Sports
Otto Addo Rallies Black Stars: “We Must Win Against CAR to Keep World Cup Dream Alive”
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s chances of defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday in Meknes, Morocco.
Addressing the media ahead of the game, Addo emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and determination as Ghana looks to secure a vital victory that would move them closer to qualification.
“I just hope we’ve learned from the experience in Chad. We must stay focused until the final whistle,” Addo said. “We have to defend strongly and take our chances in attack. I’m confident we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals.”
The coach welcomed the return of Alidu Seidu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who have recovered from injuries and are back in the squad. “It’s not something to take for granted. They’ve worked hard to return and have been impressive in their leagues. I’m very happy to have them back,” he added.
Addo stressed that his main priority is the team’s success rather than personal glory. “I’m not thinking about myself. It’s about the team and the task ahead. We need to win this game — that’s all that matters,” he said.
Ghana currently tops their qualifying group, and Addo believes victory over CAR would put them in a commanding position to book a ticket to the World Cup. “We’re in control of our destiny. If we win this match, our chances of qualifying become very high,” he stated.
The coach also addressed the absence of striker Iñaki Williams, who withdrew due to injury. “It’s always difficult to lose players, but we’re fortunate to have depth. Brandon Thomas has been in good form, and he deserves his place,” Addo explained.
He admitted that injuries to players like Abdul Mumin and Ernest Nuamah have complicated selection decisions but said competition within the team is healthy. “It’s not easy to choose who starts, but that’s what we want — players pushing each other to perform,” he noted.
Addo downplayed any advantage of playing on neutral ground in Morocco, noting that consistency and experience would be key. “We’ve played on neutral grounds before, sometimes well, sometimes not. What matters is how we perform. I’m glad it’s an evening game; that helps our rhythm,” he said.
On handling pressure, the coach remained calm and optimistic. “Pressure is part of football. We’re used to it, and the players are experienced enough. We just have to meet expectations and deliver,” he affirmed.
Addo also praised senior players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku for their leadership, adding that stability in team selection helps build chemistry. “Consistency is vital. Too many changes make it hard for players to connect,” he noted.
He singled out Kudus for praise following his impressive performances at Tottenham Hotspur. “He’s been excellent — creating chances, scoring, and assisting. That form boosts the whole team,” Addo said.
Concluding, the coach thanked Ghanaians for their unwavering support. “Once again, I want to thank our fans for believing in us. We’ll fight hard to make them proud tomorrow,” he assured.
Ghana currently sits at the top of their qualifying group, and a win over the Central African Republic at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes would put the Black Stars within touching distance of a fifth World Cup appearance.
Former England international footballer Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving following a single-vehicle crash involving his Lamborghini on the M3 motorway in Hampshire.
Sterling, 31, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and admitted dangerous driving as well as charges relating to the possession of nitrous oxide and failing to provide a specimen.
Crash on M3
The incident happened on May 28, 2026, when Sterling’s Lamborghini Urus crashed on the southbound M3 near the Minley Interchange.
Police said no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. Sterling was subsequently charged after the crash.
The dangerous-driving charge covered his driving on several roads, including the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road, before the collision.
Nitrous Oxide Charges
Sterling also admitted possessing six nitrous oxide canisters. The substance is classified as a Class C drug in the UK when possessed for wrongful inhalation.
He additionally pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen.
The court heard allegations about his driving before the crash, with witnesses describing erratic manoeuvres and sudden changes in speed.
Football Career
Sterling has enjoyed a distinguished career with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, while also spending time on loan at Arsenal and later playing for Dutch club Feyenoord.
He made 82 appearances for England and won four Premier League titles with Manchester City. Sterling is currently without a club following the expiry of his Feyenoord contract.
The court proceedings are expected to determine the consequences of his guilty pleas.
Black Stars defender Nathaniel Adjei delivered a commanding performance at the back as FC Lorient secured a narrow 1-0 victory over high-flying RC Lens in Ligue 1.
The Ghanaian centre-back was instrumental in Lorient’s hard-fought win at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday, September 5, earning the Man of the Match award for his outstanding defensive display.
ADJEI ROCK-SOLID AT THE BACK
Adjei started alongside Montassar Talbi and Dembo Sylla in Lorient’s defensive setup and played the full match.
The 24-year-old showed composure, strength and excellent reading of the game as Lorient resisted sustained pressure from the home side to preserve a clean sheet.
His performance earned him an impressive 8.1 rating, the highest of any player involved in the game, according to the match rating cited by GhanaSoccerNet.
KONÉ STRIKES THE WINNER
While Adjei handled business at the back, Mamadou Koné provided the decisive moment for Lorient.
The teenager struck in the 52nd minute, finishing from close range after Lorient capitalised on a Lens turnover. It was Koné’s first Ligue 1 goal.
Lens dominated possession and created opportunities, but Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo produced several important saves to keep the hosts scoreless.
LENS CRUMBLE AT HOME
The defeat was a major setback for Lens, who suffered their second consecutive Ligue 1 loss.
Their frustration increased late in the game when defender Souleymane Sagnan was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time. The home supporters subsequently jeered their team at the final whistle.
For Lorient, however, it was a first league victory of the campaign.
ADJEI CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE START
The Ghanaian defender has started all three of Lorient’s league matches this season and is quickly establishing himself as an important figure in the club’s backline.
With another commanding performance against one of France’s stronger sides, Adjei has sent another reminder of his defensive quality.
A clean sheet. A 1-0 win. And the Man of the Match award — Nathaniel Adjei is certainly making his presence felt in France.
Ghana FA Cup champions Nations FC will have to overturn a one-goal deficit at home after losing 1-0 to Mali’s FC Diarra in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie.
Nations FC endured a frustrating outing in Bamako on Saturday, September 5, as FC Diarra secured a slim victory at the Stade Mamadou Konaté.
GOALLESS FIRST HALF
The opening half was a closely contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
Nations FC managed to keep the hosts at bay and went into the break level at 0-0, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second half.
FC DIARRA BREAK THE DEADLOCK
The decisive moment arrived after the interval when FC Diarra found the breakthrough in the 55th minute.
The Malian side’s goal gave them a 1-0 advantage and forced Nations FC to chase the game.
The Ghanaian champions pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser, but FC Diarra defended resolutely to protect their slender lead until the final whistle.
NATIONS FC NEED A RESPONSE IN GHANA
The defeat means Nations FC must now overturn the one-goal deficit in the return fixture to progress to the second preliminary round.
The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, in Ghana, giving the FA Cup holders home advantage as they attempt to keep their continental campaign alive.
A 2-0 victory or any win by two clear goals would send Nations FC through, while a one-goal victory would bring the tie level and leave the qualification outcome to the applicable competition rules.
THE PRESSURE IS NOW ON
For a club making its debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, Nations FC now face a crucial 90 minutes on home soil.
FC Diarra have taken the advantage, but the tie is far from over.
One goal down. One game left. Nations FC now have to produce the response when it matters most.
Kenpong Academy forward crowned Championship MVP after sensational Central Region campaign
Desmond Korlettey has officially announced himself as one of Ghana’s brightest emerging football talents.
The Central Region forward capped a remarkable 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship campaign by being crowned the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, after producing a series of outstanding performances for his region.
Korlettey finished the competition with an impressive six goals in five matches, one assist and four Man of the Match awards — statistics that underlined just how influential he was throughout the 11-day tournament.
FOUR MVP AWARDS — AND HE WASN’T DONE
Korlettey’s consistency was perhaps the most remarkable part of his campaign.
The youngster collected the MVP award four times, emerging as the standout player in Central Region’s matches against Greater Accra, Northern Region, Upper East and Brong Ahafo.
His final MVP performance was arguably his most memorable.
In the third-place playoff against Brong Ahafo, Korlettey scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes, putting Central Region firmly in control as they cruised to a 3-0 victory and secured the bronze medal.
SIX GOALS. FIVE GAMES. ONE BIG STATEMENT.
While Greater Accra’s Dennis Adjei finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals in just three appearances, Korlettey’s overall contribution earned him the competition’s biggest individual prize.
His six goals, assist and four MVP awards demonstrated that his impact went well beyond simply finding the back of the net.
He repeatedly influenced matches, created danger and delivered when Central Region needed him most.
CENTRAL REGION’S BRONZE MEDAL HERO
Korlettey played a central role in Central Region’s successful campaign, helping the side finish third overall.
The team also received recognition for its conduct throughout the tournament, being named the Fair Play Team of the Championship.
For the young forward, however, the individual recognition was the ultimate reward.
His performances earned him a place in the MTN Elite U-19 Championship Best XI, further confirming his status as one of the tournament’s outstanding players.
KENPONG ACADEMY TALENT ON THE RISE
Korlettey’s breakthrough campaign also shines a spotlight on Kenpong Academy, where the youngster has continued his development.
The MTN Elite U-19 Championship is designed to provide young Ghanaian players with competitive exposure and a platform to showcase their abilities.
Korlettey took full advantage of that opportunity.
From his goalscoring exploits to his repeated MVP performances, he transformed the tournament into a personal statement of intent.
A STAR TO WATCH
The championship may be over, but Korlettey’s performances are unlikely to be forgotten quickly.
At just the beginning of what could be a promising football journey, the forward has already demonstrated three qualities every aspiring attacker needs — goals, consistency and the ability to perform when it matters.
Four MVP awards.
Six goals.
One assist.
A bronze medal.
And ultimately, the MTN Elite U-19 Championship MVP award.
Desmond Korlettey didn’t just participate in the tournament — he owned the spotlight.
19-year-old winger delivers stunning finish as Arsenal open WSL campaign with hard-fought victory
Lisa Baum needed just 10 minutes to make her mark in an Arsenal shirt.
The 19-year-old winger marked her Arsenal debut in spectacular fashion, scoring the only goal as the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening Women’s Super League fixture.
Baum produced a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock, dancing past Brighton defenders before unleashing a fierce effort into the top-left corner.
It was the perfect introduction for the new Arsenal signing.
BAUM LIGHTS UP HER DEBUT
With Arsenal looking to make a strong start to the new WSL campaign, Baum wasted little time announcing her arrival.
The teenager showed composure and confidence beyond her years, creating space for herself before firing past the Brighton goalkeeper.
The strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
ARSENAL HAD CHANCES TO KILL THE GAME
The Gunners created opportunities to extend their advantage, but Brighton remained within touching distance.
Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius both came close from inside the box but were unable to convert their chances.
That left Arsenal needing to remain disciplined defensively as Brighton searched for an equaliser.
BRIGHTON FIGHT BACK
Brighton showed plenty of spirit, particularly after falling behind, and pushed Arsenal for much of the remainder of the contest.
The hosts ultimately could not find a way through Arsenal’s defence, leaving Baum’s early strike standing as the decisive moment of the afternoon.
For Brighton boss Arturo Ruiz, there were positives despite the narrow defeat, particularly from his team’s spirited performance in his first match in charge.
A DREAM START FOR BAUM
For Baum, however, the afternoon could hardly have gone better.
A debut goal, a victory and three points — all in her first appearance for one of England’s biggest women’s clubs.
The young winger has immediately given Arsenal supporters something to talk about, and her stunning introduction will only increase expectations surrounding what she can offer this season.
ARSENAL HAVE THEIR FIRST WIN — AND BAUM HAS HER FIRST BIG MOMENT
It may have been a narrow victory, but Arsenal will be delighted to begin their WSL campaign with three points.
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