Ghana hosted the 13th edition of the African Games in 2024, but the government’s financial outlay for the event sparked significant controversy.

Former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif faced public backlash over the reported $245 million spent, which included $195 million on infrastructure, $15 million on feeding athletes during the 15-day event, and $48 million on operational costs.

The Local Organising Committee defended the expenditures, citing their necessity for the event’s success.

Addressing the media at the Accra Sports Stadium, Adams confirmed that the probe would follow due process to ensure accountability.

“I remember in Parliament, issues were raised about it. The only unfortunate thing is that we couldn’t take the report of the committee that looked into areas of sports before the 8th Parliament was dissolved.

“But the 9th Parliament is back, and we can see what we can do about that report—whether it will be retabled or the issues will be referred to the committee again for review and resubmission for consideration.

“So, we are not ruling out anything. But let’s go through the processes first, and then we’ll see what they look into and what will come out of it,” Adams said.

Kofi Adams is awaiting parliamentary approval of his nomination after undergoing vetting. Once confirmed, he will officially assume the role and oversee efforts to ensure transparency in the nation’s sports administration.

Ansah, the former Vice Chairman of GHALCA, received 95 votes, decisively defeating his rival, Isaac Wilberforce Koomson, who managed 35 votes.

This victory marks the end of Kudjoe Fianoo’s lengthy tenure as chairman, as he steps aside to make way for Ansah’s leadership.

In the Vice Chairmanship race, Phyllis Marku successfully defended her position by defeating Nana Amankwaa Kwakye.

Ansah, with three terms of experience as a GHALCA executive member, is poised to lead the association with a vision centered on ethical governance and unity.

He pledged to drive GHALCA toward greater success while fostering collaboration among its members.

A total of 134 members participated in the elections, representing various sectors of Ghanaian football: 36 from the Premier League, 48 from Division One, 30 from Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and 20 from the Women’s Premier League.

Koomson’s bid for the chairmanship marked his third attempt, following unsuccessful campaigns against Fianoo in 2016 and 2020.

Other Election Highlights:

• Premier League Representative: Fred Tinda (Gold Stars) triumphed over Joseph Nkoo (Asante Kotoko) and Abdul Rahman Yakubu (Vision FC).

Unopposed Positions:

• Treasurer: Patrick Martey Boye retained his role for a second term.
• Division One League Representative: Eric Opoku.
• Regional Clubs Representative: Gabriel Godwin Kwao.
• Women’s Premier League Representative: ASP Naomi F. Abdulai, CEO of Prisons Ladies.

With the elections concluded, Ansah and his team are set to steer GHALCA into a new era of progress and innovation.

The Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency was part of the third batch of Ministerial appointments submitted for parliamentary approval.

Adams, who will undergo vetting before officially assuming office, is set to replace Mustafa Ussif, who served as Sports Minister under the previous administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“I support Asante Kotoko,” he said during an interview on Happy FM.

Adams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a focus on the Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases. He brings extensive experience in education and politics to the role.

As Minister, Adams is expected to tackle critical issues in the sports sector, including improving sports infrastructure, securing better funding for national teams, and enhancing Ghana’s performance in major tournaments.

For the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.

Led by head coach Otto Addo, the team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six games, following three draws and three losses.

Adding to the nation’s woes, the Black Galaxies, under coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, also missed out on the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Despite a goalless draw in the first leg against Nigeria’s Super Eagles B at the Accra Sports Stadium, the team succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in the return leg.

Speaking to Citi Sports, George Afriyie described these setbacks as deeply troubling, particularly Ghana’s absence from the 24-team AFCON tournament.

“We have the talent in this country; what we lack is identifying them, offering proper training and grooming, and creating opportunities. When you mention Ghana in global football, everyone recognizes us. We’ve been to the World Cup four times, and that alone is proof that Ghana is one of Africa’s football powerhouses,” he stated.

Afriyie expressed his disappointment over Ghana’s exclusion from Africa’s premier football competitions, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms.

“If 24 countries are participating in AFCON, and Ghana isn’t one of them, it’s a serious issue. If CHAN is happening, and Ghana isn’t competing among the best, it’s worrying. The same applies to the U-17 African Championships and the African Women’s Championships—we cannot ignore this downward trend.

“We must admit that something is wrong. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward finding solutions. Unfortunately, those entrusted with managing football in this country don’t seem to view it this way, and that is deeply concerning,” Afriyie added.

The Black Stars will regroup in March to face Chad and Madagascar in two crucial qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adams’ nomination was confirmed on Tuesday as part of the third batch of ministerial appointments.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Abbey, who is the chairman of the newly formed Black Stars Management Committee, praised Adams for his qualifications.

“I firmly believe that Kofi Adams is the right person for the role,” he told Original FM.

“He possesses excellent managerial skills and I have no doubt he will excel in his position,” he added.

If approved by the Vetting Committee, Kofi Adams will succeed Mustafa Ussif, who has served as the Sports Minister since 2021 under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

READ ALSO

• Sports is not only about football and the Black Stars – Kofi Adams
• Black Stars will rise again – Kofi Adams

The Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency has been nominated for the sector.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Ampofo Ankrah said, “Kofi Adams has shown great leadership and dedication in his previous roles.

His appointment is a testament to his competence and the trust placed in him.”

“The sports sector in Ghana needs someone who understands the challenges and opportunities. Given his experience and vision, Kofi Adams is a perfect fit for this role.”

The renowned sports broadcaster also urged the sports community to rally behind the new minister. “This is a time for unity and support. We must come together to ensure that the sports sector thrives under his leadership.”

Ampofo Ankrah expressed optimism about the future of Ghanaian sports under Kofi Adams, emphasizing the need for strategic investments and reforms. “I believe Kofi Adams will deliver.

He has the passion, knowledge, and capacity to make a difference in sports and recreation in Ghana.”

READ ALSO

• Black Stars will rise again – Kofi Adams
• Sports is not only about football and the Black Stars – Kofi Adams

Belarusian top seed Sabalenka, who previously described Badosa as her “soulmate”, recovered from an early setback to win 6-4 6-2.

Badosa, contesting her first major semi-final, quickly went 2-0 up but the Spanish 11th seed would win just four of the next 16 games.

Sabalenka will face Iga Swiatek or Madison Keys in the final, where she will aim to emulate Martina Hingis’ three straight titles between 1997-99.

“Just saying that, I have goosebumps. I am so proud of myself and my team that we were able to put ourselves in such a situation,” Sabalenka said.

“It’s a privilege and if I will be able to put my name in the history [books] it’s going to mean the world to me.

“At first I was dreaming to win at least one Grand Slam and now I have this opportunity and it’s incredible.”

It was a 20th straight victory at the Australian Open for two-time defending champion Sabalenka.

Sabalenka will keep her world number one ranking if Swiatek loses in the semi-finals – and if the Pole advances, the winner of Saturday’s championship match will take the top spot.

Should Swiatek join Sabalenka in the final, it would be the first time since 2018 that the Australian Open women’s final has featured the top two seeds.

Badosa, having stunned American third seed Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals, benefitted in the early stages as a tense Sabalenka conceded an immediate break of serve with four unforced errors.

Badosa was within a point of taking a 3-0 lead before Sabalenka switched up a gear.

The three-time major winner then took charge, reeling off four games in a row and was unrelenting from there.

Despite their off-court relationship, both players gave little away, barely exchanging a glance as they stayed focused on their respective tasks.

But, in a rare glimpse into their friendship, they shared relieved smiles after Badosa fell at the start of the second set before raising a reassuring thumb as she lay on the court.

What started as a fiercely-contested match began to drift away from Badosa when she gifted Sabalenka control of set two, conceding a break of serve with back-to-back double faults

Another double fault in the fifth game gave Sabalenka a chance for a second break, which she grabbed with one of her 32 winners before serving out victory in one hour and 26 minutes.

Sabalenka, who was later seen consoling Badosa in the players’ area, said: “It was a super tough match against a friend, I’m super happy to see her at her highest level.

“After a couple of battles against each other we have spoken and decided to put it aside, and here we both wanted it badly.”

The 25-year-old has agreed a contract until June 2029, with add-ons rising to £4m.

Marmoush has scored 15 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season, second only to England captain Harry Kane’s 16 for Bayern Munich.

“Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world over the past 10 years, so it was not a question,” Marmoush said.

“It’s a pleasure and an honour for me and my family to be representing Manchester City. It makes them happy; it makes me happy that my dreams are becoming a reality.

“The last two seasons have been great, but it is just the beginning for me.”

City have also signed 19-year-old Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30m and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34m in the January transfer window.

Marmoush, who has played as a striker, a number 10 and a winger, said: “On the pitch I am fast, good on the ball, I try to see where the spaces are and exploit the spaces – and I’m dangerous.

“My main strength I would say is that I always want to win – that is from a character point of view.”

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said Marmoush has “outstanding pace and awareness” and that his versatility is a “really valuable asset”.

Marmoush began his career with Wadi Degla in the Egyptian Premier League, before signing for VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.

He had loan spells at FC St Pauli and VfB Stuttgart before his 2023 move to Frankfurt, for whom he scored 37 goals and made 20 assists in 67 games.

Mosengo-Omba, who hails from DR Congo but also holds Swiss nationality, had denied any wrongdoing and met with the prosecutor’s office in the canton of Fribourg in November to answer questions.

When the preliminary investigation was announced in October, he said on social media, external that the payments related to “remuneration and bonus” he had received from Caf since becoming general secretary and that they were made in “full transparency” and “full compliance with Caf statutes”.

Having previously worked for football’s world governing body Fifa, Mosengo-Omba was appointed general secretary in March 2021 following the election of South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe as Caf’s president.

The pair have often talked about their ambition to improve the organisation’s reputation when it comes to integrity and governance, with Mosengo-Omba previously telling BBC Sport Africa that the organisation was “toxic” before their arrival.

Responding to the news that Mosengo-Omba faces no action in Switzerland, Caf said it was “pleased that there continues to be adherence and compliance within Caf and the Caf secretariat, with the culture and commitment to ethics, transparency and governance that was introduced since the presidency of Dr Patrice Motsepe”.

The Swiss Public Prosecutor’s Office in Fribourg has been contacted for comment.

Motsepe urges resolution to misconduct claims

Mosengo-Omba, however, is still waiting for the outcome of an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct.

Caf announced in August that the alleged breach of its internal governance and auditing regulations would be investigated by an external firm.

However, the Guardian then reported that Caf’s own audit and compliance committee had accused Mosengo-Omba of trying to “whitewash” the investigation by appointing the auditors himself.

In response to the claims of misconduct, Mosengo Omba said in July: “My efforts to turn around and regularise this institution, which has been disrespected at times, are being sabotaged by an out-of-the-blue report containing grievances without documented proof.

“The planned independent investigation will expose the falsity and origin of this report.”

With the investigation now ongoing for six months, BBC Sport Africa understands that Motsepe has written to Caf’s executive committee urging them to bring about a resolution.

The 35-year-old forward was suspended for seven NBA matches by the Heat earlier this month for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team”.

Butler returned from that suspension last Friday but missed a team flight on Wednesday, incurring a further two-match ban.

The Heat, who said they would listen to trade offers following Butler’s first suspension, said he will miss games against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for [a] continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee,” read a Heat statement.

Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, joined the Heat from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.

He has made 25 appearances this season, averaging 17 points, 4.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game.

The NBA trade deadline is 6 February.

‘It was nothing special’

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a career-high 54 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 123-114 at home to consolidate their position at the top of the Western Conference.

“It was no different from any other night,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I had a few more points tonight, but it was nothing special.”

The Boston Celtics pulled off a 117-113 overtime win at the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jaylen Brown scored 25 points and Jayson Tatum 24 for the Celtics.

The Sacramento Kings overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 123-117 at home thanks to 32 points from DeMar DeRozan and 26 from Domantas Sabonis.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost 109-108 at the Houston Rockets, while the Minnesota Timberwolves won 115-144 at the Dallas Mavericks.

Yet when Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa take to the court for their Australian Open semi-final on Thursday, it may only add to the pressure.

The pair are close friends with Sabalenka going so far as to call Badosa her “soulmate” in Stuttgart last year.

“I love Paula very much,” the 26-year-old Belarusian said.

“She is an incredible person. It is very important to have friends on the circuit, so when you find someone who you feel is your soulmate, it is the best thing that can happen to you.”

Their friendship has grown over the past few years with the pair practising together and wearing matching outfits during the 2024 US Open, as well as posting about each other on social media.

“We realised that we had very similar personalities and we get along very well, and that we’re both very, very competitive,” Badosa told the Tennis Channel’s Inside-In podcast, external in March.

“It’s very nice for me having a friend on tour because it’s very tough to find.”

But with a place in the final at stake, that friendship will have to be put on hold in Melbourne.

This is not the first meeting between the two – they have played eight times before, with Sabalenka winning the past six – but it is comfortably the most high-profile.

World number one Sabalenka is bidding to win a third straight Australian Open title, while it is 27-year-old Badosa’s first time in the last four of a Grand Slam.

The Spaniard shocked sixth seed Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals as her remarkable recovery from a back injury, that she feared would force her to retire only a year ago, continues.

“It’s tough to play your best friend,” Sabalenka said after beating Badosa in Stuttgart.

However, difficult as it may be, once they walk out on Rod Laver Arena, all sentiment will be put to one side.

“We know how to separate things,” Badosa added.

“We decided a long time ago that off the court we are friends, while on the court she really wants to win, I really want to win,” said Sabalenka, who beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-finals.

“So on the court we are competitors and there is no place for friendship.”

Swiatek & Keys both have points to prove

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys are both bidding to reach an Australian Open final for the first time

Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek will take on American Madison Keys in Thursday’s second semi-final.

For Polish second seed Swiatek, it is a chance to improve on a disappointing record at Melbourne Park with this just the second time she has progressed beyond the fourth round.

“This is something that I always wanted to improve,” she said.

“It’s not like I need to prove it to other people. It’s more that I need to kind of believe. I feel I believe more now.”

Big-hitting Keys, seeded 19th, will provide a stern test for Swiatek, who has had issues against such players in the past.

The former world number one has won four of her five matches against Keys but three of those victories came on her favoured clay surface. On hard courts, they have won one match apiece.

Keys, who has won her past 10 matches and triumphed at the Adelaide Open earlier this month, has a point to prove after coming up short at majors over the years.

Victory over Swiatek would put the 29-year-old through to a second final – and her first since 2017 at the US Open.

“There have been periods of my career where it felt like if I didn’t win [a Grand Slam], then I hadn’t done enough, and I didn’t live up to my potential in all of that,” Keys said.

“That took a lot of the fun out of the game, and there were times where it felt paralysing out on the court because it felt as if I needed it to happen instead of giving myself the opportunity to go out and potentially do it.”

Sinner struggled with illness in his previous match but looked sharp in a 6-3 6-2 6-1 victory over eighth-seed De Minaur.

Two days after being sick before playing Denmark’s Holger Rune and needing to see a doctor, Sinner said he felt “ready” when he woke up on Wednesday.

Sinner denied speculation he had pneumonia, saying blood tests after his fourth-round match were “all good”.

“I feel like the illness has gone away now. I was feeling much, much better this morning,” the world number one said.

“When you are young you recover very fast – so it’s a bit different.”

The 23-year-old Italian will face American Ben Shelton in the last four on Friday.

Shelton, 22, reached the Melbourne semi-finals for the first time with a battling 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

Stunning Sinner silences Melbourne crowd

Anticipation was high among the Australian fans arriving at Rod Laver Arena that De Minaur could cause a shock – particularly given the uncertainty about Sinner’s condition.

A pale-looking Sinner was visibly shaking in his chair during his fourth-round win over Rune and benefitted from an enforced 20-minute break when the net broke.

But Sinner looked healthy in a performance where he proved again to be a class above De Minaur.

The world number one struck the ball sweetly and consistently to outlast De Minaur in the rallies.

Clinching six breaks of serves, and saving just the one chance for De Minaur in the second set, illustrated his dominance.

Afterwards Sinner said he had “a very easy day” on Tuesday, hitting with his coaches for only “half an hour or 40 minutes” to maintain rhythm.

“I felt ready for today,” Sinner added.

“When you play a night session you try to sleep as long as you can and eat healthy.”

De Minaur came into the match with a terrible record against his opponent, losing all nine of their previous meetings and winning just one set in the process.

The 25-year-old Australian was looking to end that unwanted run and become the first home player since 2005 to reach the men’s singles semi-finals.

But what was expected to be a raucous atmosphere failed to materialise on a cool Melbourne night.

It was a testament to Sinner’s assured display that he largely silenced the majority of the 15,000 fans.

“Right now my worst match-up on tour is Jannik. The head-to-head doesn’t lie,” said De Minaur.

“In these types of conditions where it’s a little bit colder and you can’t really get the ball out of his strike zone, he can just unload and not miss. It’s tough.”

Shelton reaches first Melbourne semi-final

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Ben Shelton reached the US Open semi-finals in 2023, losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic

Shelton eased into a two-seat lead on Rod Laver Arena but dropped his level enough to allow the unseeded Sonego to force a fourth set.

The two were well-matched in the set, with both playing some entertaining points before Shelton’s strong serving helped him pull away in the resulting tie-break.

Shelton, who clocked a tournament joint-fastest 144mph serve during the match, said he was “relieved” to get through.

“Shout-out to Lorenzo because that was some ridiculous tennis,” 21st seed Shelton added after a quarter-final lasting three hours and 50 minutes.

Both players have benefited from a quarter of the draw which has been left wide open following the early exits of top-10 seeds Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.

Friday’s semi-final will be Shelton’s second in singles at a Grand Slam, having lost in the last four of the 2023 US Open to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

The Spanish club retain top spot in Deloitte’s Money League study with revenue of 1.05bn euros (£883m) from a 2023-24 season in which they won La Liga and the Champions League.

Manchester City are again second with revenue of £708m.

They won an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title and the Club World Cup and European Super Cup last season.

Paris St-Germain (£681m), Manchester United (£651m) and Bayern Munich (£646m) complete the top five.

Aston Villa enter the top 20 after competing in Europe last season for the first time since 2011.

Nine Premier League clubs are in the top 20, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham retaining their places.

Lyon are the only other new club, with Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt dropping out.

A further five Premier League clubs are in the top 30, with Brighton 21st after competing in the Europa League for the first time in their history.

Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham and Wolves are ranked 26th to 29th.

Revenues for the top 20 clubs rose by 6% to a record £9.47bn.

Matchday revenue was the fastest growing revenue stream, rising by 11% to £1.77bn, helped by an increase in stadium capacity, ticket prices and premium hospitality.

Real benefited most from an increase in matchday revenues, generating £210m – double last year’s figure – after renovation of their Bernabeu Stadium.

Barcelona dropped from fourth to sixth after a £53m fall in matchday revenue, with games played at a smaller stadium while the Nou Camp is redeveloped.

Commercial revenue remained the largest revenue source in the Money League, rising 10% to £4.14bn and accounting for 44% of total revenue, helped by the hosting of non-football live events such as concerts.

“Money League clubs continue to break records with ongoing growth in commercial and matchday revenues,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte sports business group.

Total broadcast revenue remained at £3.64bn because each of the big five leagues – the Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, German Bundesliga, France’s Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A – are in the same domestic broadcast cycle.

*Figures converted from euros may differ from previously reported figures because of a change in currency exchange rates

Which clubs make the most money in the world?

Deloitte Money League 2025

Source: Opta

‘The women’s game is growing rapidly’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Barcelona won four trophies last season, including the Women’s Champions League

Deloitte’s analysis of 15 of the leading revenue-generating women’s clubs showed total revenue of more than 100m euros for the first time, rising by 35% to £98m.

Barcelona remain top for the third successive year, with revenue climbing 26% to £15.1m.

Arsenal move from fifth to second with £15.1m overall, including a 64% increase in matchday revenue to £4.3m, helped by hosting six Women’s Super League (WSL) games at Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea are third (£11.3m), Manchester United fourth (£9m) and Real Madrid fifth (£8.9m), with eight WSL clubs in the top 15.

Commercial revenue is the largest revenue source, accounting for 66% of revenue among the top 15 clubs, with broadcast and matchday revenues both 17%.

Matchday revenue was helped by a rise in attendance, pushing WSL and Women’s Championship cumulative attendance above one million for the first time.

With the exception of Spain’s Liga F, leagues in each of the big five European football markets have a title sponsor.

“It is clear that the women’s game is growing rapidly across metrics including and beyond revenue,” said Jennifer Haskel, knowledge and insight lead in Deloitte’s sports business group.

“While women’s clubs have traditionally been compared to, or expected to mirror, the structure and business of men’s clubs, we are seeing a fundamental shift in the recognition of opportunity that stems from embracing key differences.”

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While most of the action falls on Thursday, Tuesday and Wednesday will feature Galatasaray v Dinamo Kiev and Besiktas v Athletic Bilbao respectively. Gala and Bilbao have performed strongly thus far, with the former club inspired by Victor Osimhen – though coach Okan Buruk has insisted that they cannot put too much pressure on the Nigerian striker in regards to a permanent move from Napoli.

“He wants to be with us. He has no thoughts about the mid-season break. He always confirms this. It is not right to press the player during this process and to bring this issue to the agenda. It is also not right from an economic perspective,” said Buruk.

“It is too early to talk. His initiatives can be shown later in the season. I think this process needs to be seen clearly and the player’s mind needs to be at ease. The best thing to do is not to confuse the player while the season is going on.”

On Thursday, the headline match is a ‘Battle of Britain’ between Manchester United and Rangers at Old Trafford. The teams are both fighting to secure a top eight place – which earns automatic progression to the Round of 16 – and Red Devils striker Rasmus Hojlund is determined to keep up his scoring form in the competition.

“We want to qualify directly from the top eight so getting as many points as possible is very important for us,” said the Danish attacker.

The same evening also features Roma away to AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham Hotspur visiting Hoffenheim, table-toppers Lazio have a potential thriller at home to Real Sociedad, and Ajax head to Latvia for a clash with Riga FS.

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Broadcast details

Thursday 23 January

19:45: AZ Alkmaar v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

19:45: Porto v Olympiakos – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 360

19:45: Fenerbahce v Lyon – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Maximo 2

19:45: Hoffenheim v Tottenham Hotspur – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Lazio v Real Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 2

22:00: Manchester United v Rangers – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Riga FS v Ajax – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

22:00: Union Saint-Gilloise v Sporting Braga – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 and SuperSport Maximo 360

However, we have stepped out on a limb and taken a stab at the five biggest moments we think will shape ‘The Beautiful Game’ this year.

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Biggest transfer: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool to Real Madrid

It seems inevitable that Trent Alexander-Arnold, perhaps the most gifted right-back in the world today, will swap the all-red of Liverpool for the all-white of Real Madrid once the 2024-25 season is all wrapped up. Though his positional awareness and one-one-one defending are – how can we put this kindly? – sub-optimal, TAA’s ball striking, passing and dead-ball ability more than makes up for it. And besides, defenders aren’t actually expected to defend at Real Madrid… they simply score more goals than the opposition.

Biggest managerial sacking & appointment: Ange Postecoglou gets the axe at Tottenham and is replaced by Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola

Though he has generally been a breath of fresh air at Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou’s refusal to compromise on the ‘principles’ of his tactics will ultimately see him axed – likely at the end of the current campaign. The man to replace him will be Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, whose ability to better balance establishing a playing identity with a pragmatic grit has helped the Cherries become one of the best pound-for-pound teams in the Premier League.

Biggest surprise triumph: Inter Milan win the UEFA Champions League

Though it has been 15 years since an Italian team won the UEFA Champions League, we’re going to back the same Serie A club that last claimed the top continental prize – Inter Milan in 2010 – to go all the way and lift the trophy in Munich in late May. The Nerazzurri were so close to glory two years ago against Manchester City, but fell just short. They are a better, more rounded team this season and manager Simone Inzaghi has a knack for success in cup competitions.

Biggest relegation in a major league: Valencia to drop out of La Liga

Champions League finalists in 2000 and 2001, La Liga winners in 200s and 2004, UEFA Cup (now Europa League) champions in 2004, and Copa del Rey winners as recently as 2018-19, Valencia are undoubtedly a storied and successful club. However, Los Che have fallen on hard times and find themselves on course to drop down to the second tier of Spanish football for the first time since 1986.

Biggest player impact: Victor Osimhen to turn Manchester United or Arsenal into true title contenders

Victor Osimhen’s surprise loan move to Galatasaray is only a temporary solution to his dispute with Napoli and manager Antonio Conte. Thus, the Nigerian superstar will move in mid-2025 to a Premier League team – likely Manchester United or Arsenal, both of whom would be enormously improved by the addition of a world-class striker – and his arrival will turn either the Red Devils or the Gunners into true title contenders.

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To upgrade or manage your subscription download the MyDStv app on your mobile app store or visit www.dstv.com.

You can also catch all the action while on the move. Stream all matches on the DStv Stream app by downloading it from the app store today!

The 29-year-old successfully completed his medical examination before finalizing the move.

Asante brings a wealth of experience and adaptability to the Porcupine Warriors, having previously played for Hafia Club in Guinea, Simba FC in Tanzania, and Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini.

Beyond his primary role as a left-back, Asante is capable of playing as a centre-back or even as a left-winger, offering the technical team valuable tactical flexibility.

“Everyone knows we’ve been playing with just one recognizable left-back in Patrick Asiedu since October last year, and it was essential to strengthen that area,” head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum told the club’s website.

“Kwasi brings both quality and versatility to our squad. His ability to play multiple positions adds depth to the team, and his wealth of experience will undoubtedly benefit us in key moments,” he added.

Kwasi Asante joins an impressive list of new signings, including Isaac Mintah, Samson Eduku, Daniel Adrian Adjetey, and Kwame Opoku, as Kotoko strengthens its squad for the challenges ahead.

Under the leadership of Mustapha Ussif during the NPP government, the Sports Ministry faced criticism for prioritizing the Black Stars while sidelining other sports.

Addressing this concern, Adams, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency, emphasized the importance of a more inclusive approach.

In an interview with GHOne TV, he acknowledged the cultural and emotional significance of the Black Stars to Ghanaians but stressed the need to give equal attention to other sports.

“Sports is not football; sports is not just the Black Stars. Sports go beyond football, and football should go beyond the Black Stars. But, of course, the Black Stars are the ultimate. We want to see our Black Stars back again,” he said.

“Black Stars have their management, Black Queens have their management, and badminton has its management… As a sports minister, you are responsible for all of these federations; you are not only responsible for the Black Stars.”

“But whatever leadership you must offer to the other federations and associations to make sure that each and every one of them succeeds, I will do so.”

Adams highlighted that his leadership would extend to all sports federations, from football to badminton, and promised to foster success across the board.

He also reassured Ghanaians that football, the nation’s favorite sport, would not be overlooked.

“I know that football is the nation’s love, and so you don’t reduce your attention on what the nation loves, but you develop all other sports because everything must be developed holistically,” he added.

The 49-year-old nominee is set to undergo vetting before potentially replacing Mustapha Ussif, who served as Sports Minister since 2021 under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.

On a torrid, rain-lashed night in Paris, all the frailties that have haunted City in a season of decline were laid bare as Pep Guardiola’s side crumbled dramatically in the face of PSG’s pace and creation.

City’s defeat means they risk elimination from the Champions League as they stand 25th in the table, having to win their final game at home to Club Brugge next Wednesday.

It was pure theatre in Paris after Manchester City looked to have turned the game in their favour when substitute Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck twice in the first eight minutes of the second half.

PSG, however, had City’s defence living on its nerves all night and hit back instantly when substitute Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola levelled the game before the hour.

Dembele then struck the bar before the outstanding Joao Neves headed home Vitinha’s free-kick after being left unmarked, and City’s agony was compounded in stoppage time when, after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check, Goncalo Ramos’ powerful strike gave the scoreline a more realistic appearance.

City barely deserved the lead that close finishes from Grealish and Haaland had given them, but PSG’s power, pace and quality enabled the dramatic comeback that deepened the gloom surrounding the Premier League champions this season.

Only a heavy defeat in Girona next week will prevent the Gunners – who are third – finishing in the top eight places and therefore bypassing the play-off stage of the competition.

Arsenal took the lead in the second minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s cross was cushioned into Declan Rice’s path by Kai Havertz and the England midfielder hammered the ball past Zagreb keeper Ivan Nevistic.

Havertz added a second on 66 minutes – the 500th goal under manager Mikel Arteta – when he headed in a curling Martinelli cross before captain Martin Odegaard bundled in a third late on.

Zagreb barely ventured into the Arsenal half and captain Arijan Ademi shot well over from distance with one of their few efforts.

The Gunners could have scored more – Rice had a shot blocked after a clever Odegaard pass while centre-back Gabriel headed wide from the edge of the six-yard-box from a corner.

Arteta had said he wanted his side to “capitalise” on the work they had done so far in the group stage to put themselves in a strong position going into the final match.

The Gunners did that from the off – and settled any nerves there may have been when Rice opened the scoring with the earliest Arsenal goal since Yaya Sanogo’s 72-second effort against Borussia Dortmund in 2014.

Once again they looked solid at the back – and only Inter Milan have conceded fewer than the two goals Arteta’s side have let in.

And the Spaniard was handed a boost at being able to name Riccardo Calafiori on the bench alongside Ethan Nwaneri as both returned from injuries.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was not in the squad because of a minor knock, and Arteta will hope he will have the 18-year-old available for selection soon.

But more broadly he will be keen to ensure his side can take their strong home form in Europe – they have lost only one of their past home 26 group-stage games – into the knockout phase.

Portugal forward Leao latched on to Ismael Bennacer’s through ball, jinked inside the box and unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner for the only goal of the game.

Bryan Gil had the ball in the net for the Spanish visitors just before the hour mark, but his sublime strike from the edge of the box was ruled out for offside.

Leao had a chance to increase his tally in the 65th minute but his right-footed curling shot veered wide of goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s post.

Italian side Milan are sixth in the table on 15 points, occupying one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the last 16, with a trip to Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb to come next week.

La Liga side Girona have three points and are unable to qualify for the play-off stage.

The top eight in the league phase progress automatically to the next stage and a win for Bayern would have ensured they were almost there with one game to go.

The game was suspended for several minutes just after kick-off as smoke from flares made visibility on the pitch difficult.

Once it got back under way, however, Bayern looked lethargic and fell behind midway through the first half when Santiago Gimenez drove into the box before firing past Manuel Neuer.

Feyenoord keeper Justin Bijlow produced a great close-range save to deny Harry Kane a equaliser and it was crucial as the hosts added a second on the stroke of half time.

Calvin Stengs was fouled inside the box and Gimenez stepped up to confidently score the penalty.

The excellent Bijlow made a fingertip save to deny Jamal Musiala in the second half as Bayern pushed to get back into the game, but Feyenoord made sure of victory with a late third as Ayase Ueda slotted in.

The result means Bayern are 15th in the standings, one point outside the top eight with Slovan Bratislava the visitors in their final league phase game next Wednesday.

The win for Feyenoord boosted their own chances of finishing in the top eight as the Dutch side, who travel to Lille next Wednesday, are up to 11th place but level on 13 points with eighth-placed Leverkusen.

The top eight sides in the new format will qualify automatically for the last 16, while teams finishing ninth down to 24th have to play a two-legged play-off.

Captain Lautaro Martinez expertly gave Inter the lead in the 12th minute after he caught hold of Alessandro Bastoni’s deep cross to the back post and his volley bounced in off the underside of the bar.

Right-back Denzel Dumfries thought he had doubled Inter’s lead and wrapped up the points in Prague but his fine finish was ruled out for offside.

Inter, the 2023 runners-up, have conceded just one goal in their seven European games this season and restricted the home side to an xG of just 0.35.

Simone Inzaghi’s fourth-placed side will host Monaco in the final league phase game knowing they can still secure second place in the table if Barcelona are beaten and Arsenal fail to win.

Sparta Prague’s elimination from the Champions League is now official before they travel to Bayer Leverkusen for the final match.

After losing three of their opening six games, Madrid looked more like their usual selves as they dispatched the Austrians with a first-half double from Rodrygo, before a goal from Kylian Mbappe and two from Vinicius Jr followed after the break.

This win and results elsewhere guarantee Madrid at least a play-off spot, and they are one point off the automatic qualification places, with a visit to Brest on the final matchday next week.

Salzburg, whose only consolation was a late Mads Bidstrup volley, have lost six of their seven league phase games and are out of the Champions League.

They needed a win and for other results to go their way to stand a chance of sneaking into the play-offs, and started stronger at Santiago Bernabeu with Oscar Gloukh shooting narrowly wide from 18 yards.

But Madrid soon hit their straps as their biggest names turned up when it mattered.

On 23 minutes Madrid led with their first meaningful attack of the game. A sweeping move from back to front saw Jude Bellingham knock down Vinicius’ aerial ball and Rodrygo netted with an angled volley.

That lead was doubled before half-time with a beautiful strike, demonstrating Madrid are still to be feared in Europe despite their indifferent league stage form.

Rodrygo played a one-two with Bellingham, the Englishman giving the return pass with a back-heel, and the Brazilian swept home from the edge of the box.

The win was sealed three minutes after half-time when Mbappe capitalised on a mistake by visiting keeper Janis Blaswich, dispossessing the German in his six-yard area and tapping home.

Vinicius, who moved to seven goals in six Champions League games, made it 4-0 after 55 minutes, collecting a brilliant Luka Modric pass and cutting into the box from the left before curling a right-footed effort beyond Blaswich.

And he made it five with a cool finish after a Madrid passing move all the way up the pitch from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The former Simba FC and Hafia left-back joined the Porcupine Warriors on a one-and-a-half-year deal.

“Joining Kotoko feels like a homecoming for me. This is a club I’ve admired for years because of its history and passion. When the opportunity came, I didn’t have to think twice because I want to be part of something special here,” Asante told the club website.

“I know the fans have high expectations, and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to meet them. Competition for places is part of football, and I welcome it because it makes us all better. I’m here to work hard, contribute to the team, and help Kotoko achieve its goals this season.”

Asante, a versatile player, is expected to add quality and experience to the club as they challenge for the 2024/25 league title.

Asante Kotoko has already recruited Kwame Opoku, Samson Eduku, Isaac Mintah, and Daniel Adrian Adjetey.

Having ended the first half of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League in 3rd place with 31 points, the Reds will hope to continue their impressive form when they face Karela United in the Matchday 18 game at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Ghana international was deployed in that role against Unai Emery’s side last weekend. While Partey faced some criticism for his performance, Arteta explained the tactical reasoning behind the change.

“I had no choice. I didn’t have another right full-back,” he said.

“Who plays when Jurrien [Timber] isn’t available or his load is too high? I didn’t have another right-sided centre-back [against Aston Villa],” he added.

Arsenal looked on track for back-to-back victories as Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave them a 2-0 lead.

However, Villa fought back, with Youri Tielemans pulling one back and Ollie Watkins taking advantage of some poor defending by Partey to score the equalizer past goalkeeper David Raya.

The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who beat Brentford 2-0 earlier in the day and also have a game in hand.

Arsenal will look to bounce back when they host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League later tonight before heading to Wolves for a Premier League clash this weekend.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder’s arrival is a major boost for the Royals, who are aiming to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season as they fight to retain their top-flight status.

Although the club has yet to release an official statement, Legon Cities dropped hints on social media by sharing a song from Stonebwoy, creating excitement among fans about Satekla’s signing.

Satekla becomes the fourth addition in the January transfer window for the Royal Blues, following the signing of former Asante Kotoko winger Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Legon Cities endured a tough first half of the season, finishing in 17th place with just 14 points from 17 games.

With relegation looming, head coach Yaw Acheampong will look to Satekla to provide much-needed creativity and firepower in attack.

The Royals kick off the second round of their campaign with a challenging fixture against league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃

DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended. pic.twitter.com/cpoFcldXQ8

— Legon Cities FC (@LegonCitiesFC) January 21, 2025

Kofi Adams, Member of Parliament for Buem, was nominated in the third batch of ministerial appointments announced on Tuesday. He is expected to face the Vetting Committee in the coming days.

Speaking to JoySports, Samson Deen expressed confidence in Adams’ abilities, stating, “In my opinion, Mr. Kofi Adams is a wonderful personality. With his background as a former youth organizer of the NDC and spokesperson for the Rawlings family, he brings valuable experience and understanding of the sports sector.”

Deen stressed the need to look beyond football, highlighting Ghana’s diverse sporting landscape.

“There are over 50 Olympic sports and 22 disability/para-sports disciplines, including football. Focusing solely on football could hinder the development of other sports, reduce diversity, and cause a loss of potential talent,” he noted.

He also called for fair resource allocation across all sports and suggested creating a dedicated desk at the Sports Ministry to address para-sports needs effectively.

If confirmed, Kofi Adams will take over from Mustafa Ussif, who has served as Sports Minister since 2021 under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.

READ ALSO

• Ten facts about Sports and Recreation Minister-Designate, Kofi Adams
• Asante Kotoko: Prosper Narteh Ogum challenges new signings to raise their game

Borussia Dortmund and Nuri Sahin are parting ways with immediate effect.

BVB has dismissed its head coach following the disappointing 2:1 defeat in the UEFA Champions League at FC Bologna on Tuesday evening. pic.twitter.com/0NlZfWBNHd

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 22, 2025

The German side have lost four successive matches in all competitions since the winter break.

Defeat to Bologna on Tuesday was their third loss in this season’s Champions League, meaning last season’s runners-up need a result against Shakhtar Donetsk in their final league phase game to have the chance to automatically reach the knockouts.

A run of three domestic defeats to start 2025 has put them 10th in the Bundesliga, seven points outside the top four and therefore endangering their chances of a return to the Champions League next term.

“We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much, we hoped for a long-term collaboration and until the end we had hoped that we could achieve a sporting turnaround together,” said Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken.

“This decision hurts me personally, but it was unavoidable after the game in Bologna.”

Sahin, 36, who had two stints at the club as a player, said: “Unfortunately, we have not managed to live up to Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season.

“I wish this special club all the best.”

Sahin was appointed Dortmund boss in June 2024 as a replacement for Edin Terzic, who left the club following their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Haaland has signed a nine-and-a-half-year deal that would keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2034 and makes him one of the highest-paid sportspeople in the world.

City are awaiting the outcome of the disciplinary hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules, which could result in a points deduction and even relegation.

When asked if he had a way out of his new deal should City lose the case, Haaland said: “No, I haven’t thought of that or anything.

“I am confident that the club know what they are doing and I really don’t think I should speak too much about this.”

City were charged and referred to an independent commission in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.

It is alleged City breached the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018. City strongly deny all charges.

The private hearing took place between September and December.

Norway striker Haaland has scored 112 goals in 127 games for City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

It is understood clauses that existed in Haaland’s initial contract, which had been set to expire in 2027, have now been removed.

There have been reports of a break clause being inserted that takes effect in 2029, although that has not been confirmed by City or the player’s representatives.

Haaland’s deal is the longest in the Premier League, eclipsing the nine-year deal Cole Palmer signed with Chelsea last August.

“It is a really good sign,” added Haaland. “Of course it is a bit unusual, it is not normal and that is also something I like.

“It felt good for both parties and in the end it was an easy choice.”

Manchester City face Paris St-Germain in a crucial Champions League group stage match at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

The boy, who is 17 years old and from St Albans, has been bailed while enquiries continue, Hertfordshire Police said.

Havertz’s wife Sophia posted to her Instagram story two direct messages she had received after Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat by Manchester United earlier this month, one which included threats to the couple’s unborn child.

The German forward, 25, missed a chance to win the game in normal time and then had his penalty saved by United keeper Altay Bayindir in the shootout as United won 5-3 on penalties following the 1-1 draw.

The couple have been together since 2018 and got married last year, with Sophia announcing in November that she was pregnant.

In response to the messages, Sophia wrote the culprit should be “ashamed” of themselves, while Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said online abuse of players has “terrible consequences” and needs to be “eradicated from the game”.

The three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) hit his fourth successive triple-double – and his 13th of the season – as the Nuggets won a third game in a row.

Jokic scored 27 points and made 13 rebounds and 10 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter at Ball Arena in Denver.

He told TNT: “We’re not where we’re supposed to be, but we’re trying to find the rhythm.”

The Nuggets are fourth in the Western Conference and the 76ers 11th in the East.

LeBron James became only the second player aged 40 or older to record a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Washington Wizards 111-88.

The 40-year-old finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists at Crypto.com Arena in LA.

Karl Malone is the only other player over 40 to claim a triple-double, for the Lakers in 2003.

The Lakers are sixth in the Western Conference and the Wizards bottom of the East.

H.E. President John Mahama has confirmed his special appearance at the prestigious SWAG Awards as the Guest of Honor, endorsing his interest, focus, and willingness to support sports development and promotion in Ghana.

The President has shown his commitment to promoting sports in Ghana, and his attendance at the SWAG Awards, despite his tight schedule, will be a testament to his dedication to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Ghana’s sports heroes.

President Mahama is expected to deliver a keynote address on the theme: “Gold and Glory, a Call for Change in National Orientation and Investment in Sports,” where he will share his vision for sports development in Ghana and honor the achievements of the award winners.

The awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Center, will recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ghanaian sports personalities and teams in the 2024 year under review.

As the longest-running award scheme in Ghana, the SWAG Awards have consistently recognized and rewarded top-performing sportsmen and women since 1975. President Mahama’s presence at the event will undoubtedly add to the excitement and prestige of the occasion.

The SWAG Awards have a history of attracting high-profile guests, and President Mahama’s presence will only add to the event’s glamour and appeal. As Ghana’s president, Mahama has demonstrated his support for sports, and his attendance at the SWAG Awards will be a fitting tribute to his commitment to promoting sports excellence in Ghana.

The 49th SWAG Awards is expected to attract a large audience of sports enthusiasts, stakeholders, and media personnel. The event will be broadcast live on television and streamed online, allowing millions of Ghanaians to join in the celebration.

Highlife sensation Peter Fameye Gozah, aka Fameye, will entertain patrons at the event.

The 49th SWAG Awards promises to be an unforgettable and exciting evening, with over 50 top-performing athletes and officials being honored for their contributions to Ghanaian sports.

Five-time major winner Swiatek was ruthless in a 6-1 6-2 victory over eighth seed Navarro.

Swiatek has dropped just 14 games at Melbourne Park this year – and seven of those came in her first-round match.

The Pole will face Madison Keys in the last four after the American came from a set down to beat Elina Svitolina.

Keys will need to be at her big-hitting best to beat Swiatek, who was dominant against the highly rated Navarro.

Swiatek broke to love in the match’s first service game and wrapped up the opening set inside 36 minutes.

However, there was controversy at 2-2 in the second set when the umpire did not spot a double bounce at a crucial moment.

The ball bounced twice before Swiatek, with the advantage on her serve, flicked over a winner, but umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore missed it.

Navarro protested but was unable to use the video technology review – which would have shown a replay of the footage – because she had carried on playing the point, instead of stopping it.

Swiatek subsequently broke in the next game and ran away with the match to match her best result at Melbourne Park.

Swiatek’s superiority – the stats

Swiatek’s dominance on clay is no secret, with the Pole having won four of the past five French Open titles.

But she has struggled on the fast Melbourne hard courts, having only gone past the fourth round once before this year.

Under new coach Wim Fissette, Swiatek has been ruthless.

Only three players in the Open era have dropped fewer games than Swiatek’s 14 on their way to the Melbourne last four.

She has not dropped a single game on serve in her past four matches, and none of her matches so far have lasted over 90 minutes.

Should Swiatek reach the final – and top seed Sabalenka lose her semi-final on Thursday – the 23-year-old would regain the world number one ranking.

If both players advanced to a mouth-watering championship match then Sabalenka would need to win the title for a third straight year to stay top of the rankings.

Keys keeps up winning streak

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Madison Keys reached her sixth Grand Slam singles semi-final

Earlier, Keys continued her own fine form with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win over Svitolina.

Keys is on a 10-match winning streak and won the Adelaide Open title a fortnight ago.

The 29-year-old is hoping to reach her second Grand Slam final, having lost to close friend Sloane Stephens at the 2017 US Open.

She was broken late by Svitolina in a tight first set and came through a tricky first service game in the second before growing into the match.

Keys claimed crucial breaks midway through both sets to see off the Ukrainian and reach a third Australian Open semi-final.

Swiatek leads the head-to-head between the pair 4-1 – but Keys did win their last hard-court meeting in Cincinnati in 2022.

“Madison is a great player and really experienced, so you never know,” Swiatek said.

“The match that I lost, she kind of killed me, so I think it can be tricky.”

Novak Djokovic’s emotions poured out after securing an Australian Open quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz that made a mockery of predictions, logic and expectation.

Exuding joy and relief, Djokovic turned straight to his coach Andy Murray and buried his head in the Briton’s chest.

The celebration between the rivals-turned-colleagues came following the biggest success of Murray’s shock first coaching job.

“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him for the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be,” said 37-year-old Djokovic, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987.

“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”

When 24-time major champion Djokovic announced in November he was employing the recently retired Murray as his new coach, it felt like a prank.

But there is nothing more serious for both men than winning tennis matches.

Murray has regularly cut a tense figure during Djokovic’s run at Melbourne Park, appearing deep in thought about how he can help the seventh seed land a record 25th Grand Slam title.

His relief at the Serb edging past Alcaraz, 21, showed with a heavy exhale of breath.

Then came the moment when Djokovic, who had battled through an upper left leg injury to beat Spanish third seed Alcaraz, trudged over to hug his fist-pumping coach.

“This was a huge win for all of us – including Andy and myself for the relationship,” added Djokovic.

“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”

After seeing his playing career decimated by a hip injury, three-time major champion Murray finally decided to call it quits last year following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The morning after the final match of his career, the Scot seemed genuine when he said he had no firm idea of what he wanted to do next.

But Murray revealed he had the unexpected conversation with Djokovic during a phone call in his car – shortly after telling a golfing partner he had no desire to move into coaching yet.

It was a “unique opportunity” which Murray could not turn down.

Before Djokovic’s quarter-final on Tuesday, Murray told BBC Sport he was enjoying the experience of what is initially a trial run in Melbourne.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” said Djokovic.

“We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that.

“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together.

“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.”

On January 18, 2025, the GFA announced the formation of the new committee after dissolving the previous one, led by Mark Addo, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). According to the GFA’s statement, Appiah, who captained Ghana to its first World Cup in 2006, has been appointed Vice Chairman of the committee, with a focus on player relations.

However, Ahinful has raised concerns about the vagueness of the “player relations” aspect of Appiah’s role.

Speaking to Sporty FM, he said, “I think that the GFA must explain further what they mean by player relations because the best relations are when the coach interacts with the players daily to know how they are doing.”

He added, “I believe they have noticed something within the team, so they need somebody like Stephen Appiah to come on board and have that interaction with the players in a brotherly way to bring the players in line and help them understand how the GFA wants things to be done.”

The newly formed Black Stars Management Committee also includes Dr. Randy Abbey as Chairman, responsible for leading engagement with the government and other stakeholders.

Samuel Aboabire, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association and member of the GFA Executive Council, along with Moses Armah, President of Medeama Sporting Club, will oversee operations and matchday activities, ensuring smooth management of sponsor, partner, and collaborator relations. Richard Nsenkyire, President of FC Samartex 1996, will handle special duties within the committee.

Opoku made his return to the Ghana Premier League during the first half of the 2024/25 season after stints in Algeria and Morocco.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Opoku shared that Medeama’s president, Moses Armah, offered him a contract three times more lucrative than the one from Asante Kotoko.

However, Opoku chose to decline the offer from Medeama, citing his strong desire to rejoin Kotoko.

“Medeama SC president Moses Armah offered me a deal three times better than what Asante Kotoko offered me, but I declined and decided to join Kotoko,” Opoku said.

“Kotoko is the club I’ve always wanted to play for, so I decided to make my return,” he added.

Since rejoining Asante Kotoko on a two-and-a-half-year contract, Opoku has had an impressive start, scoring five goals in just four games for the club.

The Italians looked to be heading out of the competition after Serhou Guirassy’s clipped penalty in the first half gave Dortmund the lead.

But Thijs Dallinga equalised midway through the second half when he turned in Jens Odgaard’s cross.

Dortmund barely had time to regroup before Bologna got a second that sent their fans wild. Dallinga’s strike was denied by Gregor Kobel but on-loan Aston Villa forward Samuel Iling-Junior was there to fire home the rebound.

The win moved Bologna up to 27th in the 36-team league phase of the Champions League.

But defeat for Borussia Dortmund will increase the pressure on coach Nuri Sahin with this their fourth successive loss since returning from their winter break.

Dortmund had lost three Bundesliga games in a row prior to Tuesday, leaving them 10th as reports suggested Sahin could be sacked, external if his side lost to Bologna.

Dortmund were heading third in the table when they were ahead but the loss means they are 14th and now need to get a result against Shakhtar in their final league phase game to have the chance to qualify automatically for the knockouts.

The result leaves Juventus in 14th on 12 points – one behind eighth-placed Aston Villa – with one game remaining, ahead of Wednesday’s matches. Club Brugge, meanwhile, are one point back on their visitors in 17th place with a four-point cushion to 25th.

Club Brugge’s best chance came in the second half when forward Ferran Jutgla slipped the ball through Pierre Kalulu’s legs and drove his shot just wide of the post.

That was as good as it got for the hosts, while Juventus tested home goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from distance late on through Manuel Locatelli, but he was equal to it.

Juventus’ league stage rounds off with a home game against Benfica next Wednesday, while Club Brugge travel to Manchester City on the same day.

Fighting for their lives after just one win in their last seven UCL matches at tonight’s venue, Benfica gave the visitors a lesson in finishing just two minutes into proceedings, as a long diagonal ball fell to Fredrik Aursnes on the edge of the box.

He crossed in for Vangelis Pavlidis to fire in his second UCL goal of the season at close range, but Barcelona won a penalty shortly after that setback, Tomás Araújo’ clipped Alejandro Balde’s heel inside the box.

Cool as ever, Robert Lewandowski deceived Anatoliy Trubin with a hop before striking into the bottom-right corner for his 86th career penalty conversion out of a possible 96.

A couple of minutes later, Gavi was put through on goal by a deflection and forced a reflex save from Trubin. Barcelona might have pressed on from there, but their comedy of errors soon resumed, with a Benfica ball over the top seeing Wojciech Szczęsny brainlessly charge out of his box and collide with Balde.

That allowed Pavlidis to roll the ball into an empty net, and it would get worse still for Szczęsny, when he upended Kerem Aktürkoğlu after he broke through the lines. Pavlidis stepped up and completed his hat-trick with a calm conversion down the middle.

Barcelona avoided further calamity for the rest of the half, save for Raphinha firing wide when it looked easier to score from a Benfica error, and then emerged strongly after the interval.

Jules Koundé was put through by a ball over the top but fluffed his lines with a mis-hit that might have halved the deficit.

With a bit more composure, Lamine Yamal may have succeeded where the Frenchman failed, but he could only fire over drastically when he picked up a lofted pass on the edge of the Benfica box.

At the hour mark, Barca boss Hansi Flick made a double change to try and salvage some pride from a dark night in Lisbon.

And the fightback was firmly on almost immediately, with yet another surreal addition to the scoresheet, as Trubin’s routine kick downfield flew straight onto the head of Raphinha and straight into the net, giving Barcelona newfound belief.

That belief was instantly quashed though, with Benfica netting for a fourth time when Tomás Araújo’s aerial ball across goal fell to Andreas Schjelderup, whose attempted square was deflected into the net by Ronald Araújo.

Barcelona just simply would not accept defeat, and they won their second penalty of the night, when Nicolás Otamendi felled Yamal in the area.

Lewandowski put the ball in the exact same spot as before to set up a nervy finish for Benfica. And it was all too much for Benfica in the end, as Pedri put in a cross to the back post that Eric García headed in at point-blank range.

There was more drama deep into injury time though, as Benfica saw a penalty appeal turned down and Raphinha scored on the counter to break Benfica’s hearts and put their chances of direct qualification for the Round of 16 in real jeopardy, while all but sealing Barcelona’s own prospects of doing so.

Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez scored twice, including a 90th-minute winner, to take Atletico third in the table.

That did not look on the cards when the hosts had a player sent off after only 25 minutes when Pablo Barrios’ sliding challenge caught the back of Nordi Mukiele’s leg.

Italian referee Davide Massa was advised by the video assistant referee to watch the incident on a pitchside monitor and then showed the red card to the midfielder.

Leverkusen took advantage as Piero Hincapie headed in from Mukiele’s cross in first-half injury time and the Bundesliga side were on course to move up to second in the Champions League table.

In a bad-tempered match, the reigning German champions, second in the Bundesliga, were then outplayed by the hosts in a remarkable second half.

Alvarez made it 1-1 in the 53rd minute, finishing off a counterattack and holding off two Leverkusen players before shooting past Matej Kovar.

At an intimidating Estadio Metropolitano, Atletico thought Florian Wirtz should have been sent off for fouling Alvarez when he was on a yellow card, with manager Diego Simeone leading the calls for the player to be dismissed.

But a naive Leverkusen side continued to lose their composure and were then reduced to 10 themselves with Hincapie shown a second yellow card for a foul on Giuliano Simeone.

At 10-a-side, Atletico then had the last laugh as Alvarez took the ball around Kovar to snatch an incredible winner and spark jubilant celebrations.

Atletico are third with Leverkusen sixth, with both sides hoping to finish in the top eight and jump straight into the last 16 and avoid the play-offs.

Salah’s goal came when he latched onto a brilliant Curtis Jones through ball and slotted over the advancing Lucas Chevalier in the 34th minute.

Lille, who were unbeaten in 21 games in all competitions, had restricted Liverpool until then but Arne Slot’s side controlled the game after the goal.

Salah sent another one-on-one wide, before curling just past the far post in the second half.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men just before the half mark when Aissa Mandi was given a second yellow card for tripping Luis Diaz. His first was complaining about a possible foul on Jonathan David in the build-up to the goal.

They surprisingly equalised three minutes later when David passed home after Hakon Haraldsson’s effort was blocked.

Liverpool soon restored their advantage though when a corner was headed clear to Harvey Elliott and his deflected strike found the bottom corner.

Darwin Nunez, who started after his two stoppage-time goals in Liverpool’s Premier League win at Brentford on Saturday, had a late goal ruled out for offside following Federico Chiesa’s effort being tipped away.

The win is Liverpool’s seventh in the new-look league phase and continues their 100% record in the competition.

They will be seeded for the last 16 when it takes place in March and will face one of the eight sides that make it through February’s play-offs.

Defeat saw Sturm Graz – playing for the first time in six weeks because of the Austrian winter break – eliminated from the competition with a game to spare, though the Austrian Bundesliga leaders should have taken an early lead.

Less than a minute after Amady Camara flashed wide when through on goal, Italy striker Matteo Retegui converted Davide Zappacosta’s cross from close range to put Atalanta ahead.

Half-time substitute Ademola Lookman appeared to have made an instant impact when he squared across the face of goal for Charles De Ketelaere to tap home, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Former Everton attacker Lookman was denied twice in quick succession by Sturm Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, before Mario Pasalic stabbed home Juan Cuadrado’s cross to double the advantage.

Last season’s Europa League winners continued to push for a third, and soon got it when De Ketelaere tucked home after the visitors failed to clear a corner.

Lookman blazed over the bar when one-on-one with Scherpen, before fellow substitute Marco Brescianini was thwarted by a last-ditch challenge and the offside flag denied Zappacosta.

Lookman finally got his goal late on by heading home De Ketelaere’s cross at the back post, and there was time for Brescianini to add another.

Victory against Barcelona on Wednesday 29 January could secure a place in the top eight and direct passage to the last 16 for the Italian side.

This appointment was included in the third batch of ministerial nominees awaiting parliamentary approval.

Kofi Adams is expected to replace Mustafa Ussif, who has served as Minister for Sports since 2021 under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party administration.

Here ten facts about the new Sports Minister Designate, Kofi Adams

1. Kofi Iddie Adams was born on 2 May 1975 and comes from Teteman, a town in the Jasikan District in the Oti Region of Ghana.
2. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with emphasis on Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases
3. He served as a tutor at Adisadel College in the Central Region
4. He also served as the Spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs for Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd).
5. He served as deputy General Secretary for the NDC and later as National Organizer for the party.
6. He served as campaign coordinator of the NDC’s 15-member national campaign team in the 2016 elections.
7. He is currently serving a second term as Member of Parliament of Buem Constituency after he first contested in 2020
8. He served as a member on the Public Accounts Committee and the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament
9. He is a huge fan of boxing and has always advocated support for the discipline
10. If approved, he will replace former Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif becoming the 27th person to serve in the office since 1979.

His remarks come after the reformation of the Black Stars’ Management Committee, following the team’s failure to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The newly appointed committee includes Dr. Randy Abbey as Chairman, Stephen Appiah as Vice Chairman, and Moses Armah, Richard Nsenkyire, and Samuel Aboabire as members.

Pappoe emphasized that while the names are significant, the committee’s success will depend on their commitment to the role.

“A well-functioning Management Committee is essential for the running of our football or national teams, but if the members are not committed, they will be there only in name,” Pappoe said in an interview with Sporty FM.

He further explained that the committee’s responsibilities encompass organizing, planning, preparing, managing camping and accommodation, providing counsel, and supporting the technical team.

“The duties of the Management Committee include organization, planning, preparation, camping, accommodation, counseling, and support for the technical team,” he added.

After their AFCON setback, the Black Stars will resume action in March, with World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.

The 37-year-old Serb defied injury, age and ranking to win 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 against his 21-year-old opponent in Melbourne.

Djokovic, going for a record-extending 11th men’s singles title, limped around Rod Laver Arena at the end of the first set after suffering what appeared to be a groin problem.

But, after going off court for treatment, he recovered impressively to continue his bid for a 25th Grand Slam triumph – which would be an all-time record.

Djokovic played aggressively until the pain wore off, allowing him to move more freely and take control of the match.

Spanish third seed Alcaraz became increasingly animated as he struggled to figure out how to turn an engrossing contest back in his favour.

When seventh seed Djokovic sealed victory – at 00:57 local time after a battle lasting three hours and 38 minutes – he roared towards coach Andy Murray.

Djokovic and Alcaraz shared a warm embrace at the net after a highly-anticipated match which lived up to the expectation.

The defeat ends Alcaraz’s hopes – for now, at least – of becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Instead it is Djokovic who advances to the semi-finals, where he will face German second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.

Vanderpuye, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, is among several candidates being considered for the position, with Kofi Adams and Herbert Mensah also in the running.

Despite Vanderpuye’s past conflicts with Ghana FA officials during his tenure, Grusah believes his experience and expertise make him the best candidate to revitalize Ghanaian sports.

“Nii Lante Vanderpuye has already proven his capabilities, so I’m puzzled about what the NDC is waiting for,” he told Asempa FM’s Sports Nite.

“I recall that even under the NPP, former President Kufuor considered appointing him as Sports Minister, but internal party unrest prevented it.”

Grusah also highlighted Vanderpuye’s significant experience with Liberty Professionals, Hearts of Oak, and his background as a sports journalist as reasons why he is well-suited for the role.

“Since the NDC has returned to power, they should bring him back on board,” he added.