Ghana Sports Roundup: GFA Closes in on New Black Stars Coach, Gold Stars Lead Title Race & Historic Para-Swimming Milestone

Black Stars Coaching Search: GFA Executive Committee Meets Today

The biggest news in Ghana sports today is the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Committee meeting to finalize the appointment of a new Black Stars head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo at the end of March 2026 . The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with Ghana drawn in a challenging World Cup group alongside Croatia, England, and Panama .

The GFA has narrowed its search to a final shortlist of three candidates after receiving more than 600 applications initially . While the identities of the final three remain undisclosed, names like Joachim Löw and Walid Regragui have been linked to the vacancy as the FA looks for a high-profile “general” to lead the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup .

GFA President Kurt Okraku has assured supporters that the process would be expedited, indicating that a new coach would be named within “a week or two” following Otto Addo’s exit . The urgency is underscored by Ghana’s recent struggles, including a 2-1 defeat to Germany and a 5-1 loss to Austria during the March international window .

The Executive Committee is expected to discuss the candidates and make a recommendation, which will then be submitted for further consultations with the government before a formal announcement is made .

Ghana Premier League: Gold Stars Climb to Summit as Title Race Intensifies

Gold Stars Lead with 53 Points

Bibiani Gold Stars have climbed back to the top of the Ghana Premier League table after Matchday 28, sitting on 53 points with six matches remaining . The defending champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nations FC at Dun’s Park, with Samuel Atta Kumi netting his league-leading 12th goal of the campaign .

FC Samartex Stun Kotoko in Kumasi

Asante Kotoko’s title hopes took another hit after a surprise 2-1 home defeat to FC Samartex 1996 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The fixture, which was abandoned on Sunday due to heavy rain, resumed on Monday morning, with Samartex making the most of the second half through goals from Christian Boateng and Emmanuel Mamah .

Albert Amoah grabbed a late consolation for Kotoko, who remain fourth on the table with 43 points, now eight points behind leaders Gold Stars .

Hearts of Oak Keep Ambitions Alive

Hearts of Oak kept their title ambitions alive with a composed 1-0 win against Young Apostles at the Accra Sports Stadium. Frank Abora Duku’s first-half strike proved decisive, pushing Hearts up to third place and firmly back into contention .

Relegation Battle Heats Up

With Eleven Wonders already relegated and Hohoe United set to follow after their controversial withdrawal, the scrap for survival is more intense than ever. Young Apostles occupy the bottom spot on 33 points, but only two points separate 12th-placed Swedru All Blacks, 13th Berekum Chelsea, 14th Vision FC, and 15th Nations FC, all on 35 points .

Hohoe United Announces Withdrawal

Hohoe United has officially announced its withdrawal from the league, citing systemic bias and unfair officiating. The Hohoe-based side failed to honour their Matchday 28 game against Eleven Wonders, and the club’s Administrative Manager, Yussif Uthman, stated that the players support the decision .

“The players are in support of the club’s decision because of the bias of the system they have been subjected to week in and out,” Uthman said .

At the time of withdrawal, Hohoe United sat in the relegation zone with 30 points from 27 matches .

Women’s Football: Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa Crowned Zone Champions

The 2025/26 Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League regular season has concluded, with Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa Ladies emerging as champions of the Southern and Northern Zones respectively .

Southern Zone: Hasaacas Ladies Extend Dominance

In the Southern Zone, Hasaacas Ladies clinched a record-extending ninth zonal title after edging debutants Samartex Ladies 1-0 on Matchday 18. They finished top with 40 points from 18 matches, recording 12 wins, four draws, and just two defeats .

Army Ladies finished second with a point adrift, while defending champions Police Ladies settled for fifth after a goalless draw with Ladystrikers. At the bottom, Soccer Intellectuals and Halifax Queens bowed out of the top flight .

Northern Zone: Ampem Darkoa Secure Ninth Crown

The Northern Zone was equally dramatic as Ampem Darkoa Ladies powered to their ninth zonal crown with a 4-3 victory over Fosu Royal Ladies, finishing the season on 37 points. They won 11 of their 18 matches, drew four, and lost three .

FC Savannah placed second despite a final-day defeat, while Northern Ladies dropped to the lower division .

Championship Final Awaits

With both giants once again standing tall, the stage is set for a showdown to crown Ghana’s ultimate winner of the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League .

Ghanaian Players Abroad: Mixed Results Across Europe

Premier League Highlights

Antoine Semenyo continues to impress for Manchester City, recently helping them progress in the FA Cup .

Jordan Ayew rescued a point for Leicester City with a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday .

Thomas Partey played the entire duration for Arsenal in their 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth, while Antoine Semenyo climbed off the bench to register an assist for the Cherries .

La Liga Milestone

Iñaki Williams, the Athletic Club captain, is set to make his 400th LaLiga appearance this coming Sunday against Villarreal.

Other Notable Performances

Abdul Aziz Issah scored again for Barça Atlètic in their recent win over UE Porreres.

Tariq Lamptey saw 37 minutes of action for Brighton in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United .

Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer scored for Hamburger in their 4-0 win over Darmstadt in Bundesliga II .

Ibrahim Osman registered an assist for Feyenoord in their 4-1 win over Heracles .

Jonas Adjetey played 85 minutes for Basel in their 5-1 win over Servette .

Boxing: Tetteh and Macbones Excel as Kumasi Rematch Looms

Rivals Jonathan “Worldwide” Tetteh and Seth Gyimah, better known as Freezy Macbones, reignited their simmering feud with explosive victories on Sunday night, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster rematch in Kumasi this August .

Tetteh Dominates Quartey

Tetteh, the more composed and methodical of the two, dominated seasoned campaigner Abdul Aziz Quartey before forcing a stoppage in the fifth round to successfully defend his national light heavyweight crown. The champion’s sharp combinations and relentless pressure left the veteran with no answers, with Coach Ofori Asare throwing in the towel at 1:52 .

Macbones’ Devastating KO

If Tetteh was clinical, Macbones was devastating. The popular UK-based Ghanaian needed just 57 seconds to dispatch Nigeria’s Jamiu Animashaun, unleashing a ferocious barrage of body shots that sent his opponent crumpling to the canvas. The emphatic knockout pushed Macbones’ record to 11 stoppages in 12 victories .

War of Words

Speaking at ringside, Tetteh struck a cautious tone, insisting he would consult his team before committing to the bout—a stance that did not sit well with his rival.

“Everybody knows, not just in Ghana but across Africa, that Freezy versus Worldwide is the biggest and most anticipated fight,” Macbones said. “He was the one calling for the rematch everywhere… so what has changed? It’s clear he is afraid. If he’s not afraid, he should sign the contract. Let’s do it at Baba Yara Stadium in August” .

Para Sports: Promise Aheto Makes History

Promise Aheto has made history by becoming the first Ghanaian para swimmer to qualify for the Commonwealth Games .

Aheto secured qualification through a bipartite slot following his classification and outstanding performance at the World Para Swimming Series in Australia in February 2026. At the competition, he recorded personal best times of 1:38.58 in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke S9 and 31.72 in the Men’s 50m Freestyle S13, qualifying him to compete in either event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland (23 July – 2 August 2026) .

This historic achievement marks a major milestone for Ghana Para Sports and highlights the growing progress of para sports development in Ghana .

Bodybuilding: NSA Pledges Full Support for IFBB West Africa Championship

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has pledged full support for the 2026 IFBB West Africa Championship to be hosted in Accra .

The Director General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah, gave the assurance when the Local Organising Committee, led by GBFA President Abdul Haye Yartey, paid a courtesy call to formally brief and invite him to the event .

The 2026 IFBB West Africa Championship is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the National Theatre in Accra .

Key Takeaways at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are the candidates for the Black Stars coaching job?
The GFA has shortlisted three candidates from over 600 applications. While the identities remain officially undisclosed, names like Joachim Löw and Walid Regragui have been linked to the vacancy .

2. When will the new Black Stars coach be announced?
The GFA Executive Committee is meeting today, April 7, 2026, to deliberate. GFA President Kurt Okraku indicated a new coach would be named within “a week or two” following Otto Addo’s dismissal .

3. Who is leading the Ghana Premier League title race?
Bibiani Gold Stars are top of the table with 53 points after Matchday 28, one point ahead of Medeama .

4. Why has Hohoe United withdrawn from the league?
Hohoe United cited systemic bias and unfair officiating as reasons for their withdrawal. The club’s administrative manager stated that players support the decision .

5. Which teams won the Women’s Premier League zones?
Hasaacas Ladies won the Southern Zone (their ninth zonal title), and Ampem Darkoa Ladies won the Northern Zone (their ninth zonal crown) .

6. What milestone is Iñaki Williams about to achieve?
The Athletic Club captain is set to make his 400th LaLiga appearance this coming Sunday against Villarreal.

7. When is the Tetteh vs Macbones rematch?
Both fighters have agreed in principle to settle their rivalry in Kumasi in August 2026, though Tetteh has indicated he will consult his team before committing .

8. What historic achievement did Promise Aheto accomplish?
Promise Aheto became the first Ghanaian para swimmer to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, securing a bipartite slot for the 2026 Games in Glasgow .

9. When and where is the IFBB West Africa Championship?
The championship is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the National Theatre in Accra .

10. How did Antoine Semenyo perform recently?
Antoine Semenyo continues to impress for Manchester City, recently helping them progress in the FA Cup .

Conclusion: A Pivotal Day for Ghana Sports

April 7, 2026, stands as a pivotal day for Ghana sports across multiple disciplines. The GFA Executive Committee’s meeting to finalize the Black Stars coaching appointment carries immense weight, with the World Cup just months away and Ghana drawn in a challenging group alongside Croatia, England, and Panama .

In the domestic league, Bibiani Gold Stars have seized control of the title race, while Hohoe United’s withdrawal has cast a shadow over the integrity of the competition . The women’s game continues to thrive, with Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa Ladies once again proving their dominance .

On the global stage, Ghanaian players continue to make their mark, with Iñaki Williams approaching a historic 400th LaLiga appearance, Antoine Semenyo shining at Manchester City, and Jordan Ayew rescuing crucial points for Leicester City .

In boxing, the stage is set for a blockbuster rematch between Tetteh and Macbones, while in para sports, Promise Aheto has broken new ground as Ghana’s first Commonwealth Games para swimming qualifier .

As the sporting calendar moves deeper into 2026, Ghana’s athletes continue to deliver moments of pride, drama, and historic achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are the candidates for the Black Stars coaching job?
The GFA has shortlisted three candidates from over 600 applications. Names like Joachim Löw and Walid Regragui have been linked to the vacancy .

2. When will the new Black Stars coach be announced?
The GFA Executive Committee is meeting today, April 7, 2026. GFA President Kurt Okraku indicated a new coach would be named within “a week or two” .

3. Who is leading the Ghana Premier League title race?
Bibiani Gold Stars are top with 53 points after Matchday 28, one point ahead of Medeama .

4. Why has Hohoe United withdrawn from the league?
Hohoe United cited systemic bias and unfair officiating as reasons for their withdrawal .

5. Which teams won the Women’s Premier League zones?
Hasaacas Ladies won the Southern Zone and Ampem Darkoa Ladies won the Northern Zone—both claimed their ninth zonal titles .

6. What milestone is Iñaki Williams about to achieve?
The Athletic Club captain is set to make his 400th LaLiga appearance this coming Sunday against Villarreal.

7. When is the Tetteh vs Macbones rematch?
Both fighters have agreed in principle to settle their rivalry in Kumasi in August 2026 .

8. What historic achievement did Promise Aheto accomplish?
Promise Aheto became the first Ghanaian para swimmer to qualify for the Commonwealth Games .

9. When and where is the IFBB West Africa Championship?
April 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the National Theatre in Accra .

10. How did Antoine Semenyo perform recently?
Antoine Semenyo continues to impress for Manchester City, recently helping them progress in the FA Cup

Source: Accra Street Journal