By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026

José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid has entered its first significant period of scrutiny after the club’s defeat to Atlético Madrid exposed several problems the Portuguese coach is still trying to resolve.

Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer on a three-year contract, 13 years after leaving the club following his first spell from 2010 to 2013. Real Madrid officially confirmed his appointment in June, with his contract running until June 2029.

After seven La Liga matches, Real Madrid are fourth, while defending champions Barcelona have won all seven of their league games and opened a six-point gap at the top, according to BBC’s latest assessment.

Mourinho Searches for the Formula to Rebuild Real Madrid

1. Finding greater control in midfield

One of Mourinho’s clearest challenges is finding the right balance between defensive security and creativity.

In the Madrid derby, he started Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde in midfield, with Jude Bellingham positioned further forward. The setup provided energy and protection but, according to BBC’s analysis, did not give Madrid enough control over the tempo or sufficient creativity from deeper positions.

Bernardo Silva was introduced late in the match, while Arda Güler represents another creative option.

The issue for Mourinho is therefore not simply choosing individual players but finding a midfield structure capable of controlling games against opponents who defend compactly.

2. Getting Mbappé and Vinícius working together

Real Madrid possess considerable attacking talent in Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, but the challenge is making their qualities complement one another consistently.

Against Atlético, Madrid struggled to generate clear chances. Mbappé had limited involvement, while Vinícius was substituted after Huijsen’s dismissal.

Mourinho has also publicly discussed Vinícius’ form. On September 14, he said the Brazilian was working well but had yet to reproduce what he called his highest level of performance.

That leaves Mourinho with a tactical question: how can he give his principal attackers enough freedom without allowing their positions to overlap or leaving the midfield disconnected?

3. Improving defensive transitions

Another concern is what happens immediately after Madrid lose possession.

The team wants to press and attack with intensity, but that approach can leave spaces behind the midfield when possession changes hands.

Against Atlético, Madrid were repeatedly exposed during transitions. Huijsen’s red card subsequently made the task more difficult, but the defensive problems were already visible before the dismissal. Reuters reported that Mourinho’s main complaint after the derby centered on two challenges he believed should have resulted in red cards, while Atlético ultimately won 2-1.

The challenge is to maintain an aggressive attacking approach without making the team vulnerable when the first press is beaten.

4. Finding another attacking option

The early emergence of Carlos Espí gives Mourinho another selection possibility.

The young forward scored late winners against Espanyol and Elche, according to BBC’s assessment, demonstrating his potential impact when introduced.

With Madrid still working out the balance between Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham, Espí could provide a different type of attacking option when Mourinho wants greater presence in the penalty area.

Whether he becomes a regular part of the rotation remains a decision for the manager.

5. Turning possession into consistent chances

Madrid’s early-season performances have shown a contrast between their attacking potential and their ability to control matches.

There have already been examples of Mourinho adjusting his approach successfully. In the victory over Real Sociedad, Federico Valverde said the team changed its pressing approach at half-time, allowing Madrid to recover the ball higher up the pitch and subsequently take greater control. Mbappé scored a hat-trick in that match.

The Atlético defeat, however, showed that those solutions have not yet become consistent across different opponents.

Mourinho Faces Early Tests in Real Madrid Return

Mourinho’s response

Mourinho has acknowledged that Madrid still have issues to address.

Before the Champions League meeting with Inter, he said the team had “known issues” but maintained that Madrid were ready to compete and wanted to win.

The international break now gives the coaching staff additional preparation time. Madrid are scheduled to return to league action against Villarreal on 10 October, followed by a trip to Barcelona later in the month.

The key questions ahead

Area	Current issue	What Mourinho must address
Midfield	Limited control in the derby	Balance defensive protection with creativity
Attack	Mbappé and Vinícius not consistently combining	Establish clearer attacking relationships
Transitions	Space can appear after possession is lost	Improve defensive protection during attacks
Squad depth	Young players have made an impact	Decide when to use alternatives such as Espí
Consistency	Strong performances mixed with difficult displays	Reproduce tactical solutions across different opponents

Mourinho Works to Rebuild Real Madrid’s Balance

A project still taking shape

Mourinho’s second Real Madrid spell is still in its early stages. The club has only played seven league matches under his new tenure, and the team has already demonstrated that it can adjust tactically during matches.

At the same time, the defeat against Atlético highlighted areas that remain unresolved, particularly midfield control, attacking coordination and defensive transitions.

The coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of whether Mourinho can turn those tactical adjustments into a consistent playing structure.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 | Sports 

Ghana’s route to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has become an early test of resilience after The Gambia defeated Somalia 2–1 in their opening Group C qualifier on Friday.

The result came a day after Ghana suffered a 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, leaving the Black Stars without a point after the first round of matches. The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire both have three points.

Ghana’s Black Stars Face Early AFCON Qualification Test

Gambia strike late to secure three points

The Gambia made the most of their return to home competition at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

Ebrima Colley opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. Somalia, however, stayed in the contest and eventually found an equaliser through Bilal Njie in the 72nd minute.

The hosts responded strongly. Substitute Muhammed Badamosi restored The Gambia’s lead in the 83rd minute, converting from a pass by Suleiman Camara. The late goal secured three points for the Scorpions.

The victory was particularly significant because it marked The Gambia’s return to competitive football at the Independence Stadium in front of home supporters after several years away from the venue.

Gambia Celebrate Winning Start Against Somalia

Ghana now faces The Gambia in Accra

The result sets up an important Group C meeting between Ghana and The Gambia on Tuesday, 29 September, with the Black Stars hosting the Scorpions in Accra.

CAF’s published schedule lists the Ghana–Gambia fixture for 16:00 GMT on Matchday 2.

Ghana entered the qualifiers with a difficult assignment against Côte d’Ivoire and ultimately lost 2–0. That result means the Black Stars will be seeking their first points when they face a Gambian side that already has three points on the board.

Group C after Matchday 1

Team	Points	Result
Côte d’Ivoire	3	Beat Ghana 2–0
The Gambia	3	Beat Somalia 2–1
Ghana	0	Lost to Côte d’Ivoire 0–2
Somalia	0	Lost to The Gambia 1–2

The table reflects results from the opening round of Group C matches.

Ghana Prepare for Crucial Group C Clash in Accra

A different challenge for the Black Stars

Ghana’s immediate task is not simply to recover from the opening defeat but to prevent the early results from creating a significant points gap.

A victory over The Gambia would put Ghana on three points and bring them level with their opponents after two matches. The Gambia, meanwhile, will arrive in Accra having already demonstrated that they can collect points under pressure.

The match also gives Ghana an opportunity to respond after a difficult opening performance against Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz named a 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with Mohammed Kudus among the players returning to the squad.

Qualification race is only beginning

The early Group C standings should be viewed in context. The teams have played only one match each, and the qualification campaign consists of multiple rounds.

CAF says the 2027 AFCON finals will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The qualifying group stage began with Matchdays 1 and 2 scheduled between September and October 2026.

The three East African hosts have automatic qualification, while the remaining qualifying places are determined through the qualification process.

What the Ghana–Gambia match could clarify

Tuesday’s encounter will provide a clearer picture of how the two sides have responded to their opening fixtures.

For Ghana, the match offers a chance to put the Côte d’Ivoire defeat behind them and open their points account. For The Gambia, it is an opportunity to build on Friday’s victory and strengthen their position.

The outcome will not decide Group C by itself, but it will shape the early standings and the pressure surrounding the teams as the qualification schedule develops.

Independent view

The available results establish one clear fact: Ghana has started the qualification campaign without a point, while The Gambia has three after beating Somalia. That makes the upcoming meeting in Accra an important early fixture, although substantial qualification matches remain.

The Gambia’s 2–1 victory does not by itself determine Ghana’s eventual qualification prospects. It does, however, mean that the Black Stars enter the next match needing to respond to their opening defeat while facing an opponent that already has a win behind it.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 

Manchester City are facing the next stage of a long-running Premier League financial case after reports said an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches brought against it.

The reported decision, which has not been publicly released in full, concerns allegations covering financial reporting, player and managerial remuneration, UEFA financial regulations and cooperation with the Premier League. Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and say the proceedings are still ongoing.

Manchester City Face Fallout After Reported 114-Charge Verdict

What has reportedly been decided?

Reports from The Athletic and The Times, cited by Reuters and other major outlets, say the independent commission found City guilty on all but one of the 115 charges.

The Premier League itself has not publicly confirmed the reported verdict, saying the proceedings are confidential. City also issued a statement saying that “significant elements” of the process remain to be completed.

That means the reported 114-charge finding should currently be described as a reported tribunal outcome rather than a publicly published final ruling.

Manchester City Hit by Reported Verdict in Premier League Finance Case

What are the allegations about?

The Premier League charged City in February 2023 following a lengthy investigation.

The allegations cover several categories, including:

• Financial information: alleged failures to provide accurate information about revenues and operating costs.
• Player and manager payments: alleged failures to provide complete details of remuneration.
• UEFA financial rules: alleged breaches of European financial regulations.
• Profitability and Sustainability Rules: alleged breaches of Premier League financial requirements.
• Cooperation: allegations that City failed to cooperate with the league’s investigation.

The charges relate principally to the period beginning in the 2009-10 season, with the wider case extending into later seasons.

Manchester City face the next stage of a long-running Premier League financial case after reports that an independent commission upheld 114 of 115 alleged breaches.

City continue to deny wrongdoing

Manchester City have maintained throughout the proceedings that they did not commit the alleged breaches.

Following reports of the tribunal’s findings, the club said its position remained consistent with its February 2023 response and stressed that it had expected the Premier League’s process to be conducted independently and fairly.

The club is expected to appeal the findings, meaning the reported decision is not necessarily the final stage of the dispute.

Why the case has taken so long

The scale of the case is one reason the proceedings have attracted so much attention.

The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in 2023 after an investigation that had developed over several years. The formal hearing began on 16 September 2024 and concluded on 6 December 2024.

A three-person independent commission heard the case, examining a large volume of financial and contractual evidence.

The delay between the hearing and the reported findings reflects the unusually large number of allegations and the amount of evidence involved.

What penalties could Manchester City face?

No punishment has been announced.

Premier League rules give an independent commission a broad range of possible sanctions in financial-rule cases. Depending on the final findings and any subsequent appeal, potential measures can include financial penalties, points deductions, restrictions on player registration, suspension or, in the most serious circumstances, expulsion from the competition.

It would therefore be premature to say that City will receive any particular punishment.

The eventual sanction, if the findings survive an appeal, would depend on the commission’s detailed reasoning and the applicable Premier League rules.

Previous financial cases

The City proceedings are also significant because other Premier League clubs have previously received sporting penalties for financial breaches.

Everton received an aggregate eight-point deduction during the 2023-24 season following two separate Profitability and Sustainability Rules cases. Nottingham Forest received a four-point deduction in 2024 for a PSR breach.

Those cases do not establish what punishment City would receive, however. The allegations against City are considerably broader and cover a much longer period.

The UEFA case is separate

Manchester City’s current Premier League case should not be confused with an earlier UEFA financial case.

In 2020, UEFA imposed a two-year Champions League ban and a fine after finding City in breach of its financial regulations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport later overturned the European competition ban and reduced the fine, with CAS finding that many of UEFA’s allegations were either not established or were time-barred.

The current Premier League proceedings are separate and operate under Premier League rules.

What happens now?

The next major stages are expected to involve:

1. Publication or disclosure of the commission’s detailed findings, subject to the confidentiality rules governing the case.
2. Determination of sanctions, if the reported findings stand.
3. Manchester City’s expected appeal.
4. Further consideration of the case before any sporting penalties become definitive.

The appeal process means the reported findings do not necessarily mark the end of the dispute.

Independent assessment

The key distinction at this stage is between what has been reported and what has been officially published.

Multiple major outlets report that Manchester City were found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges. Reuters has independently reported those claims while noting that the Premier League has declined to comment and that City say the process remains ongoing.

Consequently, the most accurate description for now is that Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of almost all the alleged breaches, but the legal and disciplinary process is not yet complete.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 | Sports 

Côte d’Ivoire began its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–0 victory over Ghana in Bouaké, but the result was overshadowed by a disputed second-half penalty that Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz strongly criticised.

Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard subsequently declined to engage in the controversy, saying he would not respond to Queiroz’s comments.

Renard Stays Silent as Penalty Controversy Follows Côte d’Ivoire Win

Penalty becomes the main talking point

The decisive incident came in the 58th minute, when referee Mustapha Ghorbal awarded Côte d’Ivoire a penalty after Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku challenged Malick Yalcouyé inside the penalty area.

Captain Franck Kessié converted the spot-kick to put the hosts 2–0 ahead.

Queiroz questioned the decision after the match, describing the penalty as a “joke” after seeing a replay on television. He also raised concerns about the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the competition.

The Ghana coach argued that VAR could have provided additional assistance to the referee in determining whether the challenge warranted a penalty.

Queiroz Questions Penalty Decision After Ghana’s Defeat

Renard refuses to enter the argument

Renard was asked about Queiroz’s criticism after the match but chose not to respond directly.

“As for the controversy launched by the Ghanaian coach, I’m not going to respond to him.”

Instead, the Côte d’Ivoire coach focused on his team’s result and acknowledged that the performance was not perfect, particularly given the condition of the playing surface.

Renard’s position leaves the penalty debate largely between Queiroz’s interpretation and the referee’s decision on the field.

Kessié Converts From the Spot to Double Côte d’Ivoire’s Lead

How the match unfolded

The opening goal came shortly before half-time when Yalcouyé scored on his competitive debut for Côte d’Ivoire.

The Brighton striker found the net in the 44th minute with a shot from outside the box, giving the home side a 1–0 lead at the interval. Kessié’s penalty later doubled the advantage.

Côte d’Ivoire therefore collected three points in the opening round of Group C.

The CAF competition format has six group matches, with the top two teams in groups without a co-host advancing to the finals. The 2027 tournament itself will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Ghana also questions the decision

The controversy has not been limited to Queiroz.

Fatawu Issahaku, whose challenge led to the penalty, also questioned the referee’s decision. He said his intention was to prevent Yalcouyé from shooting and disputed that he had made contact that warranted a penalty.

That means the incident has generated criticism from both the Ghana coaching staff and the player directly involved, while Côte d’Ivoire has maintained its focus on the result.

Queiroz calls for VAR

The Ghana coach’s broader criticism concerned the lack of VAR in the qualifying competition.

Queiroz argued that the technology could help reduce contentious decisions and improve confidence in refereeing decisions during major African competitions.

The question of VAR is separate from whether the specific challenge should have been penalised. A video review could potentially have provided another angle on the incident, but without VAR being available for the match, the referee’s on-field decision stood.

What the result means

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after its opening Group C match, while Côte d’Ivoire starts its campaign with three points.

Ghana’s next qualifier is scheduled for 29 September, when the Black Stars host The Gambia in Accra. Côte d’Ivoire will continue its Group C campaign as it seeks to build on its opening victory.

Independent assessment

The penalty remains a disputed moment rather than an objectively settled controversy in the available post-match accounts. The referee awarded the spot-kick, Queiroz and Issahaku challenged the decision, while Renard declined to debate it publicly.

The clearest immediate consequence is therefore the result: Côte d’Ivoire 2–0 Ghana, with the penalty providing the main source of disagreement after the match.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 26 September 2026 

The Ghana coach questioned why VAR was not available during the qualifier after a second-half penalty awarded to Côte d’Ivoire became one of the central talking points of the match.

Queiroz Questions VAR Absence After Ghana Defeat

Penalty becomes major talking point

Côte d’Ivoire led 1–0 when referee Mustapha Ghorbal awarded a penalty after Ghana midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Ivorian forward Malick Yalcouyé inside the penalty area.

Captain Franck Kessié converted the spot-kick, giving the hosts a 2–0 advantage. Ghana subsequently failed to find a way back into the match.

Queiroz said after the match that he had reviewed the incident on television and strongly disagreed with the decision.

“That penalty is a joke,”

he said, while stressing that his criticism was directed at the officiating rather than Côte d’Ivoire’s players.

Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Clash Sparks Fresh VAR Debate

Queiroz questions VAR’s absence

The disputed call prompted the Ghana coach to question the wider officiating system.

Queiroz asked why VAR was not being used in AFCON qualifying matches and argued that the technology could provide referees with additional assistance in potentially decisive incidents.

“Why don’t we have VAR in Africa?”

he asked during his post-match press conference.

His argument comes as CAF continues to expand its VAR-related training programmes. CAF’s 2024–25 activity report says more than 100 referees and other officials have received VAR-related training, while the organisation has outlined plans to expand live VAR coverage across additional CAF competitions and qualifiers.

VAR is already part of AFCON’s tournament system

The debate is not about whether VAR exists in African football generally.

CAF has already used VAR in major competitions. Research published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living notes that VAR was introduced at AFCON and was used throughout the 2023 tournament after earlier implementation was more limited.

The current issue is its availability during the qualifying stage.

CAF’s official schedule confirms that the 2027 AFCON qualifying group stage began on September 24, with Ghana’s Group C meeting against Côte d’Ivoire among the opening fixtures.

What the research says about VAR

The wider debate is more complicated than simply assuming that VAR eliminates controversial decisions.

A 2026 study examining AFCON matches before and after VAR’s introduction found significant reductions in fouls and offsides, while playing time increased. The study also found increases in penalties, goals and cards, although those latter changes were not statistically significant in the sample.

The technology can therefore provide referees with another mechanism for reviewing potentially decisive incidents, but it does not eliminate disagreements over interpretation.

A VAR official must still determine whether an incident meets the criteria for review and whether the available video evidence warrants changing the referee’s original decision.

Ghana’s difficult opening

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from its opening Group C match.

Côte d’Ivoire took the lead shortly before half-time through Yalcouyé before Kessié’s penalty doubled the advantage in the second half.

Ghana’s next qualifier is scheduled for September 29 in Accra, when the Black Stars face The Gambia. CAF’s official fixture list confirms the match as Ghana’s second Group C fixture.

Queiroz has also said he remains proud of his players’ response and insisted that the defeat should not be interpreted as criticism of Côte d’Ivoire’s performance. The Ghana coach specifically separated his concerns about the penalty from the quality of the Ivorian team.

The bigger question for African football

The controversy has shifted attention from one penalty decision to a broader question: should VAR be routinely available during AFCON qualifying matches?

Supporters of wider implementation can point to the technology’s ability to provide additional evidence in penalty, goal, red-card and mistaken-identity situations. At the same time, expanding VAR requires trained officials, suitable broadcast infrastructure, cameras and operational resources across venues.

CAF’s own activity report indicates that the organisation is continuing to increase the number of VAR-certified officials and expand the technology’s use across its competitions.

That means the discussion following Ghana’s defeat is occurring alongside an existing CAF effort to expand VAR capacity rather than in isolation.

Independent assessment

The penalty remains a matter of interpretation surrounding the referee’s decision; Queiroz’s description of it as a “joke” is his assessment, not an independently established finding.

The verifiable issue is that Ghana did not have VAR available to review the incident, and the decision contributed to a 2–0 result that sparked renewed discussion about technology and officiating in AFCON qualifying.

CAF’s ongoing investment in VAR training suggests that the technology is expanding within African football, while the question of how broadly and consistently it should be deployed remains part of the competition’s officiating debate.