stephen Appiah on Black Stars’ World Cup hopes
• Black Stars to play four-nation tournament in June

After a difficult 2024, the Black Stars began the new year on a strong note, securing back-to-back victories against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. These crucial wins have propelled Ghana to the top of Group I with 15 points.

According to the FIFA calendar, the team’s next competitive matches are scheduled for September.

However, Dr. Abbey revealed that the Black Stars will engage in friendly matches in June as part of their ongoing preparations.

“Fortunately, the technical team and management will have the opportunity to further work on the team because, in June, we don’t have qualifiers, so we will be playing a four-nation friendly in England. And I am sure that it will be an opportunity for the coaches to do some further work on the team,” he told 3Sports.

He also expressed optimism that some injured players would recover in time for the tournament, allowing them to gain match fitness ahead of the September qualifiers.

“We are hoping that some of the players who are injured will also be back and will be able to get an opportunity to play at least two games before the September matches,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad and Mali in their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures.

READ ALSO

• Benjamin Asare deserves Black Stars’ no.1 spot – Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe
• Broaden scouting in Ghana Premier League – Otto Addo told

Asare earned his maiden call-up to the senior national team following his stellar performances in the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.

Despite the presence of established goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott, the former Great Olympics shot-stopper was handed a starting role against Chad, where Ghana secured an emphatic 5-0 victory.

The 32-year-old was once again trusted for the crucial encounter against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco on Monday night, helping the Black Stars to a comfortable 3-0 win.

Impressively, Asare kept a clean sheet in both matches, solidifying his credentials as a reliable option between the posts.

Commending the technical team’s decision, the Hearts of Oak Board Member highlighted Asare’s impact, saying, “It was a good decision using Benjamin Asare because he (the coach) has tried all the other goalkeepers, and Asare was able to demonstrate clearly that he is fit for the job,” he told Graphic Sports.

The former Ghana Football Association (GFA) chairman also emphasized that Asare’s performances underline the quality within the local league.

“He’s made a case for the local players, but we can never be home and dry as far as this competition is concerned until local players are featured prominently.”

With two standout performances, Asare has strengthened his case to become Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper going forward.

The Black Stars, currently leading Group I with 15 points, will now turn their attention to the next round of qualifiers in September, where they will face Chad away before hosting Mali in Matchday 7 and 8 of the campaign.

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• Semenyo confident as Black Stars eye 2026 World Cup qualification

The incident occurred last Friday during Matchday 5 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when Mohammed Huzeinu disrupted the game by running onto the field.

His actions could have financial repercussions for the GFA, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may impose a fine on the association.

Pitch invasions are regarded as serious security breaches that interfere with the smooth flow of matches.

Huzeinu’s sentencing serves as a strong deterrent to other fans, reinforcing the need to adhere to stadium regulations and maintain order during games.

The GFA has urged supporters to refrain from such behavior, stressing the importance of discipline and compliance with match-day protocols to avoid sanctions and uphold Ghana’s reputation in international football.

A diving header from Victor Osimhen had put the Super Eagles on the brink of a second successive victory, but on-loan Huddersfield forward Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd in Uyo when he poked past Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute.

After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign Nigeria have slipped to six points behind leaders South Africa, who secured a 2-0 away win against Benin through efforts from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, are fourth in the group, a point behind Rwanda and Benin.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Chiwera stuns Super Eagles

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Tawanda Chirewa has failed to score a club goal this season during loan spells with Championship sides Derby and Huddersfield, but he has severely dented Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup

After failing to win their first four games in Group C, pressure had been on Nigeria and their new coach Eric Chelle to take maximum points from their two fixtures this month.

Nigeria started with purpose against Zimbabwe, forcing visiting goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes.

Osimhen, who struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, saw a volley from an acute angle tipped behind and his header from the resulting corner brilliantly clawed away.

After Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare had gone close it looked like Osimhen had given the Super Eagles another vital three points when he converted Ola Aina’s cross in the 74th minute.

Zimbabwe almost levelled straight away when Nwabali failed to claim a cross from the left and Knowledge Musona stabbed against the crossbar.

And, after the Warriors silenced the Uyo crowd when Chirewa placed a calm finish under Nwabali at the death, Nigeria now need other results to go their way to force themselves back into contention.

Discussions over the protracted transfer are ongoing as the Spanish side look to secure the England international before the start of next season.

Multiple sources close to the negotiations have told BBC Sport that while a deal is still to be fully agreed, work towards completing the transfer is reaching the closing stages – though nothing has been signed yet.

Alexander-Arnold is in the final three months of his contract at Liverpool and is free to discuss a move abroad.

Real have made the 26-year-old a priority target this summer with sources close to the situation saying the Spanish club have been tracking the player for close to two years.

Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire career at Anfield, coming through the academy to make more than 300 appearances for the club.

He has won every major trophy while playing for Liverpool and is the club’s vice-captain.

How did it get to this stage?

Having joined the club at the age of six, Alexander-Arnold progressed through the Liverpool academy and was given his first-team debut by Jurgen Klopp in October 2016.

He has established himself as a key member of a side that won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup in the space of 14 months in 2019 and 2020.

Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year contract in the summer of 2021 and scored penalties in shootouts of both finals as Liverpool won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021-22.

The England full-back was named in the PFA team of the season for the third time at the end of that campaign and in July 2023 was named Liverpool vice-captain.

“I’ve never been shy of saying what my ambitions are and that’s always been to captain this club,” Alexander-Arnold said at the time. “This is a pathway and a stepping stone to that.”

By the summer of 2024, he had just a year left on his contract and with no suggestion that a new deal was close to being agreed, the relationship between Liverpool fans and Alexander-Arnold has become more strained.

Alexander-Arnold irritated some Reds supporters in October by saying in an interview with Sky Sports that he would rather win a Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honour, than another Champions League with Liverpool.

Since then, there has been a belief among some fans that he is more focused on his own achievements.

In December, he celebrated scoring against West Ham with a ‘chat’ gesture, referencing the gossip about his future.

That brought more fan frustration given that by not publicly stating his desire to stay or leave, Alexander-Arnold had done little to quieten speculation over where he will be playing football next season.

Reports that Real had made an offer to bring the Liverpool number 66 to Madrid in January coincided with a tough afternoon for Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United, leading to abuse from some of his own fans inside Anfield.

While the defender has helped put Liverpool in a strong position to win the Premier League title in the months since, it remains to be seen what kind of reception Alexander-Arnold will receive from supporters as he looks increasingly likely to leave his boyhood club for nothing.

‘No doubt Trent would be a superstar in Madrid’

Should Alexander-Arnold join Real, he would emulate Steve McManaman, who moved from Liverpool to Madrid on a free transfer in 1999.

“If he does choose to go to Real Madrid and he does choose to forge a new adventure with a new language and a new lifestyle, all credit to him,” McManaman told BBC Sport.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for him if he does go, and no doubt that he will be a superstar there as well.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and top-scorer Mohamed Salah are also out of contract at the end of the season but McManaman thinks a homegrown player like Alexander-Arnold leaving for free would be viewed differently by supporters.

“It’s unfair [to expect homegrown players to commit to one club for their entire career]. If Van Dijk or Salah leave then it it’s Liverpool’s fault, if Trent were to leave then it’s Trent’s fault,” he added.

While Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley has proven a reliable replacement when called up in the past two seasons, McManaman believes Alexander-Arnold would leave “a considerable hole” at Liverpool.

“[Bradley is] a completely different player to Trent Alexander-Arnold,” the two-time Champions League winner said.

“Trent’s numbers in an attacking sense are absolutely fantastic… but Liverpool fans and everybody will hope that Conor Bradley will be able to fill that void.

“You have a standard level and every year, you try and improve and get better and better.

“We all hope that Conor Bradley achieves that and becomes the superstar that people are talking about when they talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

Argentina, which won its third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, secured a place at the 2026 event ahead of its clash with Brazil later on Tuesday after Bolívia failed to beat Uruguay in an earlier game.

The top six teams in South America qualify automatically for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, with the seventh-placed team entering an intercontinental playoff.

Argentina top the standings after 13 of its 18 games, 14 points ahead of Bolivia in seventh.

It remains to be seen if Lionel Messi, who scored twice in Argentina’s win over France in the 2022 final, will feature for his country at a record sixth World Cup in 2026.

The 37-year-old has not ruled out the possibility but has repeatedly said it is not his focus and hinted that the end of his career is near.

He has a contract with Inter Miami through the end of 2025.

The Inter Milan striker scored his second goal in the 83rd minute in Tehran, giving Iran the point it needed to qualify to a fourth straight appearance at the World Cup and a seventh overall.

The 48-team tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Uzbekistan, three points behind Iran in Group A, would have qualified for the first time with a victory and twice took the lead at the Azadi Stadium.

Khojimat Erkinov struck after 16 minutes, but Taremi put Iran back on level terms seven minutes into the second half by firing an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.

Immediately, Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan’s lead but Taremi responded, this time from close range, to send Iran to the World Cup, where it will attempt to progress past the group stages for the first time.

Earlier, Australia took a big step toward securing a spot at tournament with a 2-0 win over China in Hangzhou on Tuesday that also ended the hosts’ hopes of automatic qualification.

First-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay were enough for the Socceroos. With two games in Group C remaining in the third round, Australia is three points clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia, which drew 0-0 at already-qualified Japan.

The top two from each of the three groups of six in Asia are guaranteed a place, while the teams that finish third and fourth will advance to a further stage to compete for two more places.

Irvine, who scored twice in the 5-1 win over Indonesia on Thursday, needed just 16 minutes to make room inside a crowded area to curl home a shot into the corner.

To make matters worse for China, 13 minutes later goalkeeper Wang Dalei spilled a tame shot from Velupillay which then rolled over the line.

China has yet to return to the World Cup since its 2002 debut and remains bottom of the group.

Saudi Arabia is still in the hunt for a seventh appearance after a battling goalless draw in Japan. The hosts dominated at Saitama Stadium but were unable to get the breakthrough.

South Korea drops points again In Group B, South Korea stayed top but dropped two points for the second time inside a week, drawing 1-1 at home to Jordán.

South Korea needed just six minutes to take the lead when Lee Jae-sung arrived late to divert Son Heung-min’s corner into the net from close range.

A win would have put the Koreans on the brink of an 11th successive appearance but Jordan was level on the half hour. Mahmoud Al-Mardi pounced on the loose ball to shoot home, though the shot was deflected off a Korean defender.

South Korea has 16 points, three more than Jordan. Iraq, in action against the Palestinian team later, is in third with 12 points.

The Leicester City forward played a key role as Ghana secured a 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium before defeating Madagascar 3-0 in the Matchday five and six fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

While commending the team’s overall performance, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe was particularly impressed with Ayew’s team-first approach, which he believes contributed significantly to Ghana’s dominant display.

“They played like a team, and for once, I saw Jordan Ayew play selflessly,” the Hearts of Oak Board Member and former Ghana Football Association (GFA) chairman told Graphic Sports.

“He created space and distributed the ball well, which was wonderful. Before, he used to hold on to the ball too much, but this time, we didn’t see that,” he noted.

Ayew, who scored against Chad last Friday, further demonstrated his attacking prowess by netting a sensational hat trick in Ghana’s win over Madagascar on Monday night.

So far in the ongoing qualifiers, the Black Stars captain has registered four assists and five goals, reinforcing his crucial role in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

READ ALSO

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The Black Stars solidified their lead in Group E with a dominant 3-0 victory over Madagascar on Monday night at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco.

This win follows their emphatic 5-0 triumph against Chad last week at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Appiah—who captained Ghana to its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006—expressed optimism about their qualification chances.

“With the win yesterday, yes, we are almost there. Because when you look at the points, the matches ahead, and the performance our boys have shown, yes, we are almost there,” he said.

Ghana currently sits on 15 points and will face Chad and Mali in the next round of qualifiers in June as they push for their fifth World Cup appearance.

Once again, the Black Cats will be overwhelming favourites for both games with bookmakers.

READ ALSO

• Broaden scouting in Ghana Premier League – Otto Addo told
• Benjamin Asare deserves Black Stars’ no.1 spot – Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe

READ ALSO

• 2026 WCQ: Partey, Kudus score as Ghana beat Madagascar to take strong lead in Group I
• Semenyo confident as Black Stars eye 2026 World Cup qualification

The 32-year-old earned his maiden call-up to the senior national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

He seized the opportunity, delivering commanding displays and keeping clean sheets in both matches.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe praised Asare’s performances and stated that he has justified his place as Ghana’s number-one goalkeeper.

“It was a good decision using Benjamin Asare because he (the coach) has tried all the other goalkeepers, and Asare was able to demonstrate clearly that he is fit for the job,” he said.

He also emphasized that Asare’s emergence highlights the quality within Ghana’s domestic league.

“He’s made a case for the local players, but we can never be home and dry as far as this competition is concerned until local players are featured prominently.”

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo also reaffirmed Asare’s position as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, praising his dedication in training.

“I think the next game is in June, and he is already the number one. We made that decision for him. He trained very well. We have a good atmosphere where the keepers are pushing each other,” Addo asserted.

With Ghana leading Group I with 15 points, the Black Stars will now turn their focus to their next qualifiers, facing Chad away before hosting Mali in crucial Matchday 7 and 8 encounters in June.

READ ALSO

• Semenyo confident as Black Stars eye 2026 World Cup qualification
• 2026 WCQ: Partey, Kudus score as Ghana beat Madagascar to take strong lead in Group I

Ghana delivered an impressive performance on Monday night at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco, securing all three points to maintain their position at the top of Group I.

A brace from Thomas Partey and a goal from Mohammed Kudus sealed the win, boosting Ghana’s chances of securing a spot at the prestigious tournament, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.

Speaking after the match on March 24, Addo expressed his satisfaction with the result but emphasized the need for continued effort.

“Like I said, it is not done yet. We still have to work hard. This is football, [and] things can turn very fast, and as a national [team] coach, you always have to wait for some months before you can get the team together to play again,” he said.

“I am very happy with the result and the way we played. It’s well-deserved, and we are looking forward.

“We can’t change the past. We have to look forward and use this position in which we are now to qualify for the World Cup,” he added.

Ghana’s win extends their lead at the top of Group I, putting them five points clear of second-placed Madagascar.

The Black Stars will now shift their attention to the next round of qualifiers in September, where they will travel to face Chad before hosting Mali in their Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures.

READ ALSO

• Semenyo confident as Black Stars eye 2026 World Cup qualification
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The former FIFA president and former UEFA president were acquitted for a second time on charges of fraud, forgery, mismanagement and misappropriation of more than $2 million of FIFA money in 2011.

Blatter, now aged 89, gave little reaction listening to the verdict of three cantonal (state) judges acting as a federal criminal appeals court. Sitting in the row in front of Platini, Blatter alternately tapped his fingers on his desk or held his left hand over his mouth.

Platini sat with his arms folded or rubbing his hands as he listened to a translator sitting beside him relating the court’s verdict in German into his native French.

The attorney general’s office in Switzerland had challenged a first acquittal in July 2022 and asked for sentences of 20 months, suspended for two years. The indictment alleged the payment “damaged FIFA’s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini.”

“Michel Platini must finally be left in peace in criminal matters,” his lawyer Dominic Nellen said in a statement. ”After two acquittals, even the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland must realize that these criminal proceedings have definitively failed.”

A further appeal to the Swiss supreme court can be filed by prosecutors.

Decade-long case

Blatter and Platini have consistently denied wrongdoing in a decade-long case that swung on their claims of a verbal agreement to one day settle the money in question.

Blatter approved FIFA paying 2 million Swiss francs (now $2.21 million) to France soccer great Platini in February 2011 for supplementary and non-contracted salary working as a presidential advisor from 1998-2002.

The latest win for Blatter and the 69-year-old Platini came exactly 9½ years since the Swiss federal investigation was revealed and kicked off events that ended the careers of soccer’s most powerful men.

That September 2015 day in Zurich, police came to interrogate them at FIFA after an executive committee meeting when Platini was a strong favorite to succeed his one-time mentor in an upcoming election.

Corruption crises

Though federal court trials have twice cleared their names, Blatter’s reputation likely always will be tied to leading FIFA during corruption crises that took down a swath of senior soccer officials worldwide.

Platini, one of soccer’s greatest players and later Blatter’s protégé in soccer politics, never did get the FIFA presidency he often called his destiny.

Neither Blatter nor Platini has worked in soccer since they were suspended by the FIFA ethics committee in October 2015. They were later banned and failed to overturn the bans in separate appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2016.

”The criminal proceedings have had not only legal but also massive personal and professional consequences for Michel Platini, although no incriminating evidence was ever presented,” Nellen said, suggesting further legal action “against those responsible for the criminal proceedings.”

Platini’s ban expired in 2019 and Blatter was given a subsequent ban by FIFA in 2021 months before his first was due to end.

Blatter is exiled from soccer until late in 2028 — when he will be 92 — because of an ethics prosecution of alleged self-dealing in eight-figure management bonuses paid for successfully organizing the men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2014.

‘Gentleman’s agreement’

The verdict was given Tuesday in a low-key provincial courthouse where a four-day trial was held three weeks ago.

Blatter and Platini have claimed at five different judicial bodies — twice at FIFA, then the Court of Arbitration for Sport and now two Swiss federal criminal courts — that they had a verbal “gentleman’s agreement” to one day settle the unpaid and non-contracted salary.

Platini was a storied former captain and coach of the France national term when he worked to help Blatter get elected to lead FIFA in Paris on the eve of the 1998 World Cup he organized.

The two men said Platini agreed to be a presidential adviser on an annual salary of 300,000 Swiss francs (now $340,000) through 2002. They claim there was a verbal deal to later get the balance of 1 million Swiss francs for each year that FIFA could not pay at the time.

Platini started asking for the money early in 2010, citing seven-figure payments made to senior Blatter aides who left FIFA which showed the soccer body could afford to pay him. The payment was finally made in February 2011.

Details of the payment only emerged in the crisis that hit FIFA in May 2015 when U.S. federal investigators unsealed a sweeping investigation of international soccer officials. Swiss authorities made early-morning arrests at hotels in Zurich before seizing FIFA financial and business records.

In 2015, Swiss federal prosecutors already were handling a criminal complaint filed by FIFA. That was about suspected financial wrongdoing linked to votes in December 2010 that picked Russia and Qatar as future World Cup hosts.

Ghana delivered an impressive performance at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco, securing a vital victory that strengthened their lead in Group I.

Goals from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus, with all three assists provided by Jordan Ayew, sealed the commanding win.

However, Addo remains cautious and has urged his players to stay focused.

“We are in a good position [to qualify for the 2026 World Cup], but this is also dangerous,” Addo said at the post-match press conference.

“Now, I am thinking about how to keep our heads focused [because] the job is really not done. Maybe if Comoros wins, it’s just a three-point gap ahead of Comoros, and it’s still a long way to go. We have to stay focused. If anyone thinks we are through, then he’s making a big mistake.”

With four matches remaining in the qualifiers, Addo emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration and avoiding any sense of overconfidence.

“I have seen a lot of football, a lot of things happening, and we have to stay focused. I am happy, but like I said, the job is really not done,” he reiterated.

Ghana will now shift their focus to their upcoming fixtures against Chad and Mali in Matchday 7 and 8 as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.

READ ALSO

• 2026 WCQ: Partey, Kudus score as Ghana beat Madagascar to take strong lead in Group I
• Semenyo confident as Black Stars eye 2026 World Cup qualification

The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper made a strong case for himself in the recent matches against Chad and Madagascar, keeping clean sheets in both encounters.

Asare, 32, earned his maiden call-up for these qualifiers and seized the opportunity, displacing previous first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Speaking to 3Sports after the match, Addo praised Asare’s performances and reaffirmed his position as Ghana’s number one.

“I think the next game is in June, and he is already the number one. We made that decision for him. He trained very well. We have a good atmosphere where the keepers are pushing each other,” Addo asserted.

The coach also acknowledged the healthy competition among goalkeepers, applauding Ati-Zigi and Joseph Wollacott for their professionalism and support.

“[I’m] very grateful to the way Ati-Zigi and Wollacott also behaved this week and the way they tried to probe Benjamin, help him, and guide him. I don’t take it for granted. Big credit to them. [Asare] was worth it. I’m glad for him.”

Asare was between the posts for Ghana’s dominant 5-0 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium and kept his place in the 3-0 victory against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco.

With these results, the Black Stars now sit atop Group I and will turn their focus to the next round of qualifiers in September. Ghana will first travel to face Chad before hosting Mali in Matchday 7 and 8 of the campaign.

READ ALSO

• 2026 WCQ: Partey, Kudus score as Ghana beat Madagascar to take strong lead in Group I
• 2026 WCQ: Benjamin Asare retains position as Otto Addo names starting XI for Madagascar clash

The four-time African champions faced off against Madagascar at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium, with head coach Otto Addo making two changes to his starting lineup. Francis Abu and Jerome Opoku were handed starting roles, while Inaki Williams and Ernest Nuamah dropped to the bench.

Ghana started on the front foot and nearly took the lead in the 5th minute when Antoine Semenyo was fouled, but Mohammed Salisu was unable to capitalize on Jordan Ayew’s well-delivered free kick.

Their dominance soon paid off as Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading home another precise set-piece from Jordan Ayew. The goal marked Partey’s 14th for the national team in his 51st appearance.

Madagascar responded with a close effort in the 12th minute but failed to find the target. Ghana, fresh off their emphatic 5-0 win against Chad, almost doubled their lead when Mohammed Kudus unleashed a powerful strike, only for the Malagasy goalkeeper to make a fine save.

Despite Ghana’s control of the game, Madagascar remained a threat, nearly breaching the Black Stars’ defense in the 24th minute. Ghana, however, stayed resolute, creating another clear-cut chance four minutes later when Semenyo set up Kudus, who narrowly missed connecting with the ball.

The home side continued to push forward and earned a corner kick after a dangerous shot was deflected. Just before halftime, Kudus went down in the box, but the referee waved play on, ruling it as a goal kick. Ghana went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

The Black Stars maintained their momentum in the second half and eventually doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Once again, it was Partey who found the net, this time finishing off a powerful corner kick delivery from Jordan Ayew.

Just moments later, Ghana extended their lead to 3-0 with a superb strike from Kudus, effectively sealing the victory.

Otto Addo’s side continued to dictate play, and with 20 minutes left on the clock, Inaki Williams replaced Semenyo. Madagascar came close to pulling one back on the counterattack, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was on hand to make a crucial save.

Madagascar increased the pressure on Ghana’s backline, but Asare remained solid between the posts, denying the hosts once again.

In the final 10 minutes, Otto Addo made further changes, bringing on Ernest Nuamah, Razak Simpson, and Ebenezer Annan for Kudus, Gideon Mensah, and Francis Abu. Jerome Opoku, who suffered a cramp, was later substituted for Jonas Adjetey with eight minutes to play.

Ghana held firm until the final whistle, securing a dominant 3-0 win to strengthen their position at the top of Group I with 15 points. Madagascar remains second with 10 points.

Following their back-to-back victories against Chad and Madagascar, the Black Stars will resume their qualifiers in September with an away fixture against Chad before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The 24-year-old joined Chelsea on a season-long loan in August in a deal that included an obligation to buy for between £20m and £25m, providing the London club finish at least 14th in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea are fourth, with nine games of the season remaining.

However, as initially reported in the Athletic it has now been confirmed by sources with knowledge of the deal that a clause exists that would allow Chelsea to send Sancho back to Old Trafford providing they pay United £5m in compensation.

Chelsea have previously stressed they are not thinking of taking that step but doubt persists over whether Sancho will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.

Sancho joined Dortmund on loan for the second half of last season following a falling out with former United boss Erik ten Hag over the Dutchman’s public condemnation of his performances in training.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe namechecked Sancho in an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan as a player that United are “buying” this summer because of outstanding payments following his £73m move from Dortmund in 2021.

“For Sancho, who obviously now plays for Chelsea, and we pay half his wages, we are paying £17m to buy him in the summer,” said Ratcliffe.

The 24-year-old initially impressed following his move to Stamford Bridge but his form has dipped since.

Sancho has contributed just one assist in 18 appearances since scoring the last of his two goals this season against Tottenham on 8 December.

Chelsea are known to be targeting the signing of another winger and a striker in the summer.

They have also signed Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, 17, for £42m with that move set to go through in 2026.

Sancho’s present United contract runs to 2026, although United have the option to extend by a further year.

Defender Jerome Opoku and midfielder Abu Francis have been drafted into the lineup, replacing Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams in a 3-5-2 formation.

Benjamin Asare retains his place in goal, shielded by a three-man defense comprising Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, and Jerome Opoku.

Kingsley Schindler and Gideon Mensah will operate as wing-backs, while Thomas Partey partners with Abu Francis in midfield.

In attack, Antoine Semenyo and captain Jordan Ayew lead the line, with Mohammed Kudus positioned just behind them to provide creativity.

The Black Stars are aiming to solidify their spot at the top of Group I after their dominant 5-0 victory over Chad last Friday.

The match against Madagascar kicks off at 19:00 GMT at the Grande Stade Al Hoceima in Morocco.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, during the opening of a sports psychology training event at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.

Commey, a respected member of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), will serve alongside seasoned sports administrator Gideon Hammond as deputies to Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Acting Director General of the NSA.

With a distinguished career in journalism, Commey previously served as Chief Sports Journalist at the Ghana News Agency (GNA) before moving into freelancing.

She has collaborated with global sports organizations and held administrative roles, including as Head of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) from 2015 to 2017.

Commey’s experience also includes serving as the Media Officer for Team Ghana during the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.

While the NSA traditionally has two Deputy Director Generals—one overseeing administration and the other the Technical Directorate—it is unclear how responsibilities will be allocated between Commey and Hammond in the current structure.

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The four-time African champions will face Barea tonight at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ayew reaffirmed his belief in the team’s ability to secure a victory.

“The first stage has been done against Chad, and now we have to do it against Madagascar,” the Leicester City striker said.

“The boys are ready, and I’m fully confident that we will do it and make Ghana proud,” he added.

Ghana’s impressive 4-0 victory over Chad in Matchday five at the Accra Sports Stadium propelled them to the top of Group I with 12 points.

The Black Stars will now aim to maintain their strong form and extend their lead with another decisive performance against Madagascar.

READ ALSO

• 2026 WCQ: Stephen Appiah backs Black Stars to beat Madagascar
• Asamoah Gyan rallies Black Stars ahead of Madagascar clash

The Black Stars, aiming for their fifth World Cup appearance, will face Madagascar’s Barea at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium tonight.

Following a commanding 5-0 victory over Chad last Friday, Ghana is determined to maintain momentum and secure another vital three points in the qualification campaign.

Ahead of the match, Appiah—who captained Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups—urged the players to stay focused and determined.

“You know that the game we played against Chad is going to be different from the one we are going to play against Madagascar because they have a different style of play. They will come with different strengths, so it’s not going to be the same,” he said.

He also emphasized the significance of the World Cup and its impact on players’ careers.

“So you people should tune your mind towards the game. We are talking about the World Cup. Most of you were in Qatar, and after the tournament, you went to your clubs and became different players.

“We all experienced it in 2006. Even those who didn’t play, those who were on the bench, after the World Cup, they all got contracts in Europe. So those who are playing in Europe, you sacrifice for those who are playing in Ghana.”

Appiah expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.

“We believe in you, and we know that you guys are going to do it,” he added.

The highly anticipated match kicks off at 19:00 GMT.

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• Nobody should think about 2026 World Cup now – Otto Addo

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• Nobody should think about 2026 World Cup now – Otto Addo
• Otto Addo expects tough test against Madagascar in World Cup qualifier

The crucial Matchday 6 encounter will take place at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.

While Addo acknowledges the benefits of playing at a neutral venue, he also warns against the psychological pitfalls his team must avoid.

“Should be [an advantage for us]. Actually yes [it’s an advantage for us] because it’s always not that easy if you play away [from home] and there are a lot of spectators, but sometimes it’s also a trap, psychologically,” the 49-year-old told Ghana FA media.

“Sometimes if you think [that] it’s not going to be a hot atmosphere, it’s kind of a trap and you give maybe one or two per cent less, and for me… we have to be on our toes,” he added.

After a dominant 5-0 victory over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium last week, Ghana is eager to build on their momentum against Madagascar.

The Black Stars are determined to secure a fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.

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• Otto Addo expects tough test against Madagascar in World Cup qualifier
• Nobody should think about 2026 World Cup now – Otto Addo

Co-owner Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the majority shareholder, took over Chelsea in May 2022 in a deal worth up to £4.25 billion.

Both parties have explored options of buying each other out in the past.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Boehly said alignment on the future of Stamford Bridge could determine whether the group stays together or not.

Chelsea have also explored the option of building a new stadium in the past.

“We have to think long-term about what we’re trying to accomplish. We have a big stadium redevelopment opportunity which we have to flesh out,” Boehly said.

“I think that’s going to be where we’re either aligned or we ultimately decide to go different ways.”

However, Boehly also said things were “fine” as they stand.

“What’s been written and what’s being talked about is much more ‘drama’ than what is actually happening,” he added.

“The status quo is something which is just fine. I think we’ve learned from each other and I think we’re really going to be able to work it out any which way.”