African Football
Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz to officiate Ghana vs Madagascar in Kumasi
Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz to officiate Ghana vs Madagascar in Kumasi
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has designated officials for the forthcoming match between Ghana and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set for November.
Referee Samir Guezzaz from Morocco will serve as the central official, while Brinsi Zakaria and Naciri Hamza, also from Morocco, will act as the first and second assistants.
El Jaafari Noureddine has been assigned as the fourth referee.
Shaibu Amadu from Nigeria will fulfill the role of Referee Assessor, and Kachalla Babagana Kalli, also from Nigeria, will take on the duties of Match Commissioner.
READ MORE : David Moyes impressed with Mohammed Kudus’ first Premier League start
The match is slated to be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Friday, November 17, 2023, with the kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT, as confirmed by FIFA.
The Black Stars are poised to launch their FIFA World Cup qualifying endeavor on a strong note by securing a victory against Madagascar before heading to Comoros for their subsequent match.
Emerging victorious in both encounters will significantly bolster their prospects of clinching a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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“Poor infrastructure hurting Ghana football” – Agyeman Badu
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
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GPL : All Blacks tame Kotoko, Medeama, Hearts of Oak win
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
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Kapor laments about Ghanaian pitches
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
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“I came to win” – Chris Ennin reflects on loss to Hearts of Oak
Port City FC head coach Ennin Christopher admitted the pain of defeat after his side fell 1-0 to Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
Frank Abora Duku’s 20th-minute strike proved decisive as the Phobians secured a hard-fought home victory.
Reflecting on the result, Ennin stated his ambitions prior to the game was to win.
“I didn’t come here to draw; I came to win. So, losing is painful, but that’s football,” the Port City coach said.
Before the game, they occupied the 3rd spot on the log and were looking to continue that feat against Hearts tonight.
They will hope to regroup as they face off with Dreams FC in Kukurantumi next week.
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Featured2 days ago“I came to win” – Chris Ennin reflects on loss to Hearts of Oak
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Featured2 days agoHearts of Oak’s Frank Duku strike sees off Port City
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Featured3 days agoMatch Review : All Blacks beat Kotoko in Swedru
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Featured3 days agoMatch Preview: Hearts of Oak vs Port City
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Featured3 days agoAll Blacks’s Joseph Agyeman pleased with win over Kotoko
