Happenings around the powerhouse of Ghana football hints of interesting times ahead as powerbrokers ponder a possible regime change under a new helmsman, come 2019.
The widely reported friction between incumbent Kwesi Nyantakyi and his current vice George Afriyie has given a new dimension to the future vacancy previously only seen as Mr Afriyie’s inheritance.
The 2017/18 UEFA Champions League group stage draw has been made, with highlights including Bayern v Paris, Chelsea v Atlético, Juventus v Barcelona and Real Madrid v Dortmund.
Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena has arrived in Brighton ahead of a medical and an all-important work permit hearing on Friday (tomorrow) before completing a transfer to join English Premier League new boys Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls, earlier this week agreed a fee of around £10 million with Swiss side FC Zurich for the lanky 21-year-old who has also agreed personal terms although the deal is subject to work permit and international clearance processes.
For a guy who hasn’t even practiced yet, the Lions are confident defensive end Ziggy Ansah will be ready for the regular season.
Ansah remains on the physically unable to perform list, coming off a career-worst sack season in 2016 in which he was bothered by a high ankle sprain. But the Lions seem certain he’s going to be ready to start the regular season.
Manchester United have re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a one-year contract.
The 35-year-old former Sweden striker made 46 appearances and scored 28 goals for United last season.
Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah and Leicester defender Harry Maguire have been included in the England squad for September's World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.
Maguire, 24, and Chalobah, 22, have both been selected in an England squad for the first time.
WAFA reclaimed the top spot of the Ghana Premier League after beating Kumasi Asante Kotoko 2-0 in their outstanding game at the Red Bull Arena at Sogakope yesterday.
Second half goals by Prince Obeng Ampem and Daniel Lomotey did not only hand WAFA the maximum points to overtake Aduana Stars, with 46 points, but also re-emphasised their home invincibility with their 11th home win this season.
Azumah Nelson Junior, son of the World Boxing Council's Greatest Super Featherweight of All Time, Azumah Nelson has admitted that he faces a Herculean task in trying to emulate the exploits of his father in professional boxing.
"My father was a very great boxer and if, I am able to accomplish half of what he did I would be grateful," Nelson Jr told the Graphic Sports shortly after recording a split decision victory over Prosper Dzivor on Saturday at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Black Stars Head coach Kwesi Appiah has named a 24-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming World Cup double legged qualifying games against Congo.
The senior national team will host the Red Devils at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 1 before travelling to Brazzaville for the return encounter on September 5.
Wayne Rooney has retired from international football - despite Gareth Southgate wanting him back in the England squad.
Rooney bows out as England's all-time leading goalscorer with 53 goals, and the second-highest appearance maker.
WAFA’s deputy coach, Akakpo Patron, is hopeful of a win over Kumasi Asante Kotoko in their outstanding Premier League encounter at Sogakope today.
Coach Patron believes his side are prepared to add the Porcupine Warriors to their list of victims at the Red Bull Arena, having gone 11 games at home without a loss this season.
Ex-captain of the Black Stars, Kuuku Dadzie, has called for the institution of proper structures to improve the quality of the local football league.
He said for the nation to compete favourably on the continent, the local league must be very competitive.
Black Queens coach, Mas Ud Didi Dramani, believes the exodus of players cost Ghana’s qualification to the Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) competition slated for Kenya next year.
The 51-year-old former Real Tamale United and Ebusua Dwarfs player said the bane of the technical handlers was the continued transfer of local talents to leagues in other parts of the world.
The Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah, has put the CHAN fiasco behind him and is focused on winning the remaining four FIFA World Cup qualifiers to brighten Ghana’s Russia 2018 chances.
Instead of brooding over the past, Coach Appiah said he was concentrating on assembling the best players currently for Ghana’s upcoming qualifier against Congo in Kumasi next week Friday, September 1.
The chairman of the Black Stars B Management Committee, Nii Komiete Doku, has described as unjustifiable calls for Maxwell Konadu’s dismissal due to his failure to help the team to qualify for the Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) competition in Kenya.
In his opinion, Konadu should not solely shoulder the responsibility and suffer the consequences of Ghana’s failure since he is only an assistant coach.
