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.

FIFA boss to seek another term despite backlash over controversial investment plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to contest the organisation’s presidential election in 2027, despite mounting criticism and growing opposition from some of football’s most powerful governing bodies.

FIFA confirmed on Sunday, September 6, that nothing has changed regarding Infantino’s plans to seek re-election, reaffirming that the 56-year-old will be on the ballot next year.

The announcement comes at a particularly turbulent moment for world football, with Infantino facing increasing pressure following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA’s commercial interests.

“NOTHING HAS CHANGED” — FIFA

Infantino had already announced his intention to seek another term during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April 2026.

A FIFA spokesperson has now reiterated that position, saying the FIFA president announced in April that he would stand for re-election in 2027 and that “nothing has changed.”

The confirmation effectively puts to rest recent speculation that the intense backlash against Infantino could force him to abandon his re-election plans.

Instead, the FIFA boss appears ready for another major battle to retain control of world football’s governing body.

PRESSURE MOUNTS OVER FAILED INVESTMENT PLAN

Infantino’s decision comes after FIFA faced fierce criticism over its now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

The plan would have involved private investors taking stakes in a commercial subsidiary connected to FIFA’s competitions, triggering strong opposition from several football authorities.

The proposal was eventually scrapped after significant backlash, but the controversy has continued to fuel calls for change at FIFA.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have all expressed opposition to Infantino’s leadership, while UEFA has pushed for a potential challenger to emerge.

INFANTINO STILL HAS POWERFUL SUPPORT

Despite the pressure, Infantino is not without support.

Reports indicate that he continues to enjoy significant backing from Africa and South America, while countries and football authorities in other regions remain divided over his leadership.

That support could prove crucial because FIFA’s presidency is ultimately decided by its 211 member associations.

Infantino therefore faces the task of maintaining his coalition while attempting to win back support from federations that have become increasingly critical of his leadership.

MARCH 2027 SHOWDOWN

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, during the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

At present, Infantino remains the only formally declared candidate, although potential challengers are being discussed within the football community.

Candidate nominations are expected to close in November 2026, setting the stage for what could become one of the most fiercely contested FIFA presidential races in years.

A FOURTH TERM ON THE LINE

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

If he succeeds in 2027, he would secure another term and potentially remain FIFA president until 2031.

But unlike his previous re-election campaigns, Infantino could face a serious challenge this time, with opposition to his leadership becoming increasingly organised.

THE BATTLE FOR FIFA HAS BEGUN

The message from Zurich is clear: Gianni Infantino is not stepping aside.

Despite criticism, political pressure and the fallout from the failed investment proposal, the FIFA president is preparing to fight for another term.

Now the big question is whether the 211 member associations will give him another mandate — or whether football’s opposition forces can unite behind a credible challenger.

March 2027 is shaping up to be a major showdown for the future direction of world football.