Ghana football legend Mohammed 'Polo' Ahmed has incurred the wrath of many admirers of modern football best Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina fame after he declared he was far better than the 23-year-old when he was active in football. 'Polo' was among the Black Stars squad that won the 1978 African Nations Cup on home soil. - The modern young forward has to his credit FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and the Ballon d’Or in 2009 and 2010. However, ‘Polo’, who is known as the ‘Dribbling Magician’ and is often regarded as the most technically gifted Ghanaian footballer ever, doesn’t buy the hype and says that at his prime h…

2010 was an exceptional year. For the first time, the continent was accorded the rights to organise the World Cup, fifty three years after the creation of the Confederation of African Football. Never before had Africa received such a global recognition. A formidable experience that came to brighten a continent whom many had known for conflicts, natural disasters, diseases and unemployment. - Two events however came to remind us about certain realities we live with, which is very shocking. 2010 started with an abominable drama, the attack on the Togolese bus traveling for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Orange in the Angolan province of Cabinda. The tournament was for the first time being…

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal have released their squad for different international friendlies slated for February 9. DR Congo have booked a date with Gabon at Mantes-la-Ville, Yvelines, Paris region while the west Africa nation is facing Guinea in Dakar. - According to Goal.com, almost all the players who participated in the Lions of Teranga recent outings were retained, except for Linguère goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye, who is preparing for the CHAN 2011 slated for early February. Senegal list: Goalkeepers: Bouna Coundoul (New York Red Bulls), Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye (Paris FC, National). Defenders : Jacques Faty (FC Sochaux, France), Omar Daf (Brest, France), Kader Manga…

South Africa defender and new Tottemham Hotspurs signing Bongani Khumalo is settling in his new environment, according to his agent Glyn Binkin. The former SuperSport United captain now has to himself a car and a house near to the Spurs training ground in Chigwell, Essex. - “Bongani’s doing well so far – he has his own place now and a car, so that has made things easier for him,” Binkin toldKickOff.com. “But Spurs have got a number of excellent players in his position, so he knows he will have to be patient. Jonathan Woodgate is back in contention and Michael Dawson and William Gallas have been playing very well, so it’s a matter of waiting for his chan…

South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar is the most wanted southern African player in the English Premier League this transfer season. Title holders Chelsea are in contention with Tottenham Hotspurs for the signature of the player as the transfer window gradually draws to a quick close in about a fortnight. - Everton have accepted an offer from the Blues for the 28-year-old South African ahead of Tottenham, manager David Moyes said in a BBC report. Pienaar was left out of the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool with Moyes saying the player's "head wasn't right to play". Pienaar is out of contract at the end of the season and Chelsea are believed to have offe…

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana have appointed Serbian Goran Stevanovic as the new head coach of the four-time African champions Black Stars. The West African nation FA finalized deal with the 44-year-old gaffer on Monday and he would be unveiled on Wednesday to the press. - The former Partizan tactician is replacing his compatriot Milovan Rajevac who led Ghana to their first ever quarter-final at the global football showpiece in South Africa and resigned afterwards. Below is a full profile of the new coach: FULL NAME: Goran ‘Plavi’ Stevanovic AGE: 44 NATIONALITY: Serbian CURRENT CLUB: Unattached FULL PROFILE The retired midfielder began his football ca…

Four-time African champions Ghana are yet to finalize a deal to play their colonial masters England in an international friendly. The 29 March friendly at the Wembley Stadium would be the first time the two are meeting at the senior level in international football. - “We expect to sign the contract next week to make it complete, but we have an agreement to play England. We have agreed in principle to play,” GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi confirmed to Ghanasoccernet.com. Both sides have met on several occasions at junior levels and this game is hugely expected to show who is who in the arena of football. Ghana is currently ranked 16th on the FIFA/Coca-Cola monthly rankings wh…

Media reports from the US state that former Nigeria international, Uche Okafor, was found dead at his Dallas, Texas home in the United States of America (USA) early Thursday. Ben Iroha, a former Nigerian team-mate of Uche between 1990 and 1994, told SuperSport.com that he received the shock news via a telephone conversation that the 43-year-old has died. - "Seriously I still find it hard to believe when I got the call from the US yesterday (Thursday) evening. This is a really sad way to begin the year,” said Iroha. Iroha added that he is yet to know what really transpired up to the death of his former teammate. “I am yet to know what happened. But I feel so sad to hear th…

Moments after news broke out that the Bafana Bafana of South Africa are gearing up for a friendly against Sweden, the CEO of SAFA Leslie Sedibe has told Kickoff.com the news was false. The Sweden FA website reported the news saying it was part of their preparations for their Uefa Euro qualifiers and confirmed by Fifa.com. - "That's irresponsible by someone from that website. I want to make it clear that we will not be playing Sweden in any friendly this month. "We will put out a press release later today informing the public that we will not be playing any game against Sweden as we have not arranged a friendly against them," Sedibe said. The Swedish FA announced th…

The South Africa national football side Bafana Bafana have set a friendly date with European side Sweden at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on January 22. According to Goal.com, the Swedish national team have an earlier date in South Africa when they take on Botswana in Cape Town on January 19. - FIFA.com reported that the Swedish FA announced that they will play the Rainbow nation as part of their preparations for their Uefa Euro qualifiers. According to their website, Sweden, who will play Moldova in a Euro qualifier on March 29, will be in Cape Town from January 15 and will prepare at Ikamva.

English Premier League side Manchester City are reported to be gearing up to offload former Togolese captain Emmanuel Adebayor during the transfer window and, according to Marca, Real Madrid will make their move for the forward. - The Spanish publication has announced los Blancos will sign Adebayor initially on loan until the end of the season before making the deal a permanent one, Goal.com reported. The former Arsenal hitman has an uneasy relationship with current City boss Roberto Mancini and has only featured in a handful of games this season, with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli securing the lone striker role in rotation. Mancini may be eager to usher Adebayor out of…

Nigeria's U20 team the Flying Eagles are scheduled to begin camping from January 8 to prepare adequately for the upcoming CAF U20 Championships taking place in Libya in March. CAF will hold draws for the tournament on Tuesday January 4 in Tripoli. - “The early camping will enable us in the technical crew to pick some players we have invited,” coach John Obuh told Complete Sports. Nigeria are five-time African champions at U20, and they will be aiming to make 2011 a better year for Nigerian supporters after a very disappointing 2010 at national team level.

Ghana's number one goalkeeper Richard Kingson is the toast of English Premier League debutants Blackpool. The 32-year-old celebrated in memorable fashion with the travelling supporters after pulling off a string of fine saves in the hard-earned 2-0 victory at Sunderland. - The fans chanted "Ghana's Number One' and held aloft a Ghanaian flag with The King written on it. And the man who has kept three clean sheets in five games since replacing the injured Matt Gilks couldn't be happier. "I love the fans. Every time I see them behind my goal I feel good," he told the Blackpool Gazzete. "I always say to myself that if I were a (outfield) player I would …

Cameroonian and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has called on political leaders in West African nation of Ivory Coast to resolve their differences and restore peace. Ivorians have been leaving in fear over the past weeks due to a standoff between embattled leader Laurent Gbagbo and his opponent Alassane Ouattara. - The Cameroonian captain told Sport365.fr: "Above all, I pray for the Almighty God’s intervention in Cote d’Ivoire, to bring peace and protect Ivorians for further troubles.” Eto’o is married to Ivorian-born woman named Georgette, with whom he has three children. The U.N. has said at least 173 people have been killed in violence over the vot…

Disgruntled fans of Lubumbashi-based club of TP Mazembe took to the streets and attacked Chinese-run businesses after the Crows were humiliated in a 3-0 defeat to Italian side Inter Milan in the final of the Club World Cup. - Police, according to the BBC, fired over football fans' heads to disperse the angry crowds in Lubumbashi in DR Congo. They are believed to have thought the Japanese referee was Chinese, and were angered by some of his decisions. During the game in Abu Dhabi, fans had chanted "Chinese go home". Many Chinese firms work in the copper mining industry in Lubumbashi, capital of Katanga province. Disappointed fans smashed windows and started to loot mobile…

Ghana and Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan has been crowned BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2010. The Black Stars striker clinched the title with an overwhelming majority - receiving more than half of the vote. He finished well ahead of fellow Ghanaian Andre 'Dede' Ayew, Ivorians Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon. - "I'm so happy, I can't believe it," he said. "I'm so thankful to all the fans who voted for me." He added: "It was really hard to win this award, especially because of all the other players I was up against. "So I'm so appreciative to all my fans in Africa - especially my family an…

Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan has been voted as Rosenborg's Player of the Year for the second time in a row by the Norwegian fans. Annan had 42 percent of the total 4096 votes cast, Markus Henriksen came second with 33 percent and 40-year-old midfielder Roar Strand was third with 10 percent. - “It’s a great honor for me. I thank the fans for having voted for me and I’m very grateful,” Annan told the club’s website. “All players have done a good job this year and fans have probably seen that I’ve been good. The Manchester United and Liverpool target shares his fondest memories for the season. “We have performed well even in the wh…

Reigning Africa champions Egypt maintained its place among the top ten teams in the world following the latest FIFA-Coca-Cola world ranking released on Wednesday. The Pharaohs moved up one place to 9th place, while Ghana and Nigeria who moved up one place to 16th and 32nd respectively. - Cote d'Ivoire dropped two places to 21st and Algeria dropped one play to 35th. South Africa dropped out of the top 50 to 51st position. Africa's biggest gain was achieved by Botswana who moved up 14 places to 53rd in the world, while the biggest loss was suffered by Eritrea after dropping 12 places to 177. Spain, the Netherlands and Germany are the top three teams in the world in that order…

TP Mazembe midfielder Mbenza Bedi said having qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time running makes the African representatives more confident than ever before. Bedi's confidence level heightened last Friday when he became the first player to score in two consecutive FIFA Club World Cup competitions. - “This is our second appearance in the competition and we can’t make the excuse of being inexperienced or naive this time,” he said to FIFA.com. “The first went badly. We played well and we scored goals but the games didn’t go our way. Even so, it’s come in useful for us because we feel more confident now. We’ve drawn on that expe…

The new coach of West African nation of Nigeria Samson Siasia keeps receiving positive remarks from his top players. West Brom's Peter Odemwingie has hailed the new gaffer's plans for the national team, saying that his coming will improve Nigeria's fortunes on the international scene. - “Everybody has his style. Siasia has proved that he has something to offer and I could see that when he spoke with me on the phone a few days back,” Odemwingie told Complete Sports in an interview. “His enthusiasm and confidence is infectious. As a former player and somebody who has coached some of our junior teams, I know he is good. His style of attacking football will su…

Ivory Coast football star Didier Drogba said the current political instability in his West African country is "deplorable." The Chelsea talisman according to Goal.com deplored the current political deadlock following the run-off elections. Two presidents and two prime ministers are running parallel governments at the moment. - Speaking to Le Parisien, the former captain of the Elephants said he was frustrated with the outbreak of another crisis in a country emerging from eight years of civil war. “I feel very bad and frustrated with what is going on in Cote D’Ivoire at the moment,” he said. “It’s deplorable. We’re in an unprecedented difficult…

The government of Ghana has issued a statement distancing itself from Tuesday's raid on the Ghana Football Association's headquarters. The sports minister Akua Sena Dansua said the Economic and Organized Crime Office is an independent body and responsible for their actions. - “The action of EOCO is not at the request of government,” said Dansua. “As an independent organization, the EOCO’s actions in the GFA matter cannot and should not be attributed to government.” Meanwhile, football activities in Ghana have come to a halt since the incidence occurred. The EOCO made away with them vital documents and nine central processing units. The head of t…

Ghanaian-born former France international Marcel Desailly has pulled out of the race for the Ghana coaching job due to lack of communication between him and the FA. The World Cup winner was shortlisted as one of five coaches to be interviewed next week. - However, the former AC Milan and Chelsea defender said he was disappointed about the way the FA handled the announcement of his shortlisting. “I’m a bit disappointed about the way things have been moving on where I have not been updated enough directly,” he said. “It’s the media who have really informed me about movement and what has been going on. “It’s been three months now since I positi…

Kenya national football coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has resigned after his side lost 2-0 to Uganda in a Cecafa Cup match in Dar es Salaam, according to the BBC. It was the third loss in a row for the Harambee Stars who now go home without a point. - "I take full responsibility for the poor showing here and believe I do not deserve to continue coaching this team," Mulee said after the match. This was Mulee's third spell in charge of his country's national team. "I came here with the best players from the Kenyan League and if I cannot win a single match then the best option is to quit," he said. Mulee, who took the team to the 2004 Africa Cup of Na…

Five coaches have been shortlisted for the vacant Black Stars coaching position. The West African nation's football association - GFA - hopes to interview the candidates and name a coach mid-December. The shortlisters are Herbert Addo, Goran Stevanovic, Marcel Desailly, Humberto Jesus Cuelho and Can Vanli. - Ghana have been without a permanent coach since the departure of Serbian tactician Milovan Rajevac shortly after the 2010 World Cup campaign, where the side made it to the quarter-finals of the competition. Kwasi Appiah has been in charge of the African national team in a stop-gap capacity, and will soon relinquish his position as head coach. The successful candidate will be a…

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou has been cited in corrupt practices that took place in the 1990s, according to the BBC. This has prompted the International Olympic Committee to investigate the claims against the Fifa Vice-President who is also an IOC member. - The IOC has asked the BBC to give any evidence of alleged bribes taken by Fifa executives, following the screening of its Panorama programme. Panorama alleged Mr Hayatou and two other Fifa officials voting on World Cup bids took bribes in the 1990s. However, the world football’s governing body has dismissed the claims while the ICO refers it to its ethics commission. "The IOC h…

Ghana and Sunderland defender John Mensah is rooting for England to win the bid for the 2018 World Cup. The Sunderland defender told Safc.com England is the ideal place to stage the global football showpiece. - The Black Stars skipper said: “Having played a part in the World Cup just gone I know what a fantastic tournament it is. I love playing my football in England and this is an ideal stage for a World Cup.” The successful bid will be announced on December 2 in Zurich.

The coach of Egyptian club side Masri has tendered his resignation on Friday. Coach Mokhtar Mokhtar's decision comes few days after the club assured of keeping him despite reported interest from giants Ahli. The club even issued a hands-off warning over their gaffer when rumour was rife of his Ahli moves. - However, Masri's stunning 3-1 defeat by promoted Smouha, who recorded their maiden Egyptian Premier League victory on Thursday, prompted some of the home fans to chant against Mokhtar and call for his departure. According to filgoal.com, he decided to step down following the team's second successive league defeat despite an otherwise fine league run for the usually mid-t…

Barring any unforeseen occurrences the Black Stars of Ghana would have a substantive coach by December 15 - the deadline set by the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association. According to the FA spokesperson Randy Abbey nine coaches from the 106 applicants for the vacant post have been shortlisted. - “The Executive Committee has set a 15 December deadline to find a new coach and after reducing the number to five, we will then conduct the interview and settle on the new coach,” Abbey said. Speculation making rounds in the local media have it that the list includes Ghanaian-born former French international Marcel Desailly and local coach Herbert Addo.

Egyptian giants Ahli have announced that Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' will be the first team's new manager on a temporary basis. The Ahli board made their decision on Tuesday, 48 hours after Hossam Al-Badri had stepped down from the post. - According to filgoal.com, Zizo, a former Ahli star, will be in charge until the end of the first half of the season, after which a foreign manager is likely to be hired. The ex-Egypt international will be assisted by Yasser Radwan and Mohamed Youssef, who was also working with Al-Badri. Sayed Abdul-Hafiz will replace Hadi Khashaba as football director. Zizo, 57, has been working as a chief for the Ahli youth sector and is expected to…

Equatorial Guinea striker Genoveva Anonma rejected claims that they fielded male players in this month's African Women's Championship in South Africa. The Germany-based player was part of the team that helped their country to reach two successive finals of the continental tournament. - The 21-year-old is among three players in the squad accused of being men but insists she is female. "I first heard these accusations back in 2006 and 2008," Anonma, who plays for Jena in the women's Bundesliga said in a BBC report. "I have already been (gender) tested, which I find offensive. "These accusations come because I am fast and strong, but I know that I am d…

Ghana midfield general 'ambassador' Michael Essien said he is contemplating what to do with his life after retirement. However, he was categorically clear that the last thing he would consider is a career in politics and the thought has never crossed his mind. - “No, no, the last thing I would do is politics. I hate politics,” the 27-year-old told Chelseafc.com when he came to Ghana this week to launch a charity project in his home town. “I know some big men who are in politics, but I would never get involved in politics myself.” The Black Stars prodigy added, “But that is something I have been thinking about, what I will do once I hang up my bo…

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has served notice that the suspension of six officials from the football governing body including Nigeria's Amos Adamu is a warning to anyone thinking about breaking the rules that they will be subject to punishment anytime. - According to Goal.com, the Spain/Portugal joints bid and Qatar's bid had been accused of trading votes, though a lack of evidence meant that no action was taken against the bidders. "Am I'm sure that 2018 and 2022 free of any collusion? I can't answer this question - I don't vote and I have no idea what the discussions are between various members," Valcke told reporters. "As the FIFA pre…

Togo striker Thomas Dossevi has turned down a chance to play for his native West African country to feature for his club Swindon this Saturday. "I need to play here and give my all for the team so my selection for Togo can wait," the 31-year-old told the BBC. - "I don't think it's good for me to leave right now." His west African nation has an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad on Wednesday and the Sparrow Hawks are struggling in Group K with two points. Other members of the group are Tunisia, Malawi, Botswana and Chad.

TP Mazembe striker Given Singuluma has dedicated the 2010 Orange CAF Champions League triumph to his parents for their influential role in his life. He told Cafonline.com: "I am happy man today. I would have loved to see my father and mother alive to witness this memorable day. However, I dedicate the victory to them." - Mazembe held Tunisian giants Esperance to a 1-1 draw on Saturday in Rades near Tunis to retain the title 6-1 on aggregate and achieve a historic feat of becoming the first club to defend the premier continental club title twice. Singuluma, top scorer at the maiden African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 said he feels proud of the hono…

The Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports have locked horns over who is vested with the power to nominate a candidate to contest a CAF Executive Committee position. The FA presented its president Kwesi Nyantakyi for the vacant seat but Minister of Sports insist on football legend Abedi Ayew Pele. - “Attached is the CV of Mr. Abedi Ayew Pele,” Sports minister Akua Sena Dansua said in a letter to the GFA on Tuesday. “He is Ghana’s nominee for membership of the CAF executive committee. Please take immediate action and report back.” However, the Executive Committee of the FA met on Thursday noon and reaffirmed its decision to back the candidature …

Ghana's women national team have sparked a massive gender cheating row by claiming that Equatorial Guinea are playing in the ongoing African Women Championship (AWC) in SA with men. Two Ghanaian players Diana Ankomah and captain Florence Okoe claim Equatorial Guinea used three men during their final Group B game. - Cameroon has filed an official complaint against Equatorial Guinea for similar age gender claims. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is refusing to comment on the issue as this is the second tournament in a row that the Guineans have been accused of gender cheating. Salimata Simpore, Bilguisa Simpore and team captain Genoveva Ayonmang were in 2008 suspected to be …

Ivory Coast and Chelsea's striker Didier Drogba is confident he will soon be back in his best goal-scoring form after his long-running illness was finally diagnosed as malaria this week. The Ivorian has been in and out of the team in recent weeks because of a fever but it was only on Monday that doctors told him he had been suffering with malaria. - "I want to score every game but when you can't, when you're not 100 percent, it's better to try a way to help your team mates, maybe creating assists, maybe defending a little bit more," Drogba told Chelsea TV ahead of Wednesday's derby with Fulham. "I think I'll get better and start to score again …

The World's football governing body, FIFA, is set to donate a sum of $100,000 to Togolese international goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who was seriously injured during an armed attack on his team's bus in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda ahead of the CAF African Cup of Nations in January. - The 25-year-old goalkeeper, formerly with French side Pontivy, was gravely wounded when the Togolese team bus was hit by gunfire on 8 January. The ambush took the lives of assistant coach Amelete Abalo and press officer Stanislas O’cloo, while Obilale himself is still continuing his rehabilitation. Shortly after the attack in January, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter sent a letter of condol…

Reigning champions Equatorial Guinea are through to the semi-finals of the African Women's Championship after beating Ghana 3-1 on Monday. Equatorial Guinea finish top of the table in Group B, ahead of Cameroon, who secured their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over Algeria. - The results mean that hosts South Africa will meet Equatorial Guinea in the semis. Cameroon will take on Nigeria in their semi-final. Those games are to be played on Thursday and the final is on Sunday. Algeria had already been ruled out of making progress before the final round of games, but Ghana still harboured hopes and came out in combative mood at the start of their game against the reign…

Nigeria has named Samson Siasia as their new manager subject to a contract being formalised. The 43-year-old former Super Eagles striker was chosen ahead of Stephen Keshi by the Nigeria Football Federation's technical committee. Siasia, who has worked with Nigeria's under-20 and Olympic teams, is to succeed interim coach Austin Eguavoen. - Siasia is due to start on 1 December with qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations his goal. On Thursday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a communiqué explaining why they chose Siasia over the former Mali coach. "After careful deliberation, the NFF has accepted the recommendation of the technical committee that Sam…

Ghana's striker Asamoah Gyan is set to make his long awaited English Premiership debut on Saturday after Sunderland look to bounce back from their derby day mauling. Gyan has made only one start since his record £13.5m transfer from Stade Rennes in the Carlin Cup but after the weekend's humiliation at the hands of bitter rivals Newcastle. - Sunderland’s boss Steve Bruce says Gyan’s time has come now. Gyan has made seven substitute appearances in the League in addition to his Carling Cup start and scored two goals and the Bruce is now ready to partner him upfront with England striker Darren Bent for the game against Stoke City on Saturday. Gyan will play, Bruce s…

Defending champions Equatorial Guinea drew 2-2 with Cameroon in their opening match at the African women's championship on Tuesday while the other match in Group B ended in a 2-1 victory for Ghana over Algeria. - A second-minute strike from Jade Boho Sayo put the holders in front in this Group B encounter in Johannesburg. The goal stung Cameroon into action but the Indomitable Lionesses returned from their numerous attacks empty handed. They conceded a second goal on the half hour when striker De Santana Barbosa found the target from close range. Despite being two goals down, the Cameroonians refused to throw in the towel and got their reward on the stroke of half-time when …

Nigeria's Perpertua Nkwocha returned to her famous gangling stride scoring a hat-trick in Nigeria's 5-0 mauling of Mali in their opening match of the CAF African Women's Championships at the Sinaba Stadium in South Africa. Second half efforts from Stella Mbachu and Francisca Ordega rounded up the Super Falcons' sound thrashing of the Malian women. - Nigeria dominated the clash and could have scored more had the frontline been economical in front of goal. Veteran striker Nkwocha proved her doubters wrong as she banged in three goals to confirm her status as one of the players to watch at the championship. The 34-year old forward, named CAF Women’s Footballer of…

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) is set to kick off on November 6, according to football authorities in the West African country. This is the fourth date set for the start of the 2010/11 season after three previous postponements this year. - A variety of issues have prompted the delays, the latest of which came last weekend. These includes a loss of sponsors, a dispute over the NPL leadership, a power vacuum in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as well as a Fifa ban. One of the main reasons Fifa provisionally suspended the NFF last month was because of a bid by Nigeria's Minister of Sports to restart the league without relegations from the previous season, according to the B…

Officials of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have sacked chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya after being found guilty of sending the national team to play unauthorized matches in Asia last year. A match-fixing scandal against her was dropped pending further investigations. - ZIFA legal adviser Ralph Maganga told Reuters that Rushwaya was found guilty of requesting a loan of $103,000 from Zimbabwe's sports commission but has not accounted for it. ZIFA said Rushwaya accepted the matches against Thailand, Syria and a Malaysian club without the permission of its board or the country's sports commission, who must authorize foreign trips by Zimbabwe teams. Rushwaya also al…

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast and Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o have been shortlisted in the FIFA World Player of the Year award - Ballon d'Or. In total 23 players were unveiled for the prestigious award in world football. - They are: Xabi Alonso (Spain), Daniel Alves (Brazil), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo(Portugal),Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas(Spain), Diego Forlan(Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Andres Iniesta(Spain), Julio Cesar (Brazil), Miroslav Klose(Germany), Philipp Lahm(Germany), Maicon (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller(Germany), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Carles Puyol …

The most popular but controversial football supporting instrument in South Africa the Vuvuzela could be banned in South African football grounds unless Kaizer Chiefs fans improve their behaviour. At a recent cup game, supporters of the country's most popular club threw two vuvuzelas and a cabbage onto the pitch. - According to the BBC, the club has been handed a suspended fine of US$72,130, while their chairman was ordered to make a public apology. "Should vuvuzelas continue to be used as missiles they could be banned," the Premier Soccer League's prosecutor Zola Majavu said on Thursday. Many football fans watching this year's World Cup in South Africa on televi…

A Nigerian fan has been killed after clashes ensued following the victory of English champions Chelsea over Spartak Moscow Tuesday in the Champions League. The Punch quotes a report by the News Agency of Nigeria that the fan was killed in Gokana, Rivers state in the Niger Delta region. - The Rivers State Police Command, which confirmed the death on Wednesday, also said that some houses were burnt in the area where the incident occurred. Police spokeswoman Rita Abbey said that youths from B-Dere and K-Dere communities of Gokana clashed while watching the match. She said the youths disagreed on the 2-0 outcome of the match in favour of Chelsea. Abbey said the two communities had in the p…

West African nation and four-time African champions Ghana are in talks with their colonial masters England for possible international friendly match come March 2011. The Black Stars and the Three Lions have never met at senior level before and it would be historic if the deal goes through. - “Yes it true we’re talking with England to play their national team but we haven’t finished the details yet as we look to engage them in March hopefully,” Ghana FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi disclosed in a statement. “It is a real possibility, but let us wait and see how it goes and we’ll inform you if it’s concluded.”

The Esperance Sportive de Tunis striker and CAF Champions League leading scorer Michael Eneramo has told TV7 that he thank God for putting his side in the finals against Egyptian giants Al Ahly and that he does not feel sorry for scoring with his hand. "I don't even know what to say. I just want to say thank god." - “I don’t know, I just saw the cross and went with my head. I just saw the goal and I didn’t know how it happened but thank god,” he said with a smile. “It was a reflex. In their home game, they scored with their hand and said it was a goal. I am very happy. God willing, we’re going to continue against Mazembe and use the same…

The Algerian Football Federation is planning an international friendly with Tunisia for both teams to prepare well for their upcoming 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. According to FA president Mohamed Raouraoua it would help coach Abdelhak Ben Chikha prep his team against Morocco. - Speaking to Nessma TV, Raouraoua disclosed that the friendly could come off on February 9 next year. According to Goal.com, the news comes after previous reports indicated that Morocco’s FA were seeking a Tunisia friendly on the same date. A fixture pitting the Atlas Lions against the Carthage Eagles even appeared on FIFA’s official website last week but it has since been removed. Meanwhi…

The Ethics Committee of FIFA would meet on Wednesday to look into allegations of vote selling against Nigeria's Amos Adamu and Oceania representative Reynald Temarii. The football governing body has also widened its investigation into bribery allegations against the two members saying that could suspend one or more bidding nations. - A report earlier this week claimed that Adamu and Temarii had offered to sell their votes come the 2018 World Cup bid. According to the Guardian, FIFA has therefore asked Claudio Sulser, chairman of its Ethics Committee, to "act without delay to take all possible steps, including the possibility of provisional measures" against the pair and FIF…

Tunisian champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis will play holders TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the final of this year's CAF Champions League after beating Egyptian giants Al Ahly 1-0 in Tunis on Sunday night. Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo had the match winner with a controversial hand ball goal. - The Blood and Gold went through the finals on the away goal rule with the aggregate scores level at 2-2. Esperance's goal came after just 50 seconds but was clearly punched into the net by their Nigerian striker Eneramo, using his forearm to steer the ball goalward as he dived in at the back post. But Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey surprisingly let it stand and Ahly's frustra…

A Nigerian who serves as a FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu and his other colleague are being investigated for offering to sell their votes in the contest to host the 2018 World Cup. President of the Oceania Football Confederation Reynald Temarii was also caught in the undercover report demanding payment. - According to the BBC, reporters from The Sunday Times posed as lobbyists for a consortium of American companies who wanted to bring the tournament to the United States. They approached Adamu, who allegedly told reporters he wanted cash to build pitches in Nigeria. Adamu, who is president of the West African Football Union, is said to have told the undercover journalists that …

Troubled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caught the eye of Cameroon football legend Roger Milla in its bid to host the 2015 or 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. "It has been a long time since the Africa Cup of Nations was hosted in the Central African region," Milla said in a footafrica365report. - "After the 2012 edition, I'd be proud to see the DR Congo organize 2015. I think this country, with all it has given to Africa in terms of good players, also has the capability to host a beautiful football experience. For the campaign, I am the number one supporter of DR Congo.” Democratic Republic of Congo has applied to host the finals of the 2015 or 2017…

Liberia and Al Ahly striker Francis Grandpa Doe has announced his decision to quit international football in order to give his full attention to club commitments. He told Goal.com that Lone Star duties almost caused his club career and is not ready to be unemployed looking at his family responsibilities. - The 25-year-old said after their match against Mali that national commitments are having a heavy toll on his job at club level. Doe immediately took the decision after the Malian airport officials told him early on Sunday morning that his flight back to Egypt had being cancelled. He said it was frustrating as his club Al Ahly of Egypt was not given prior notice of the flight cancell…

Liberia international midfielder Dulee Johnson is in custody in Sweden for allegedly raping a 22-year-old woman, according to Swedish prosecutors. "With regard to the identity, that will come out in court but, yes, it is Dulee Johnson, but other than that I don't have a lot to say at the moment," Stockholm prosecutor Henrik Soderman told Reuters. - Local newspaper Aftonbladet quoted Johnson's lawyer Michael Linden as saying the player denied the charges. "My client rejects the allegations that have been made against him," Linden said, adding that he expected the case to be dropped. The Local reported that the club's main backer, the brewer Åbro, issue…

AfricaNews brings you all the results of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers that took place over the weekend between October 9-10. Senegal were on fire with seven goals without a reply from Mauritius as reigning champions Egypt fell in the hands of minnows Niger. - Group A Mali 2-1 Liberia Zimbabwe 0-0 Cape Verde Group B Madagascar 0-1 Ethiopia Guinea 1-0 Nigeria Group C Libya 1-0 Zambia Comoros 0-1 Mozambique Group D Tanzania 0-1 Morocco CAR 2-0 Algeria Group E Senegal 7-0 Mauritius Cameroon 1-1 DR Congo Group F Burkina Faso 3-1 Gambia Group G Niger 1-0 Egypt Sierra Leone 0-0 South Africa Group H Rwanda 0-3 Benin Burundi 0-1 Ivory Coast Group I…

The world's football governing body, FIFA has 'provisionally lifted' its suspension of the West African nation Nigeria. This means Nigeria will play Guinea this weekend. The Nigerian Football Federation was banned on Monday for various reasons, including political interference. - This threw Sunday's Nations Cup qualifier in Conakry into doubt but the game will now take place. "The game will go ahead because the suspension on Nigeria has been provisionally lifted," Caf Media Director Suleiman Habuba told the BBC.

The World Cup stadiums in South Africa would not be demolished, according to the chief executive of the 2010 global showpiece, Danny Jordaan. He told the 'Leaders In Football' business conference at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground, that the eight of the 10 stadiums would be used for soccer and rugby. - "For South Africa some of these stadiums will be a challenge," Jordaan was quoted in a Reuters report. He added: "The fact we have football and rugby union in the same stadiums -- for example the All Blacks played the Springboks at Soccer City and 92,000 people were present -- proves that for about 80 percent of the stadiums it will be fine. "One or tw…

Ghana's World Cup star Kevin-Prince Boateng is a major doubt against Sudan as they get ready for their next 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers on October 10. The AC Milan midfielder is suffering from a strain in the thigh after their weekend game and the West Africans have come up with a backup plan. - If Boateng fails to make it for the game it would be a great opportunity missed to play at home for the first time after switching allegiance from Germany to Ghana before the 2010 World Cup. Care-taker coach Kwesi Appiah confirmed the news and revealed that Ghana premier league side AshantiGold midfielder Sampson Cudjoe has been drafted in as the medics monitor Boateng’s progre…

The care-taker coach of Ghana Kwesi Appiah is in no hurry to change the status quo of the national team the Black Stars as they prepare to face Sudan on October 10. "The team remains the same and nothing is going to change from what we have been working on in the past," he told the Ghana FA website. - The former international would be assuming temporary charge of the senior team following the departure of head coach, Milovan Rajevac a couple of weeks ago following the expiration of his contract. Appiah who has named a 20-member squad made up of two debutants has shed little light on what he hopes to achieve for the up-coming match. Appiah said: “We play an important gam…

Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba is conspicuously missing in the 20-man squad of Ivory Coast announced to face Burundi in the second round of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers. The gaffer of the Elephants François Zahoui gave no reason for dropping the striker. Salomon Kalou is also out due to injury. - The coach had initially said that it is only Drogba who would decide his return to the national team after declining a previous call up against Rwanda in the first round games, owing to “mental and physical fatigue” as the coach put it. Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Yeboah Daniel (ASEC Mimosas), Barry Boubacar (LOKEREN) Defenders: Tiene Siaka (PSG), Touré Kolo (Manchester City), …

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has promised to offer a sum of $25,000 to Togo's ex-goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale, who was seriously wounded in the Togo national football team attack ahead of the African Nations Cup in Angola last January - According to AP, Obilale has confirmed receiving a letter over the weekend from Sepp Blatter, in which it is stated that the money would debited from FIFA’s humanitarian fund. After the Angola mishap and the expiration of his contract with French Ligue 4 GSI Pontivy, Obilale had found himself in trouble getting financial help from the Confederation of African Football – organizers of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations; Angola – host country…

Teams for the Commonwealth Games in India have delayed their arrival due to security and health concerns. Media reports said New Zealand, Canada and Scotland are on standby due to poor accommodation for athletes, heavy rains and dengue epidemic. African teams have not made any pronouncement. - According to Reuters, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard highlighted security fears surrounding the Games and said athletes should decide for themselves whether or not to attend. Already, high profile athletes have pulled out of the event. Two foreign visitors were shot and wounded by suspected militants in the city on Sunday. "There is obviously widespread concern about the Commonwealth G…

The Togolese Sports Federation has suspended an assistant coach of Togo's soccer team for three years after he took a fake team masquerading as the national side to play a match in Bahrain that ended 3-0 against the West African tiny country. The match took place on September 7. - "The organization, the preparation and supervision of the match were planned by (assistant coach) Tchanile Bana," the football federation said in a statement. Bana had already been suspended for two years for organizing a match in Egypt in July without the knowledge of Togo's sports authorities.

Ghana and Olympic Marseille midfielder Andre Ayew has thrown his weight behind Marcel Desailly to fill up the vacant coaching position of the Black Stars. The youngster said the former Chelsea defender has a lot to offer the West African nation. - “I do not know if Marcel Desailly will get this job because there are many contenders, but I talked to people and I know his name is mentioned,” Ayew was quoted as saying by Ghanasoccernet. “He is someone who is very experienced, he knows many football players, I think he can bring a lot to Ghana. “He will have my full support if it is him who is chosen to coach the team and anyway I will support any coach who is chos…

Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has extended his stay with Italian Serie A side Udinese until 2015. "Asamoah has renewed his contract with Udinese until 2015," his agent Claudio Vagheggi told Ghanasoccernet.com. - “He is happy and convinced of choice he has made. He is also convinced that Udine is the right environment for him to continue to grow. “We had several deals in the summer, but the market is closed now, the league has just started so he will concentrate on playing here.” The 21-year-old Ghana playmaker had offers from Inter Milan and Fiorentina including English Premier League side Arsenal during the summer transfer period.

A fine of $3,000 [£1,900] has been slapped at Algeria striker Rafik Saifi for slapping a female journalist during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The incident took place after the Desert Foxes' 1-0 loss to USA in their final match of the tournament. - The forward struck out at Asma Halimi, a journalist with Algerian daily newspaper Competition, in a post-match interview area. Halimi slapped the striker back as a reflex and then reported him to Fifa. The incident was the culmination of a year of bad feeling between the pair.

World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana are ranked 20th in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world ranking released on Wednesday. They still maintain their second spot on the continent behind champions Egypt. Meanwhile, South Africa have continued their good run of results since Pitso Mosimane took over. - South Africa won 1-0 against Ghana in a friendly game and then following that victory up with a 2-0 win over Niger in their African Nations Cup qualifier. These two results have allowed Bafana to move eight places forward in the table from 66 to 58 position. Another significant fact about their latest movement, is that they have now broken into the top ten African teams in the ranking, coming in at t…

The Ghana Football Association is on the search for a new coach for the Black Stars following the departure of Serbian Milovan Rajevac. The 56-year-old has communicated his decision to take on a new challenge following the expiration of his two-year contract with the FA. - "The Ghana Football Association has officially been notified by Mr Milovan Rajevac of his desire to take up a fresh challenge elsewhere. "Mr Rajevac relinquishes his position as Head Coach of the Black Stars after two years and the Ghana Football Association would like to place on record our gratitude for his services and wish him all the best in his future career. "Though we find his departure unfort…

Youngster Dominic Adiyiah has been decorated with two prestigious awards at the 35th Sports Writers Association of Ghana Awards Night. The Reggina striker grabbed the Sports Personality of the year and Footballer of the Year Awards for 2009 against Michael Essien and John Paintsil. - President of the Ghana Football Association Kwesi Nyantakyi was presented with the Chairman of the Year prize. Roda JC player, Eric Addo picked the 'Dedication and Valour' Award. For his managerial qualities that saw him guide Ghana's U-20 team to lift the historic FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Sellas Tetteh was named the Coach of the Year with the 2009 World Under-20 Champions, the Black Satelli…

Sierra Leone international and IK Oddevold striker Ibrahim Tahini believes his team would break their 14-year absence from the African Cup of Nations and make it to the 2012 edition in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The West Africans last made it to the Nations Cup in 1996 but failed to go beyond the first round. - The hits man was impressed with his side holding African champions Egypt in a one all game at the start of their Nations Cup campaign over the weekend. “I believe Sierra Leone can qualify. Nothing is impossible,” he told Goal.com. “We have been there before and why can’t we qualify now again? If we continue to play like that taking points away and then …

Four former Nigeria football officials are behind lock and key for a missing $8m (£5m) during the World Cup finals in South Africa. The four, who include former football federation head Sani Lulu Abdullahi, are due to appear in court in the capital Abuja, according to an anti-corruption official. - The four were sacked over Nigeria's poor performance at the finals. According to the BBC they have not yet commented on the accusations. Their passports were seized in July. After the Super Eagles' failure to qualify from the group stages of the World Cup finals, President Goodluck Jonathan banned them from international competition for two years, before relenting under pressure fr…

Ghana's coach Milovan Rajevac has come under immense pressure to sign a new contract extension with the four-time African champions within seven days or would lose his job. The Serbian has been offered a four-year contract but a contractual issue with his manager is stalling the process. - "In the event he can't resolve those issues, we have to look elsewhere," FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi told BBC Sport. "We pray and look forward to a resolution of whatever difficulties he is facing back home. "We have a time limit of seven days from Sunday and on the expiry of that, if the news is not good, it means we have to [begin a new search]," Nyantakyi said…

The senior goalkeeper of West African nation Ghana, Richard Kingson, is unperturbed with pressure back home to take off his gloves from international football. The former Wigan Athletic goal tender sets the next four years to retire after the Nations and World Cups. - “I want to win the Cup of Nations [2012] and play at the World Cup finals [2014] before even thinking of retirement,” the 32-year-old told 90 MINUTES. “With the squad we have now and the young ones coming through, I believe we can achieve our target at the next Cup of Nations and equally do better at the 2014 World Cup, where I hope to play in the finals,” Kingson, who hopes to secure a club before th…

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac is set to extend his contract with four-time African champions Ghana in the weeks to come. "It is sure I will be signing a new contract soon," the Serbian told the press in South Africa. - Information regarding the new contract is yet to be disclosed to the public. The 56-year-old took the four-time African Champions to the final of the 2010 Nations Cup and their first quarter-final of the just ended World Cup in South Africa.

Italian giants AC Milan are after Ghana and Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in the event of Lazio failing to reach an agreement with the English club, according to Rossoneriblog. Boateng was on top of his game at the just ended World Cup with a goal to his credit in their match against the USA. - New coach Massimo Allegri is keen to add a midfielder to his squad and, according to Rossoneriblog, if Lazio do go ahead with the deal for Boateng, Milan will turn to their long term target, Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma.

Four people have been jailed by a court in Cabinda on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in the ambush and armed attack of the Togo national team bus en route to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in January 2010. - Belchior Lanso, a university professor was given six years; Francisco Luemba, a lawyer and Raul Tati, a Catholic priest, got five years each; while José Benjamin Fuca, an ex-policeman was given three years. Each was charged with endangering state security: none of the four directly took part in the attack but were accused of colluding with those who did, albeit via implication and not by evidence. According to local sources, the four persons sentenced are human rights acti…

The captain of the Black Stars Stephen Appiah said he is not ready to retire from active football until he is 50 years. The Bologna midfielder has turned deaf ears to home pressure to give up on national duties due to poor form but the veteran insists he is fit to set a new retirement record in football. - “There are a lot of wonders in the world,” the Bologna midfielder said to Adom FM. “Ten years back, I thought at age 32 one should retire but in football nowadays players quit at 36 and 38 years. It all depends on how you manage yourself and when Paolo Maldini was 41 he was playing better than those at 25,” Appiah argued. “People ask me when I will reti…

West African nation Ghana moved to the 23rd spot in the latest FIFA ranking released on Wednesday. They are now second best in Africa after moving up nine places following some wonderful performances in previous meetings. Egypt are still first in Africa and moved up two places to be 9th worldwide. - Cameroon were dealt a heavy blow moving from 19th position to 40th after a woeful World Cup outing. Ivory Coast moved up one place occupying the 26th position whilst Nigeria slipped to the 30th position from 21st. In the top rungs of the ranking, Brazil have been toppled by World Champions Spain as the number one ranked football nation in the World. Brazil is now third after the Netherla…

Thousands of fans gave the Black Stars a heroic welcome at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday night. The players were greeted with drumming and dancing as they walked on a red carpet upon their arrival. Senior government officials and sports personalities were on call to welcome them. - "You've really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent," Deputy Sports Minister Nii Nortey Duah told the players. Football fans, many of whom had started arriving hours before the team's expected arrival, waved Ghana's national flags and blasted vuvuzelas to greet their heroes in a carnival atmosphere. "The Stars fought gallantly, not only maki…

The disciplinary committee of the world's football governing body, FIFA, has turned down an appeal by the Ghana FA to reverse a one-match ban against key midfielder Andre Ayew. The player would miss the quarter-final against Uruguay on Friday for receiving a second yellow card in the US game. - Immediately after the match the GFA requested to have referee Viktor Kassai’s decision looked into again and overturned after television replays showed that Ayew did not make any contact with US striker Josy Altidore. But the FIFA disciplinary committee pointed out that according to Article 72 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, disciplinary decisions taken by the referee during matches are f…

Ghana advanced to the second round of the ongoing World Cup in South Africa despite a 1-0 defeat to Germany on Wednesday. The sole hope of Africa came second in Group D after Germany to square their maiden World Cup record four years back. They would face USA in their next game. - The European side were aggressive upfront, allowing the Ghanaians to respond with swift counterattacks. Neither side managed to score before the half, but playmaker Mesut Oezil struck on the hour mark to lift the Germans to victory and a first place finish in Group D. Following Australia's 2-1 win over Serbia, Ghana took second. Having lost to Serbia in their second group match, the Germans faced a must-win…

The chances of the Ghana Black Stars to move to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup tournament in SA hangs in the balance as they face Germany. The West African country only needs a draw to make it to the next stage. Indeed, Ghana now represents the hope of Africa after South Africa, Cameroon and others were kicked out of the competition. - Three-time world champions Germany had hoped for a rather different scenario ahead of their maiden appearance at Soccer City in Johannesburg. After beating Australia 4-0 but then losing 1-0 to Serbia in their Group D fixtures to date, however, Joachim Low's team are under severe pressure against the Black Stars, who beat the Serbs 1-0 and drew 1-1 w…

The Ghana Football Association has denied media reports that midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has been ordered home following an altercation with coach Milovan Rajevac. A statement from the FA confirmed the incident but said the Inter player has apologized and confirmed his loyalty to his country. - “We wish to state that Sulley Muntari reacted angrily and in a manner that was offensive to the team’s Code of Conduct in the aftermath of Ghana’s game against Australia on the 19th June 2010 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg,” part of the statement read. “He was accordingly reprimanded for his behaviour with the player explaining that, his actions were borne…

With Ivory Coast unable to defeat Portugal, Algeria going down 1-0 to Slovenia and Nigeria losing 1-0 to Argentina and 2-0 to Greek, Ghana's Black Stars has therefore emerged as the only side from Africa to collect maximum points from their opening fixture in South Africa. - Ghana's win against Serbia in their opening match of the WC came as a refreshing change after South Africa and Cameroon had failed to win their respective opening matches. Indeed, Ghana deserved to win against the Serbians: a second half penalty from Asamoah Gyan settled the affair between the two sides and with Germany thrashing Australia 4-0 in their other first round match, Milovan Rajevac's side ar…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. The FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) welcomed the first African team besides the host on Wednesday. Nigeria have been paired with Argentina, Greece and Korea Republic. - “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Nigeria to South Africa for the World Cup as the first of the African teams, besides Bafana Bafana, to arrive in the country. As giants of African football I am sure they will do the continent proud at the World Cup,” said Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan in a statement. “First of all, I feel very privileged to be here and to be part of this W…

Having gone through tough time to make a choice, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson of Ivory Coast has come out with his final 23-man squad for the summer World Cup in South Africa. Conspicously absent in the much-awaited list is Bakari Jone of Qatari-side Lekhwiya. No explanations were given. - Other eliminations are goalkeeper Vincent Angban, defender Abdoulaye Meite, midfielders Emerse Fae and Gilles Yapi Yapo and French Ligue 1 Lens forward Kanga Akale, reported Goal.com. Those who made the list are: Goalkeepers - Boubacar Barry Lokeren (BEL) Daniel Yeboah Asec Mimosas Aristide Zogbo Maccabi Netanya (ISR) Defenders - Arthur Boka Stuttgart (GER) Souleymene Bamba Hibernian (SCO) Emma…

The Ghana Football Association has denied reports making rounds in the local media that midfielder Laryea Kingston assaulted coach Milovan Rajevac when he was left out of the final 23-man squad for the World Cup. FA statement said the report was a figment of someone's imagination. - "We only woke up for the day's session to hear of the news back home of an alleged assault which was claimed to have occurred in the Ghana camp in Paris on Saturday after the squad for the World Cup was announced," read the statement. "The claims as contained in the reports are untrue. The player in question has even called to ask about the supposed incident which the reports claimed t…

Rwandan assistant referee Celestin Ntagungira, aka Abegga, has passed a fitness test in Johannesburg, South Africa to officiate at next month's FIFA World Cup. He is one of eight African assistant referees who have been selected to officiate at the world football showpiece - “I’m short of words. I have been looking forward to this moment and can’t wait to add another World Cup under my belt,” Abegga told New Times. “I now have to wait for the official refereeing schedule to know the games I will be involved in.” Only six weeks ago, Abegga’s chances of being involved in the 2010 World Cup looked slim after he strained a thigh muscle during …

Fake jerseys and other football paraphernalia such as FIFA-branded memorabilia - hats, T-shirts and the green-haired official mascot Zakumi - have flooded the South African black market. The police have launched a massive clampdown but the situation seems unabated. - About 100 cases have been brought before South Africa court since January with regards to fake sports wear ahead of the World Cup. Knock-off jerseys for the national team Bafana Bafana, England, Brazil and Spain are sold freely on the streets, as vendors openly tout for customers while dodging police, according to the AFP. "There has been a marked surge in fake football merchandise. Most of the items seized are manuf…

World Cup 2010 finalists Nigeria would unveil a final squad for the biggest mundial on June 1, ten days before the commencement of the tournament in South Africa. Demola Olajire, spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation also said that a provisional list of 30 will be made known May 11. - Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback announced a 44-man list in March which consists of players from Europe as well as a sprinkling of local league sides. According to Goal.com, he is expected to take at least one of the local players to the Mundial after his predecessor Shuaibu Amodu was criticized for not encouraging home based talent. The preparation of the squad has been questioned in recent days with dis…

The Ghana government has purchased 1,346 tickets for selected supporters' groups, government officials and other institutions to enable them to attend the 2010 World Cup. The tickets are for Ghana's three preliminary round matches at the summer showpiece in South Africa. - The Ministry of Youth and Sports invested close to $120,000 to buy the tickets, as four supporters unions failed to raise the needed funds to acquire match tickets. According to Graphic Sports, the Millennium Supporters' Union was the only group that managed to purchase 633 tickets for the Ghana fixtures. The government is looking for much greater funding to finance the trip to South Africa for nearly 450…

The Head Coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Paul Le Guen has said he is all set for the summer World Cup in South Africa. The Frenchman disclosed that he is only three or four players short to release his final list ahead of the global fiesta. - Excerpts of his interview with cafonline.com are as follows: Cafonline.com: What is the aim of organising a camp for local players in Yaoundé? Paul Le Guen: The aim of the camp with local players is to try to look for one or two surprise packages. I think it is the least we can do to give local players their opportunity to play for the team. After this if we see that the best 23 are playing abroad, we would rely on them. I have no problem…

Security preparations ahead of the summer World Cup 2010 in South Africa have been hailed by a German parliamentary security expert. Frank Hofmann, acting chairman of the parliamentary committee on home affairs in Berlin noted after an information-gathering visit to South Africa. - "We are very impressed by the professionalism of the security forces, especially at the leadership level, as well as by the preparations for the World Cup in general," Hofmann, an MP for the official opposition SPD, told German press agency DPA. German football fans who want to visit South Africa should not be put off by "sensational headlines", according to Hofmann, concerning the reported …

Coach Milovan Rajevac of Ghana has confidence in his young side and hopes to have a perfect blend with the senior ones ahead of South Africa 2010. In this interview with the official website of the Confederation of African Football he reflects over the last Nations Cup and Ghana's chances at the World Cup. - Cafonline.com: What are the critical points that really came to mind at the CAF Symposium on the Orange Africa Cup of Nations? Rajevac: “A lot of issues came up. It was positive because we discussed the tournament extensively. It was really beneficial”. Cafonline.com: Any lessons from the presentation by Egypt coach Hassan Shehata during the symposium? Rajevac: &…

Egypt midfielder Hosni Abd-Rabou has vowed to support Algeria in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Algeria, the sole Arab representative in South Africa, reached the global competition at the expense of arch-rivals Egypt following a tense qualifying campaign. - However, Abd-Rabou, who plays for UAE's Ahli Dubai, has no hard feelings against the Fennecs. "We are Arabs, I think it will be inappropriate to support USA or England against Algeria," the 27-year-old said to MBC TV. "Regardless of any events that occurred lately between us, we hope that Algeria will progress in the World Cup and honor Arab and African football.” Abd-Rabou came on as a second-half su…

Ghana's right full-back Samuel Inkoom craves to play in the European Champions League. The Swiss-based FC Basel ace habours great feelings that his club is on the verge of fulfilling that dream of every African player in Europe. - The youngster’s club needs to win the Swiss Super League to get a slot in the Champions League. They are trailing behind BSC Young Boys with a six-point difference. Inkoom told FIFA.com: “It's difficult to say where we're going to finish at the end of the season, but one thing is clear: I believe in the team. If we continue to work hard and take our chance when it comes, we'll win the league and I'll be able to realise my dr…

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has finally conceded erring in the nationality switch of German-born Kevin-Prince Boateng. According to the FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi they are now in the process of providing FIFA with the passport of the player's father to end the six month delay. - Nyantakyi told Peace FM: "We have processed the documents for Boateng's nationality switch but Fifa asked for some more documents before it can approve it. "We know that latest by May Fifa will approve the move because Fifa wants to approve nationality switches before the World Cup." An official of the FA of the West African nation Fred Pappoe shifted blame on FIFA for the un…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a report that states that West African nation Ghana are ranked as favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - but in the financial sector, not on the pitch. Fellow West African country Nigeria is predicted to follow closely with a 5% annual change. - The figures of the report collated by the M&G Investments state that the four-time African champions will have an annual percentage change of 5% this year as a result of the global football fiesta, more than any other nation competing at the summer tournament. Chile is third favourite for the ‘IMF GDP World Cup' with an expected 4% change. England (represented as U…

Australia coach Pim Verbeek concedes their World Cup aspirations could be cut short by West African side Ghana. He said their Group D opponents for South Africa 2010 are unpredictable looking at their outstanding performance at the Nations Cup in Angola. - Verbeek noted that although his side are fully focused on Germany, the Black Stars remain a torn in his flesh that he must deal with. He told FIFA.com: “I think Serbia will actually be the crucial game. The final group game will be the decisive one. Germany, Ghana and Serbia; all three opponents have three totally different ways of playing football. “So at this moment we are fully focused on Germany and then we have six…

FIFA and Control Room, a leading producer of global music events, have announced the first performing artists for the inaugural FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert in South Africa. The star-studded artists include superstar Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam and Angélique Kidjo - Others are Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela. They would take to the stage at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on the eve of the opening match. Billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa, it will feature performances from major international musicians and African artists, as well as appearances by football legend…

Hollywood star actress Jessica Alba has landed in South Africa as co-chairperson of the 1GOAL: Education for All campaign, to meet with Dr. Jordaan about the importance of the World Cup in uplifting underprivileged children on the African continent. - “I have had an incredible visit to South Africa,” said Alba to FIFA.com. "I'm happy to be sharing in the world's excitement about the upcoming World Cup”. “Not only is this going to be a tournament to remember, but the lasting legacy of this World Cup will be education for all,” said Alba, referring to the efforts by 1GOAL and a host of world leaders, star footballers and celebrities to use the Wo…

South Africans are anxiously awaiting the commencement of the World Cup and people on the streets have confidence it is going to be one of the most remembered tournament ever. For them the June - July global football fiesta must not go pass any African and every country on the continent must rally their support for a successful game. - According to Goal.com the mood in major host city Johannesburg, where two of the stadiums to be used at the tournament are situated, is indescribable. Laura, a florist at a shopping centre in Bedfordview is awaiting the competition with anticipation. “This World Cup is going to be such a proud moment for us South Africans, and we are hoping the month-…

The reigning African Best Player Emmanuel Adebayor has tipped Inter and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o to win the 2009 African Best Player Awards on Thursday. However, the Togolese ace noted that Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba also has what it takes to win for the second time. - “I think Samuel Eto’o should be the African player of the year, having made a glamorous 2009 season with former club Barcelona, and scoring 40 goals, including one in the Champions League final. With such performances, I can say Eto’o is the best,” the City’s forward told French satellite TV station Canal+. Touching on the prowess of Ivory Coast’s Drogba whom he called …

West African nation Ivory Coast are switching their radar focus on Swedish coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to lead the Les Elephants to the summer World Cup in South Africa. Weeks of talks with Dutchman Guus Hiddink have not yielded positive results yet. - Media report last week suggested that it was only a matter of time before the Ivorian Football Association appointed Dutch coach Hiddink as the new man in charge of the orange men. Negotiations with the former Netherlands and Australia boss haven't led to an agreement so far though according to Goal.com. "Ivorian federation directors, who are looking for a coach to lead the Elephants of the Ivory Coast, have had discussions with…

Dutchman Guus Hiddink is the primary target of Ivory Coast to lead their side to the summer World Cup in South Africa, confirmed Ivorian FA president Jacques Anouma. He said talks are still ongoing and the final outcome would be known by the middle of next week. - "Guus is one of the people we have contacted about becoming coach. Probably in the middle of next week something will be concluded," Anouma was quoted as saying by BBC. "There were a lot of coaches at Loftus Road for the match against South Korea and some have contacted me. Of the three or four in contention to become the next coach, Guus is the person we want but we are still talking to him. Talks are ongoing but…

Cameroon international and Inter striker Samuel Eto'o has told his team-mate Mario Balotelli he could be a world class player, but that he still had to grow and improve. ''He is young and has great quality, he is very good,'' Eto'o said about the Italian-Ghanaian born youngster. - It has been reported that Eto’o has been somewhat of a mentor for the youngster this season and was seen trying to calm Balotelli down during Sunday’s match at Udinese. "In this team we help each other. Since he only really listens to a few people, I wanted to give him my support," Eto’o told Sky Sport Italia. The 19-year-old has a fiery temper and ha…

West African country and World Cup finalists Ivory Coast have approached former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink to manage the national team at the World Cup in South Africa, various media have said. They are looking for a new head coach following the departure of Bosnian gaffer Vahid Halilhodzic. - "The interest from Ivory Coast is real, but first I have to analyze the situation. I need to resolve some matters before making my decision. Didier Drogba asked me in the name of the players to accept the invitation. The Ivorian Federation is also very interested," the Dutchman was quoted as saying by various reporters according to Goal.com. Former coach Halilhodzic was sacked following …

Egyptian international and Ahli talisman Mohamed Abou-Treika returns from injury as his club host an ambitious Gaish side in Cairo. Fans favorite Treika returns to boost his team following a long-term foot injury that forced him to miss Egypt's African Cup of Nations campaign in Angola. - Ahli, who were hit by a number of injuries recently, also have back Sayed Moawad to boost the left flank after he missed the last three games, according to Filgoal.com. The league leaders, almost regaining full strength, are aiming to maintain their supremacy amid competition from second-placed Petrojet and the fantastic form of arch-rivals Zamalek. Zamalek's dismal start to the season spark…

The draw for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was held in DR Congo over the weekend. Ghana will face Sudan in their qualifying campaign after the two were drawn together in Group 9. Holders Egypt were handed a tough group as they take on former champions South Africa, Niger and Sierra Leone in their group. - In Group 9 Ghana and Congo were placed alongside Congo and Swaziland. Forty-four teams were entered into the draw by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Cameroon will play Senegal, DR Congo and Mauritius in Group 5. Togo were not in Saturday's draw but could still be included at a later date if their appeal over a ban from the next two Nations Cups with the Court o…

Barcelona duo of Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure did not make it in the final three of the Glo-Caf African Footballer of the Year 2009 awards. The Confederation of African Football revealed Ivorian striker, Didier Drogba, Ghana midfielder Michael Essien and Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto'o Fils as the contenders. - Ex-Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe revealed the identity of the nominees for the various categories at the ceremony attended by Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other sporting dignitaries in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday. The top three for other categories namely; Best African Player on the continent, National Team of the Year, Club of the Y…

World Cup host South Africa face off in an international friendly against Namibia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 3, according to SAFA. The game will be part of the 100 Days celebrations before World Cup 2010 kicks off on June 11. - It will be Bafana’s third game this year after they beat Swaziland 6-2 in a training match and then defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in an international friendly, according to Goal.com. After the game the South Africans will head off for a pre-World Cup camp in Brazil and Germany. Meanwhile, SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe has confirmed to the press that Esselen Park in Johannesburg will act as Bafana Bafana’s base camp for the World Cup.

About $240 million (Sh18 billion) have been allocated for infrastructure development this year ahead of the 2012 African Cup of Nations, stated the chairman of the Gabon tournament local organizing committee, Rene Adiaheno, in Luanda. - The Eastern Africa nation is co-hosting the 28th edition of the tournament with neighbours Equatorial Guinea. Adiaheno said during a presentation to the media that Gabon was investing millions of dollars in sports infrastructure, hotels, roads and telecommunication in preparations for the biennial African football fete, reported the Daily Nation. His counterpart from Equatorial Guinea, Ruslan Nsue, also said massive investment was under way in his coun…

Algerian Football Federation President Mohamed Raouraoua has said he is not concerned about reports of potential violence between his side and Egypt in today's highly anticipated African Cup of Nations semi-final match in Benguela, Angola. He said on the field there is no animosity between the two. - “We come into this match with a lot of serenity. We’ve prepared for it calmly like all other matches. There’s no place for animosity because we’re in an important competition. Over the last three matches against Egypt there weren’t problems on the field or in the halls of the stadiums,” he told the APS. “The problems were outside and the animosity …

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevic said he is cautiously optimistic about the chances of the Black Stars as they get set to clash with West African rivals Nigeria in Thursday's semi-final game. He said the game is unpredictable and cannot judge the Nigerians on their performance against Zambia. - He conceded at a news conference that the Super Eagles side is an experienced one as compared to the Ghanaians. "Though they did not play so well in the game against Zambia, it will be a big mistake to conclude that they will repeat the same performance in the next game against Ghana. "We have to be cautious in the game and execute our strategy with the needed perfection," Coach R…

Reigning champions and six-time winners Egypt have made it to the final eight of the African Cup of Nations in Angola along side Nigeria. The Pharaohs maintained their perfect record at the tournament when they beat Benin 2-0 in their final Group C game on Wednesday. - Egypt beat Nigeria, Mozambique and Benin to keep their hopes of gunning an unprecedented third title in a row. Nigeria went through with a 3-0 win over Mozambique who were sent packing along with Benin. Defender Ahmed Al Muhammadi opened the scoring for Egypt with a long-range cross that caught Yoann Djidonou off guard and Ahmed Raouf doubled the tally on 23 minutes, slotting home after a superb save by the Benin keeper, re…

Coach Milovan Rajevac gave hearty thumbs up to his depleted Ghana side after racing past the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a 1-0 last Group B match. The win guaranteed Ghana's berth into the quarter finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Angola. - The group had been reduced to three teams due to the withdrawal of Togo and Ghana needed a win to progress to the final eight of the competition after opening 3-1 loss to Ivory Coast. Rajevac told the media: "This was a very important game for our team - psychologically it was tough. "It was a competitive match, Burkina Faso played more offensively than they had against Ivory Coast. They were capable of scoring, espec…

Ghana go into a crucial must-win last group match against neighbour Burkina Faso today in Luanda. Stuttering Ghana lost to Ivory Coast in a painful 3-1 defeat leaving them without a point in Group B with the Stallions trailing the Elephants. Ivory Coast have already qualified for the last eight. - Milovan Rajevac's side, already affected by player pulls outs due to injury prior to the start of the competition, will go into the game against the Stallions on the back of a disappointing opening result and an injury setback suffered by Michael Essien. With the group reduced to three teams due to the withdrawal of Togo following a deadly attack on their team bus last week, the Black Stars…

Ghana is going into a pitch battle with western neighbours Ivory Coast today in Cabinda as their first match in the ongoing Orange African Nations Cup. The Black Stars did not play as scheduled on Monday due to the sudden departure of the Togolese team that was attacked on their way to Angola. - It is going to be a must-watch game as the two Chelsea team mates Michael Essien of Ghana and Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast clash to prove their supremacy of the other. For the Ivory Coast, it is their final group game, where they will be seeking a much improved performance to the goalless draw they played out against the group’s other team, Burkina Faso, at the start of the week. The Blac…

Cameroon crumbled to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat by neighbours Gabon in their opening Group D game at the ongoing African Nations Cup in Angola. Striker Daniel Cousin hit the back of the net for the Panthers in the 17th minute when he coolly slotted home after being perfectly set up by Roguy Meye. - No team qualified for this year’s World Cup finals have won a game at the Nations Cup so far with Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria losing their opening matches and Ivory Coast being held to a draw, according to Reuters report. Ghana another World Cup 2010 bound is playing their first game against Ivory Coast on Friday. The game between Tunisia and Zambia ended one all. Cameroon will play …

Group D - Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia, Zambia The Indomitable Lions' (Cameroon) four Nations Cup wins give them the second highest haul of trophies with Ghana, their last win coming in 2002, and captain Rigobert Song will be making a record eighth appearance in this event. However a reluctance to let go of ageing stars like Song is what could ultimately be Cameroon's undoing. - This was evidenced in the final game of the last competition against Egypt when Song was outplayed by Zidan who layed on a pass for Aboutreka to score the winning goal. On the positive side, Cameroon possess the safest pair of hands on the continent in Carlos Kameni, and Samuel Eto’o is a player who …

Football pundits have highly tipped Egypt and World Cup bound Nigeria to sail through in this group. However, modern day football has changed and it would not be a major surprise to see either Nigeria or Egypt making it with one of the two underdogs - Benin and Mozambique. - Group C – Benin, Egypt, Nigeria, Mozambique Benin first play Mozambique and a win for the former would boost its morale to face six-time African champions Egypt and West Africa nation Nigeria. Nigerian-born Razak Omotoyossi remains Benin’s most notable and experienced performer. Omotoyossi is a powerful and accurate striker who topped Africa’s Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers alongside Samuel Eto…

AfricaNews' sports journalist Glorea Bentil turns the spotlight on Group B in our Angola 2010 country profile. She argues that the "Group of Death" would be action packed and that is where the best of African football would be. It comprises an all-West African side of Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. - Group B: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo Burkina Faso cannot boast of a player of world repute and are the underdogs in this group. However, they have a deadly player who can turn the slightest opportunity into glorious moments. Momouni Dagano was the leading goal scorer during the 2010 World Cup and African Cup campaigns and stands the chance of taking hi…

The much-awaited African Nations Cup kicks off in Angola from January 10 - 31. 16 African countries are playing 32 matches for a prestigious trophy in the biennial competition. Who would be crowned African Champions in 2010? AfricaNews previews the competing countries. We begin with Group A: - Group A: Algeria, Angola, Mali, Malawi Angola have made four African Nations Cup appearances but never won the cup before. As host nation the southern African country would be hoping to repeat history as every host nation since 1992 has gone pass the first round in this competition. The Palancas Negras, or Black Antelopes have their eyes fixed on the trophy and have prepared well for their home …