Sports
Despite doubts about his future, Ghana coach Chris Hughton remains focused
Despite rising rumours over his future with the Black Stars, Ghana coach Chris Hughton says he is dedicated to learning from past mistakes and improving the team’s performance.
Hughton stressed the importance of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros in an interview with BBC Africa, noting that his major priority is on achieving the best possible results from the squad.
He said, “My role as coach of the Black Stars is to get the best results and the best performances from the team. You can’t always get that, but you can always learn from your previous experiences, whether it’s good or bad.”
Chris Hughton on Ghana captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew’s return
The recall of Ghana captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, who was kept out of the team for recent friendlies against Mexico and the United States, was also addressed by the 64-year-old coach. Hughton appreciated Ayew’s leadership abilities and contribution to the squad, adding,
“Dede Ayew is still a very good player who has the potential to be the best player in training.” He is very important since he is the captain; he has a great impact on the younger players in the group. So it’s not just about his playing skills, but also about what he means to the team.”
Ghana will compete in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers against Mali, Central African Republic, and Chad.
The group winner will be guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be contested in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Chris Hughton took over as coach of the Black Stars at the start of this year. Hughton had extensive coaching expertise before joining the Black Stars. He managed several football clubs, including Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City, and Birmingham City.
Hughton’s hiring as Black Stars coach sparked enthusiasm and confidence among Ghanaian football fans. Despite recent doubts about his future, Hughton is dedicated to leading the Black Stars to victory.
Sports
Harry Maguire accepts Isaac Adongo’s apologies
Harry Maguire, a Manchester United defender, has accepted Hon. Isaac Adongo’s apologies for dragging him through the dirt.
The Ghanaian politician previously rated the former Leicester City captain as the worst player recruited by the Red Devils.
Adongo was discussing the budget when he likened Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s on-field performances.
Mr Adongo, however, apologised to Maguire in Parliament on Tuesday, saying the Manchester United defender now performed better for his club than Dr Bawumia, whom he said had repeatedly supervised the country’s economic incompetence and had subsequently gone to the (IMF) for a bailout.
“I was very quick to compare my big brother Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Harry Maguire. Mr. Speaker, I now apologize to Harry Maguire…Today Maguire has turned the corner; he is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United.”
“Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United. As for our Maguire, he is now roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand,” he stated.
Following the apology, Maguire stated on social media, “MP Issac Adongo apology accepted.” “Hope to see you at Old Trafford soon.”
Meanwhile, Everton will play Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Sports
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has hinted that he may resign
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has indicated that he is considering stepping down after five years in charge.
Scaloni made the stunning statement following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Before winning the World Cup in Qatar last year, the 45-year-old guided Argentina to the Copa America in 2021.
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well,” said Scaloni.
“I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.
“These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. I will talk to the FA president and the players afterwards.”
Messi on fan-police clashes: “There could have been a tragedy.”
After a brief stint in command of Argentina’s under-20 team, Scaloni took over as manager in August 2018.
Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory was their first major championship in 28 years, and it qualified them for the Finalissima against European champions Italy in June 2022, which they won 3-0 at Wembley.
Later that year, they won their third World Cup in Qatar, and first since 1986.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” said Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
“Let’s see now he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”
Argentina’s victory against Brazil on Tuesday was their first-ever away win over their rivals in World Cup qualification, and it took them two points clear at the top of the table.
The game at Rio’s Maracana stadium was delayed for 30 minutes due to a scuffle during the national anthems.
Sports
2026WCQ: Chris Hughton under pressure after Black Stars defeat in Comoros
Chris Hughton’s Black Stars suffered their first competitive loss as head coach, falling 1-0 to Comoros in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Myziane Maolida’s first-half goal was enough to give the hosts their second straight victory over the Black Stars.
Ghana is now in fourth position, three points behind early group leaders Comoros, who have won both of their initial qualification games.
Following a tense, late win against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Friday, there was some hope that the Black Stars may capitalise on Mali’s slip-up against the Central African Republic to grab the group lead.
Ghana could have grabbed an early lead in Tuesday’s encounter when Inaki Williams set up Antoine Semenyo for a goal, but the Bournemouth striker hit the crossbar.