Enzo Fernandez had opened the scoring with a penalty, but Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund put Napoli ahead just before half-time.

However, Cole Palmer was brought on at the interval and set up both of Joao Pedro’s second half goals.

It was heartbreak for Napoli and ecstasy for Chelsea, who secured a place in the last 16.

Chelsea began strongly when captain Reece James struck a free-kick against the hand of Juan Jesus to win a penalty in the 18th minute, which Enzo Fernandez drilled powerfully into the bottom corner.

Going a goal down sparked urgency from Antonio Conte’s Napoli side, as defenders Mathias Olivera and Giovanni di Lorenzo had efforts blocked and saved before equalising.

The home side’s opener came in the form of a remarkable first Napoli goal for local playmaker Antonio Vergara, as he escaped Moises Caicedo in midfield, turned Wesley Fofana and placed his shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Vergara’s 33rd-minute strike was followed 10 minutes later by Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, the on-loan Manchester United striker beating Fofana to meet Olivera’s low cross and guide a first-time finish into the corner.

At half-time, Palmer, on the bench having recovered from a thigh problem, came on to replace Pedro Neto.

Palmer made an impact by feeding Joao Pedro, who shrugged off a challenge and smashed in an equaliser from the edge of the box in the 61st minute.

The Brazilian striker was then found by Palmer while counter-attacking and slotted an 82nd-minute winner under the legs of Meret.

Substitute Romelu Lukaku had a chance to equalise in added time against his former club but his shot was saved as it was struck directly at goalkeeper Sanchez.

The Italian champions are out of Europe, but Chelsea avoid a two‑legged play-off in February and qualify for the last 16 at the first time of asking.

Salah scored Liverpool’s third as Arne Slot’s side once again found respite in the competition away from domestic troubles in the Premier League.

The Egyptian last scored in Liverpool’s win against Aston Villa on 1 November – since when he put his long-term future in question with a public attack on Slot and the club after being dropped, then went to the Africa Cup Of Nations with his country.

It was all smiles here, though, as Liverpool outclassed the Azerbaijan side, the outcome never in doubt.

Liverpool were on their way after 15 minutes when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a corner, technology ruling the ball had crossed the line despite the desperate attempts of Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski to claw it out.

Florian Wirtz’s crisp low finish doubled Liverpool’s lead six minutes later before Salah’s big moment arrived five minutes after the break.

Salah had been fouled on the edge of the area before curling the resulting free-kick into the top corner from Dominik Szoboszlai’s touch, celebrating flamboyantly in front of the Kop.

Qarabag were being run ragged, Liverpool quickly adding two more when Hugo Ekitike raced clear, then Mac Allister tapped in his second from almost on the goalline after a defensive shambles.

Substitute Federico Chiesa completed the rout with a simple finish from Virgil van Dijk’s pass in the final moments.

Liverpool’s only disappointment on a comfortable night was another muscle injury to Jeremie Frimpong, which forced him off inside the first two minutes.

Pep Guardiola’s side had faced the potential of a two-legged play-off in February after their shock defeat at Bodo/Glimt, but comfortably saw off Galatasaray before Benfica’s dramatic win over Real Madrid ensured the Blues progressed automatically.

City should have taken the lead inside the opening three minutes but Erling Haaland headed Rayan Ait-Nouri’s pin-point cross wide from eight yards out.

The Norwegian made up for that miss by latching on to Jeremy Doku’s through ball and dinking a delightful finish over the onrushing Ugurcan Cakir to end his barren run in open play.

Nico O’Reilly’s thunderous long-range drive was then tipped over by Cakir, but the dominant hosts doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark as Doku laid the ball off for Rayan Cherki to smash home an unerring finish.

Having provided the assists for both goals, Doku hobbled off on 37 minutes.

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen had Galatasaray’s best chances but his flicked header and low drive were both kept out by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Arsenal had already secured a top-two finish with their 3-1 win over Inter Milan last week, meaning they are guaranteed home ties in the second legs of their knockout ties.

They took the lead on Wednesday after just two minutes when Havertz played through Viktor Gyokeres and the forward powered a shot low into the net.

Kairat, who are bottom of the league phase with only one point, surprisingly levelled just three minutes later when Jorginho scored from the penalty spot after Riccardo Calafiori was adjudged to have pulled back the midfielder.

Arsenal then resumed control, and Havertz, who was making his first start for the Gunners since 5 February last year, put his side ahead with a powerful left-foot finish.

Gyokeres missed a couple of good opportunities to add to his goal tally, but as he attempted to get on the end of a Havertz low cross into the area he helped the ball on for Gabriel Martinelli to tap in from close range for Arsenal’s third.

Gabriel Jesus thought he had added a fourth late on, but his strike was ruled out for offside before Ricardinho nodded in a late goal to pull one back for Kairat.

The win means Arsenal finish top of the league phase and are only the second English side to win eight or more consecutive games in Champions League history, after Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who won 10 in a row between May 2023 and March 2024.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe stressed he trusted his squad as he made five changes for this almighty test, and the recalled Willock repaid the faith of his manager with his first ever goal in the competition on a night the visitors narrowly missed out on a place in the top eight.

It was the midfielder who ghosted into space to power a header past Matvej Safonov in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Vitinha’s opener and stun the Parc des Princes as both sides move into the play-offs.

Harvey Barnes had a glorious opportunity to win it for Newcastle late on, but the substitute, somehow, could only volley the ball into the side netting from close range with the goal gaping.

Newcastle and PSG ultimately had to be content with a place in the play-offs on a night they needed to win to automatically qualify for the last 16.

But Newcastle, who have won just three games on their travels, will take immense encouragement from this display after the visitors rallied following a shaky start in the French capital.

The game had only just kicked off when PSG were awarded a penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after the ball bounced off the arm of Bradley Barcola and then struck Lewis Miley’s hand inside the box.

Referee Slavko Vincic consulted his pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot in a decision that brought back memories of Newcastle’s last visit to the French capital, when PSG scored a controversial stoppage-time equaliser from the spot in 2023.

However, this time, goalkeeper Nick Pope got down to his left and saved Ousmane Dembele’s spot-kick with a strong hand.

The away end roared in encouragement, but Newcastle were soon behind when the unmarked Vitinha had all the time he needed to look up, pick his spot and drill the ball past Pope from the edge of the area.

Pope went on to make a vital save in the first half to deny Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner, but Newcastle stayed in the game and grabbed an equaliser after PSG failed to deal with a set-piece.

Both sides had their chances to win it after the break, as the game became stretched, but Dembele and Barcola fired over from decent positions for PSG.

Safonov fumbled an effort from Jacob Ramsey and later parried Anthony Gordon’s venomous strike before Barnes had a huge chance late on.

But Newcastle and PSG ultimately had to make do with a share of the spoils and a place in the play-offs as the French side finished one place above Howe’s men in 11th.

The on-loan Manchester United forward’s sumptuous free-kick marked his fifth goal in the competition this season and made sure of Barcelona’s place in the top eight.

Hansi Flick’s side finished fifth in the league table while Copenhagen missed out on a play-off place, finishing 31st.

Barcelona looked troubled in the first half and could have been heading for the play offs after Mohamed Elyounoussi picked up the ball near the halfway line and slotted through for 17-year-old Viktor Dadason to poke home in the fourth minute.

The hosts peppered Copenhagen’s goal with shots for the remainder of the first half but could not find the equaliser and, for the fifth time in this Champions League campaign, Flick’s side trailed at the break.

But Barcelona needed just three second-half minutes to restore parity as Lamine Yamal shifted the ball across for Robert Lewandowski to fire home from close range – the veteran’s 107th Champions League goal.

Teenager Yamal then found the net himself, curling towards the top corner from the edge of the penalty box and scoring by way of a heavy deflection.

Poland striker Lewandowski was then clipped by Junnosuke Suzuki while trying to get his shot away and captain Raphinha calmly converted from the spot.

And Rashford’s goal 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute made sure the victory was a comfortable one for the Spanish league leaders.

Copenhagen had a late goal ruled out for offside but struggled with Barcelona’s increased intensity in the second half and will feel disappointed not to have finished inside the play-off places having taken the early lead.

England forward Harry Kane, who started the match as a substitute, registered his 35th goal of the campaign to give Bayern victory and eliminate the Dutch club, who reached the last 16 of the competition 12 months ago.

Ismael Saibari’s stunning right-foot effort had raised home hopes that PSV could qualify for the knock-out play-offs.

The runaway Eredivisie leaders were sitting inside the top-24 places until Kane’s intervention meant they ended the evening in 28th, a point and four positions adrift.

And Peter Bosz’s side will feel a little hard done to after creating several excellent openings during an impressive first-half display.

Guus Til and Ivan Perisic both went close to opening the scoring well before Musiala – who has only recently returned to action after suffering a serious leg break at the Club World Cup – ended off a fine Bayern counter with an unerring finish from close range.

PSV’s disappointing evening was compounded by Mauro Junior’s late dismissal for collecting two yellow cards.

Gazale was found guilty of assaulting a ball retriever during Hearts of Oak’s Ghana Premier League match against Medeama SC at the TNA Park.

The sanctions rule him out of the club’s upcoming fixtures against Bechem United, Asante Kotoko, and Berekum Chelsea.

He has also been given 14 days to pay the fine.

The fixture, scheduled to kick off at 4:00 pm, marks an important moment for Ghana’s growing futsal programme.

The Black Stars Futsal team will be aiming to make full use of home advantage as they seek an energetic performance in their quest to qualify for Africa’s premier futsal tournament.

Ghana will face Zambia again in the reverse fixture in Lusaka after Tuesday’s encounter, with both matches determining who secures a place at the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal clinched their second AFCON title with a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time. However, the triumph was marred by controversy when several Senegalese players briefly left the pitch after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, before returning to complete the match.

The incident prompted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to file a formal complaint with both CAF and FIFA.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the FSF said: “The Senegalese Football Federation informs the national and international public that it appeared on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, before the Disciplinary Body of the Confederation of African Football. These proceedings were initiated following the referees’ reports and the observations submitted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation after the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.”

The federation was represented by its Secretary General, Professor Seydou Diagne, and supported by legal counsel during the hearing.

Key officials, including Technical Director Pape Bouna Thiaw, as well as players Ismaila Sarr and Elman Ndiaye, were formally heard and presented their defence.

“The disciplinary body has reserved its decision for deliberation. All parties will be officially notified within 48 hours, the deadline set by the chair of the arbitration panel,” the statement concluded.

After a promising start that saw increased fan attendance across venues, recent weeks have been overshadowed by questionable refereeing decisions and allegations of misconduct.

Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Afriyie acknowledged the league’s strong opening but expressed worries about its current state.

“The Premier League started very well, and attendance increased at the various venues, but the allegations and poor officiating have soiled the integrity of the league, and it is worrying and concerning,” he said.

Afriyie urged league authorities to take decisive action, including a review of leadership within the Referees Management Committee.

“I don’t want to rate the league, but what I will say is that those running the league must sit up and do the right thing. I think that the GFA should consider changing the Chairman or Chairperson of the Referees Management Committee as part of the solution to dealing with poor officiating,” he added.

Despite the concerns, Matchday 21 fixtures are set to proceed as scheduled at their respective stadia.

Drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will compete in the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

The four-time African champions are looking to improve on their last outing in Qatar, where they exited at the group stage.

Speaking to Akoma FM, Dramani, now head coach of Hearts of Oak, emphasized the importance of advancing.

“Our primary target for Ghana at the World Cup should be to qualify from the group stage,” he said.

“The coach brings valuable experience, and some of our players have been there before, too. This gives us an edge, and I believe we will succeed in the competition,” Dramani added.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, face England in Boston, and round off the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

After 20 matches in the 2025/26 season, the Phobians sit fourth on the table with 35 points.

While the gap at the summit is notable, Dramani believes the campaign is far from decided and has called for patience, belief, and consistency from both his players and the club’s supporters.

“This is a marathon league, and we remain very positive. We will continue to stay consistent and keep improving,” he told Akoma FM.

“There are still many matches to play, and anything can happen,” Dramani added.

Hearts of Oak endured an inconsistent start to the season but have found their rhythm in the second round, putting together an impressive five-match winning streak.

Dramani’s side will look to extend that momentum when they host Bechem United in their Matchday 21 fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium, as they continue their push up the league standings.

The Porcupine Warriors will host the Dormaa-based side at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in the 2025/26 FA Cup, setting up a mouth-watering encounter between two Premier League outfits.

Speaking on Akoma FM, Attah Poku acknowledged the challenge posed by Kotoko but described the fixture as a valuable chance for Aduana to demonstrate their quality, despite the venue presenting a familiar hurdle.

“We were very excited to be paired with Kotoko at this stage of the competition. It is another opportunity for us to showcase our quality, although we would have preferred a different venue due to our past record against them in Kumasi,” he stated.

He stressed that the FA Cup remains a major target for the club, noting that Aduana are still in search of their first title in the competition and see Kotoko as a major obstacle that must be overcome.

“Nevertheless, this is a competition we have never won, and if we are to achieve that dream, Kotoko must be removed from our path. We are therefore going to Kumasi with one objective — to eliminate them,” he added.

The Aduana CEO also revealed that the team will be backed by significant travelling support, with over 650 fans expected to make the journey from Dormaa to Kumasi.

“More than 650 of our fans will be travelling with us, and we cannot afford to let them or the people of Dormaa down,” he said.

The highly anticipated FA Cup Round of 16 tie is scheduled for February 9, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The experienced trainer takes over from Egyptian coach Ahmed Fathi Ibrahim, who has parted ways with the club along with his assistant and video analyst, Mohammed Adily.

In an official statement, Swedru All Blacks announced that Ocansey will lead the team through the remainder of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kassim Mingle as the head coach of the club till the end of the season,” the club stated on X.

Ocansey, formerly of Bechem United, had been without a club after leaving Nations FC following a challenging start to the current league season.

The Swedru-based side will be hoping the coaching change sparks a turnaround in form after their 2-0 defeat to Aduana FC last weekend. Their next test comes away from home against defending champions Bibiani GoldStars.

Djokovic, aiming for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, was wayward, error-strewn and irritable against the inspired Italian in front of a stunned crowd.

Musetti was 6-4 6-3 up and looked set for the semi-finals when he pulled up early in the third set.

The fifth seed took a medical timeout for treatment on his thigh but, unable to serve or move properly, he walked to the net and shook hands at 3-1 down in the third.

A heartbroken Musetti was helped down the corridor by a member of his team as he left the court.

“He was a far better player – I was on my way home tonight,” the 38-year-old Serb great said.

“I don’t know what to say except that I feel really sorry for him.

“I really wish him a speedy recovery. He should have been a winner today, there’s no doubt.”

Djokovic received treatment for blisters on his feet at the end of the second set and could also have been tested physically had the match continued.

It is another stroke of luck for Djokovic after fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew before their match with injury.

Djokovic has not won a set since his third-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp on 24 January.

For Djokovic to move ahead of Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles, he will need to limit his time on court, keep the points short and hope some good fortune goes his way.

He has managed those so far – but he would not have anticipated reaching the semi-finals with such a heavy reliance on fortuity.

Djokovic started sharply against Musetti, going an immediate break up, but then spectacularly lost his way.

A dreadful miss on an overhead handed the break back to Musetti and Djokovic never recovered, sending down just one ace and committing 18 unforced errors to nine winners on his way to losing the first set.

Djokovic frequently turned to his box in disbelief and annoyance – but he only had himself to blame at the start of the second set.

After breaking Musetti and getting out to a 30-0 lead on serve, Djokovic hit five unforced errors in six points to hand the initiative back.

Anchored by a one-handed backhand that kept Djokovic guessing and an improved serve, Musetti held off his opponent to move within touching distance of a first Australian Open semi-final.

Musetti’s level just made the injury all the more surprising. After being broken in the third set, he immediately called for the trainer and, after a valiant attempt at his next service game, called it quits.

“I honestly have no words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Musetti said.

“I felt it at the beginning of the second set. I was feeling that the pain was increasing, and the problem was not getting away.”

Djokovic had warm words for his opponent at the net and afterwards – and, having struggled with physical issues early in his career, would know how devastated the 23-year-old was.

Despite the good fortune, Djokovic will know he will need to improve if he is to win an 11th Australian Open title, with two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner potentially waiting in the last four.

World number two Sinner, who beat Djokovic in the semi-finals two years ago, faces American eighth seed Ben Shelton later on Wednesday.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are co-hosting the tournament, while the opening three matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the competition’s 100th anniversary.

Morocco has expressed interest in staging the final but Spanish Football Federation chief Rafael Louzan said: “Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years.

“It will be the leader of the 2030 World Cup and the final of that World Cup will be held here.”

Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium and Barcelona’s Nou Camp are viewed as the leading candidates to host the match, but Louzan provided no further details.

The BBC has approached world governing body Fifa, which has the final say on where the match will be played, and the Portuguese and Moroccan football federations for comment.

Morocco wants to stage the final in Casablanca at the Grand Stade Hassan II, which is due to be completed in 2028 and expected to hold 115,000 people.

Last year, Morocco’s Royal Football Federation president Faouzi Lekjaa expressed his wish to see the stadium stage a final against Spain.

Afcon scenes ‘damage the image of world football’

However, on Monday, at an event organised by the Madrid Sports Press Association, Spain’s Louzan also referred to the wild scenes at the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) earlier this month.

Morocco had talked up the tournament as a test event for 2030 but it ended in chaotic scenes in the capital city Rabat.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, already angered by a decision to disallow his side a goal in injury-time with the score 0-0, ushered his team from the field after hosts Morocco were awarded a penalty following a video assistant referee check.

There was also unrest in the stands as Senegal’s supporters tried to force their way onto the pitch.

Following a delay of about 17 minutes, Brahim Diaz’s tame ‘Panenka’ spot-kick was saved and Senegal went on to claim a 1-0 victory in extra time.

A win for Morocco would have seen the country clinch its first Afcon title since 1976.

“Morocco is really undergoing a transformation in every sense, with magnificent stadiums,” Louzan said. “We must recognise what has been done well.

“But in the Africa Cup of Nations, we have seen scenes that damage the image of world football.”

Fifa said last year it was premature to decide the venue for the 2030 final, saying the host city for the 2026 World Cup final was revealed only two years before the tournament.

Spain have put forward 11 stadiums to host games at the 2030 World Cup, with Morocco set to use six and Portugal three.

The opening matches will take place in South America as Fifa marks the 1930 competition that was staged and won by Uruguay.

Argentina were the beaten finalists, while Paraguay is where Conmebol, the South American football confederation, is based.

Pictures circulated on social media on Tuesday showing the 27-year-old and Wilson Odobert standing next to a damaged Ferrari, although the Spurs winger was travelling in his own car and stopped to assist his team-mate.

The accident happened as the pair were on their way to the airport for the club’s trip to Germany and Wednesday’s final Champions League group phase match at Eintracht Frankfurt (20:00 GMT).

Both Kolo Muani and compatriot Odobert were due to fly out later on Tuesday and boss Frank, speaking in his pre-match news conference, said “everyone else involved in the accident was fine”.

“It was a tyre blowing up, so, they are little bit delayed, but they will land later tonight,” he added.

Kolo Muani is on loan at Spurs from Paris St-Germain and has scored twice and assisted twice in Europe this season.

Frank “fully expects” both the frontman and Odobert to be available for the Frankfurt tie, where victory for his men will confirm a top-eight spot in the standings.

Spurs, however, will be without full-back Pedro Porro, who has a hamstring injury and “will be out for four weeks”. Centre-back Micky van de Van has also not travelled due to a “minor thing”, but could return for Sunday’s Premier League home match with Manchester City (16:30 BST).

But the Spaniard said he had to “defend my club and my players”.

Guardiola took umbrage at the fact Hallam – making his top-flight debut – decided not to award his side a penalty for an apparent handball by visiting defender Yerson Mosquera, despite being told to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).

There is usually only one outcome when a referee is sent to the screen – the awarding or overturning of a penalty – but in sticking with his original decision Guardiola said Hallam made a “huge debut” and “everybody will know” him now.

Asked if he took his comments from the weekend too far, Guardiola replied: “With their statements, they defend each other, [that is] completely understandable. They have to do that.

“But at the same time, I have to defend my club. How many times did I criticise the referees last season, which was the worst season in 10 years? How many times?

“If he is offended then I am so sorry. I know it’s not easy on debut – and it’s happened. Everyone is so sensitive, I know that.”

Following the match, Guardiola said he would be awaiting a call from referees’ chief Howard Webb to “explain why it is not a penalty”.

For the third time in two weeks, Webb was again referenced by Guardiola in a news conference as he added: “Never, ever, in 10 years I have criticised the referees. What I am saying this season is arguments and reasons why we have done it.

“I defend my club and my players. Howard Webb defends the referees. He has to do that.

“Look what happens in the boxes from corners and free-kicks: every action, it is not easy. Every action is a foul, every action. I know it is not easy, but I have to defend my club and my players for many reasons.”

‘When we lose, I congratulate the opponent’

City are back in European action on Wednesday and must beat Turkish giants Galatasaray to have any hope of finishing in the top eight to avoid an extra two games in a play-off.

But in Tuesday’s pre-match news conference, he maintained his stance on officiating by referencing Antoine Semenyo’s disallowed goal – for offside against Erling Haaland – in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie at Newcastle, as well as Crystal Palace defender Jaydee Canvot’s handball against Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League encounter.

“When we lose in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup – the first statement is congratulate the opponent all the time,” said Guardiola. “I do it because I believe it is fair enough to say.

“But when you say one times or two times over 10 years that I am the type [to complain] then OK it’s fine, everyone defends his position. I defend my club and players for what happened many, many [times].

“When you are six minutes for a disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup, I have to tell him you know. The hand [ball] against Wolves, it happened, but then what happened at Crystal Palace and Chelsea? I have to tell.”

The 28-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Premier League title challengers, as he moves back to England for the first time since joining Roma in 2021.

Abraham was on loan at Besiktas from Roma, but the Turkish club activated their buy option on Monday for £11m, so Villa will pay the fee of 21m euros (£18.25m) to them.

Villa boss Unai Emery had been looking for a striker to support Ollie Watkins and has a long-standing interest in Abraham, who had a loan spell at the club in 2018-19 and helped them earn promotion from the Championship with 26 goals in 40 games.

“Some clubs play a big part in your journey and stay with you,” Abraham said.

“I’ve scored goals, faced challenges, and grown as a player and as a man. I’m back at Aston Villa, ready to work and give everything.”

Teenager Villa midfielder Yasin Ozcan, who has been on loan at Anderlecht this season, is joining Besiktas as part of the deal.

Roberto Olabe, Villa’s president of football operations, flew to Turkey to watch Abraham play as Besiktas beat Kayserispor 1-0 last week.

The forward could feature against Brentford on Sunday but is not registered to play in Thursday’s Europa League game against Red Bull Salzburg.

Meanwhile, former Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is set to return to the club on loan.

The 27-year-old Brazilian is on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus, but he is set to leave the City Ground before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Villa are third in the top flight – four points behind leaders Arsenal – after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Newcastle.

Serie A and European success

Abraham moved to Roma in August 2021 from Chelsea for £34m and scored 27 goals in his debut season as the Italian side won the Conference League.

His 17 Serie A goals made him the highest English scorer in a single league campaign in Italy.

Nine goals in 54 games followed in 2022-23, but an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the final game of the season kept him out for 10 months.

On his return Abraham made 12 appearances, scoring once, then joined AC Milan on loan in 2024 after Jose Mourinho, who had brought him to Roma, left the club.

He scored 10 goals in 44 games in all competitions for Milan but made just 12 league starts and returned to his parent club at the end of last season.

In total, Abraham made 120 appearances for Roma, scoring 39 goals, before joining Besiktas last summer.

He netted 12 goals in 24 games for the Turkish Super Lig club and leaves with them fifth in the table.

All times CAT.

Football

Europe’s elite leagues return with a stretch of football that doesn’t ease you back in – it grabs you by the collar. From continental drama to domestic pressure points, this is a week where momentum shifts, title races sharpen and reputations are tested, all live on SuperSport.

It starts midweek with a blockbuster UEFA Champions League matchday. Every fixture, every storyline, every goal is available, as the competition’s league phase reaches a decisive moment. Giants look to secure their passage, outsiders chase history, and there’s no hiding place when 18 matches kick off simultaneously. It’s the Champions League at full throttle.

The weekend then pivots to Ligue 1, where Strasbourg v PSG feels like a trap disguised as a routine outing. PSG arrive as the standard-setters, but trips to Alsace have a habit of demanding focus and discipline. Strasbourg’s intensity and home support make this a test of PSG’s maturity, not just their star power.

In the Premier League, the narrative thickens fast. Leeds v Arsenal is a classic contrast: energy versus elegance. Leeds will press, run and scrap, while Arsenal arrive knowing control is non-negotiable in a title chase that allows no breathers. Later, Liverpool v Newcastle brings edge, noise and genuine stakes. Both sides expect to be in the conversation, and Anfield under the lights rarely does subtle.

Then there’s Tottenham v Manchester City – a fixture that never behaves. Spurs’ fearless approach meets City’s relentless precision, and the tactical chess match is as compelling as the individual brilliance on display. It’s the kind of game that can redefine seasons in 90 minutes.

Serie A serves up its own feast. Napoli v Fiorentina is a battle of identity, tempo and nerve, while Cremonese v Inter carries the familiar weight of expectation. Inter know these are the matches champions manage professionally. Parma v Juventus, meanwhile, is soaked in history. Juve’s authority is always questioned in places like this, where ambition meets tradition.

La Liga rounds things off with a run of must-watch encounters. Levante v Atletico Madrid promises grit and grind, Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano offers derby-day tension with unpredictable edges, and Elche v Barcelona tests Barça’s consistency away from home. Finally, Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad delivers a Basque derby that needs no extra selling – just passion, pride and points.

This is football without filler. Big names, bigger moments, and stories unfolding in real time. SuperSport has it all – from Europe’s grandest stage to the leagues that shape the season’s truth.

UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Wednesday 28 January – all matches kick-off at 22:00

Goals Show – LIVE on SuperSport Blitz

Liverpool v Qarabag – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Barcelona v Copenhagen – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

Monaco v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Events

Ajax v Olympiacos – LIVE on SuperSport OTT2

PSG v Newcastle – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport GOtv Football

Dortmund v Inter Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand

Napoli v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham – LIVE on SuperSport Action

Atletico Madrid v Bodo-Glimt – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby and SuperSport OTT6

Leverkusen v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Arsenal v Kairat – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Africa 2

Pafos v Slavia Prague – LIVE on SuperSport OTT4

Manchester City v Galatasaray – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Club Brugge v Marseille – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

PSV v Bayern – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Benfica v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

Athletic Bilbao v Sporting – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Union SG v Atalanta – LIVE on SuperSport OTT3

Ligue 1

Friday 30 January

21:45: Lens v Le Havre – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport GOtv Football

Saturday 31 January

18:00: Paris FC v Marseille – LIVE on SuperSport Events and SuperSport Africa

Sunday 1 February

21:45: Strasbourg v PSG – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport GOtv Football

Premier League, Matchday 24

Saturday 31 January

17:00: Leeds United v Arsenal – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

17:00: Wolves v Bournemouth – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport OTT3

17:00: Brighton v Everton – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

19:30: Chelsea v West Ham – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

22:00: Liverpool v Newcastle – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 1 February

16:00: Aston Villa v Brentford – LIVE on SuperSport Variety, SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

16:00: Manchester United v Fulham – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

16:00: Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport OTT2

18:30: Tottenham v Manchester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Monday 2 February

22:00: Sunderland v Burnley – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Serie A, Matchday 23

Friday 30 January

21:45: Lazio v Genoa – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

Saturday 31 January

16:00: Pisa v Sassuolo – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

19:00: Napoli v Fiorentina – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 1

21:45: Cagliari v Verona – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

Sunday 1 February

13:30: Torino v Lecce – LIVE on SuperSport OTT7 and SuperSport Maximo 360

16:00: Como v Atalanta – LIVE on SuperSport OTT7 and SuperSport Maximo 360

19:00: Cremonese v Inter Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

21:45: Parma v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 360

Monday 2 February

21:45: Udinese v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

La Liga, Matchday 22

Friday 30 January

22:00: Espanyol v Alaves – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Saturday 31 January

15:00: Real Oviedo v Girona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

17:15: Osasuna v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Levante v Atletico Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Elche v Barcelona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Sunday 1 February

15:00: Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

17:15: Real Betis v Valencia – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Getafe v Celta Vigo – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

22:00: Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Monday 2 February

22:00: Mallorca v Sevilla – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Golf

The global golf calendar tees up a premium week, with three elite tournaments unfolding across different continents, each offering its own test of skill, temperament and ambition.

The DP World Tour heads to the Middle East for the Bahrain Championship, where precision is king and patience is non-negotiable. The desert layout rewards smart course management, crisp iron play and the ability to handle shifting conditions as the week wears on. With early-season momentum at stake, this is where contenders begin to separate themselves from the chasing pack, laying down markers for the months ahead.

Across the Atlantic, the LPGA season opens in celebratory style at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. A winners-only field ensures quality from the first tee shot, blending proven champions with emerging stars eager to announce themselves. Set against a vibrant backdrop, it’s a tournament that balances competitive edge with occasion, where confidence built here can echo throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour delivers one of its sternest challenges at the Farmers Insurance Open. Demanding fairways, punishing rough and small margins make this a true examination of championship golf. Success here is earned the hard way, rewarding discipline, resilience and nerve.

Three tours. Three stages. One compelling weekend of world-class golf, live on SuperSport Golf.

DP World Tour: Bahrain Championship

Thursday 29 January – Sunday 1 February – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

LPGA: Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

Thursday 29 January – Sunday 1 February – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

PGA Tour: Farmers Insurance Open

Thursday 29 January – Sunday 1 February – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

Rugby

The United Rugby Championship hits Round 11 with momentum building and margins tightening, as every fixture begins to carry real meaning in the race for playoff positions.

The weekend opens in Europe with contrasting tests of identity. Benetton v Scarlets brings together ambition and edge, while Warriors v Munster promises a collision of intensity and experience, with Munster’s physical authority facing a Glasgow side that thrives on tempo and ambition.

Saturday shifts the spotlight firmly south, and it doesn’t get bigger than Lions v Bulls. The Jukskei derby delivers familiar fire, physicality and pride, with both sides knowing that domestic bragging rights often translate into season-defining confidence. Shortly after, Sharks v Stormers lights up Durban in a clash that blends power with pace. These are two squads built to go deep, and statements made here resonate well beyond one weekend.

Elsewhere, Zebre v Connacht offers a chance for momentum to change hands, while Leinster v Edinburgh is a meeting of structure and ambition, where accuracy and discipline will be non-negotiable. The round closes with Ulster v Cardiff and Ospreys v Dragons, fixtures rich in regional rivalry and edge.

Round 11 isn’t about survival yet — but it’s about positioning, belief and setting the tone for what’s to come.

United Rugby Championship, Round 11

Friday 30 January

21:45: Benetton v Scarlets – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

21:45: Warriors v Munster – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Saturday 31 January

14:30: Lions v Bulls – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

17:00: Sharks v Stormers – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

17:00: Zebre v Connacht – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

19:30: Leinster v Edinburgh – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

21:45: Ulster v Cardiff – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

21:45: Ospreys v Dragons – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Cricket

With the men’s T20 World Cup just around the corner, this stretch of international cricket feels less like preparation and more like rehearsal. Every over, every role and every finish is under the microscope as teams sharpen their weapons for the biggest stage.

South Africa v West Indies sets the tone with a three-match series that promises power, pace and personality. These are two sides built for the shortest format, where margins are thin and momentum swings fast. For South Africa, it’s about balance – finding the right mix of explosiveness and control – while the West Indies arrive with their trademark flair and a point to prove. Expect big hits, brave bowling changes and finishes that test nerve as much as skill.

Across the subcontinent, India v New Zealand reaches its decisive phase. The final two matches of the series bring tactical intrigue, with depth, adaptability and match-ups front and centre. India’s firepower meets New Zealand’s cool efficiency in contests that often hinge on execution under pressure – a familiar World Cup preview in miniature.

The women’s game also takes centre stage in New Zealand’s Super Smash, where the Eliminator and Final deliver everything knockout cricket promises. It’s high-stakes, high-tempo and unforgiving, showcasing emerging talent and proven performers when it matters most.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka v England adds another layer of intrigue. England’s white-ball blueprint continues to evolve, while Sri Lanka’s conditions and creativity provide a demanding test. It’s a series that rewards innovation and clarity of purpose – exactly what teams crave heading into a global tournament.

From Johannesburg to Jaipur, from Colombo to Christchurch, this is cricket in fast-forward. Form is fleeting, confidence is currency, and with a World Cup looming, there’s no such thing as a quiet game. SuperSport brings every moment as the countdown accelerates.

South Africa v West Indies T20 Series

First T20: Tuesday 27 January, 18:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Second T20: Thursday 29 January, 18:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Third T20: Saturday 31 January, 18:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

India v New Zealand T20 Series

Fourth T20: Wednesday 28 January, 15:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

Fifth T20: Saturday 31 January, 15:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

New Zealand Women’s Super Smash

Eliminator: Friday 30 January, 03:15 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Final: Saturday 31 January, 03:15 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

Sri Lanka v England T20 Series

First T20: Friday 30 January, 15:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Events

Second T20: Monday 1 February, 15:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

Motorsport

Speed, strategy and spectacle take centre stage as electric innovation and endurance excellence share the spotlight in a weekend built for motorsport purists.

Formula E arrives in Florida for the Miami ePrix, where precision matters as much as pace. The tight, technical nature of the circuit places a premium on energy management, braking efficiency and timing – the core skills that define success in Formula E. Practice sessions will be about fine margins and data gathering, before qualifying turns intensity up several notches. By race time, it’s wheel-to-wheel action, strategic gambles and late-race drama as drivers balance aggression with conservation under the Florida lights. With the championship finely poised, Miami promises a race where brains can be as decisive as bravery.

Alongside the electric sprint, endurance racing delivers its own brand of tension in the Asian Le Mans Series. Rounds 3 and 4 form a decisive double-header, where consistency across long stints is just as valuable as outright speed. Teams must manage traffic, tyre wear and driver changes while keeping one eye on the bigger championship picture. Every hour adds pressure, and small mistakes are magnified over distance.

Together, these events showcase motorsport’s contrasting rhythms: the explosive intensity of a single-race showdown and the slow-burn drama of endurance competition. It’s a weekend that rewards adaptability, focus and flawless execution, as drivers and teams chase performance across two very different arenas.

Formula E: Miami ePrix

Friday 30 January

22:25: Practice 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Saturday 31 January

13:25: Practice 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

15:30: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

20:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Asian Le Mans Series

Saturday 31 January

12:00: Round 3 – LIVE on SuperSport OTT1

Sunday 1 February

12:00: Round 4 – LIVE on SuperSport OTT1

Variety

It’s a week where sport doesn’t just compete for your attention — it stacks the schedule and dares you to look away. From hardwood intensity to Grand Slam tension, from combat sports chaos to endurance excellence, SuperSport delivers a multi-code surge that hits every nerve.

The NBA sets the rhythm early with a trio of heavyweight regular-season matchups. Cavaliers v Magic is a test of depth and discipline, Timberwolves v Warriors blends youthful hunger with championship muscle memory, and 76ers v Bucks brings star power and playoff-calibre edge. These are the kinds of nights where statements are made quietly in January and remembered loudly in May.

In Melbourne, the Australian Open reaches its business end. Days 10 to 14 strip tennis back to its rawest form — pressure points, aching legs and careers pivoting on single shots. The women’s semifinals set the tone, the men’s semifinals raise the stakes, and by the weekend the trophies are in sight. Finals weekend is pure theatre: no safety net, no second chances, just nerve versus nerve under the Rod Laver Arena lights.

On the roads of Saudi Arabia, the AlUla Tour adds a different kind of drama. Five days of racing across striking terrain test climbing legs, sprint timing and team tactics, where seconds matter and mistakes linger.

Closer to home, South Africa v England in netball brings international edge and pride. It’s a series built on speed, precision and physicality, as the Proteas measure themselves against one of the world’s benchmarks in a crucial phase of their cycle.

Saturday night detonates with WWE’s Royal Rumble — unpredictable, theatrical and unmissable — before combat sport takes over in the early hours with UFC 325, where Volkanovski v Lopes 2 promises elite skill, unfinished business and absolute intensity.

The weekend closes on the streets of Dubai with the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon, where endurance, ambition and human willpower stretch to their limits.

Basketball: NBA Regular Season

Tuesday 27 January

02:00: Cavaliers v Magic – LIVE on SuperSport Action

04:30: Timberwolves v Warriors – LIVE on SuperSport Action

Wednesday 28 January

03:00: 76ers v Bucks – LIVE on SuperSport Action

Tennis: Australian Open

Tuesday 27 January – Saturday 31 January

Days 10 – 14 – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis and SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 29 January

10:30: Women’s Semifinals – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Friday 30 January

03:00: Mixed Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

05:30: Men’s Semifinals – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Saturday 31 January

10:00: Women’s Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

13:30: Men’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Sunday 1 February

06:00: Women’s Doubles Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

10:00: Men’s Final – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Cycling: Alula Tour

Tuesday 27 – Saturday 31 January, 13:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa 2

Netball: South Africa v England Test Series

Thursday 29 January

16:00: First Test – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa 2

Saturday 31 January

15:00: Second Test – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa

Sunday 1 February

14:00: Third Test – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa 2

WWE: Royal Rumble

Saturday 31 January, 21:00 – LIVE on WWE Channel, SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

MMA: UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

Sunday 1 February, 04:00 (main card) – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

Road Running: Dubai Marathon

Sunday 1 February

15:30: 25th Edition – LIVE on SuperSport Variety and SuperSport Africa

The highly rated Medeama SC right-back has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Omdurman-based club, bringing an end to his stint in the Ghana Premier League.

Al Hilal’s management and supporters have extended a warm welcome to Mamudu, expressing confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact. “All members of our club welcome you, Mamudu, and wish you years filled with titles and glory,” the club said in a statement.

Mamudu departs Medeama SC following a string of impressive performances, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive defenders in terms of goal contributions. He concluded his time at the Tarkwa-based side in emphatic fashion, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Karela United to take his season tally to five goals.

Since joining Medeama in 2023, Mamudu has featured in the CAF Champions League and earned call-ups to the Ghana national team, further cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic full-backs in the domestic league.

The Congolese centre-back is nearing the end of his current deal, which is set to expire at the close of the season. Despite repeated attempts by the club’s hierarchy to secure his future, O’Neil has so far been reluctant to commit to a new contract.

The 26-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Libya, South Africa, and Tanzania, further complicating Kotoko’s efforts to retain him.

“We sent a new proposal to Samba and his team, and we are awaiting their response,” Sarfo Duku told Luv FM.

“Looking at how long this has taken, because we started this conversation almost a year ago, it seems increasingly difficult for the player to renew his contract. But we continue pressing with the hope that he will have a change of mind, especially if he feels he wants to continue here,” he added.

O’Neil has been a key figure for the Reds this season, making 19 appearances and scoring three goals. He is expected to feature in Kotoko’s Matchday 21 fixture away to Heart of Lions at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

Last week, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association revealed that Coach Otto Addo has formally requested enhancements to his technical team ahead of the global showpiece.

Speaking on the matter, Sefah emphasised that Ghana has experienced and capable scouts who understand the local football landscape and can play a key role in player identification and team development.

“There are very competent scouts in Ghana who have deep knowledge of the game and the players,” Sefah told Luv FM. “If the technical team is being strengthened, then local scouts should be considered because they are closer to the talent and understand the system better.”

The Black Stars are scheduled to play friendlies against Austria and Germany in March before their 2026 World Cup campaign in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

After a standout performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Gyan joined the Premier League side from French club Stade Rennais in a club-record transfer.

Reflecting on that period, he revealed that Essien, then at Chelsea, had called to discuss the possibility of him moving to England.

“I remember Michael Essien, my national teammate, calling to ask if I was coming to the Premier League. I jokingly told him I was going to score against Chelsea, and we all laughed. He wished me the best, and I ended up scoring against Chelsea,” Gyan told Rio Ferdinand.

Gyan made an immediate impact at Sunderland, scoring on his debut against Wigan Athletic on 11 September 2010 after coming on for Danny Welbeck in a 1-1 draw.

He went on to make 34 appearances for the Black Cats, netting 10 goals, before moving to UAE side Al Ain, initially on loan, with the deal later made permanent.

The draw has set up some exciting matchups, including an all–Premier League clash between Asante Kotoko and Aduana FC. In another high-profile tie, lower-tier side Inter Allies will host Dreams FC.

Berekum Chelsea will face Tamale City, while Medeama SC takes on Samartex 1996 in another Premier League showdown. Other fixtures include Eleven Wonders against Attram de Divisser, True Life FC hosting Heart of Lions, Nations FC versus Swedru All Blacks, and Techiman Liberty Youth meeting Real Tamale United (RTU).

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for the weekend of February 6 and 9, 2026.

Full Draw:

• Asante Kotoko vs Aduana FC
• Inter Allies vs Dreams FC
• Berekum Chelsea vs Tamale City
• Medeama SC vs Samartex 1996
• Eleven Wonders vs Attram de Divisser
• True Life FC vs Heart of Lions
• Nations FC vs Swedru All Blacks
• Techiman Liberty Youth vs Real Tamale United (RTU)

Ghana, four-time African champions, missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia.

With less than five months remaining before the tournament, Kingston expressed concern over the number of injuries affecting key Ghanaian players. However, he believes the team can progress if coach Otto Addo manages to restore the squad to full fitness.

“For me, I don’t really expect anything more than for us to go through the group stage. I’ll be happy for us to go through the group stage, but my worry is that some of the players have picked up injuries. If Otto Addo gets these trusted players fit, then we can do something,” he told Sporty FM.

“Otto Addo has been with these players for some time, and I am told that they now understand themselves, so he should be comfortable with the players as well,” Kingston added.

Several prominent players, including Mohammed Salisu, Mohammed Kudus, Tariq Lamptey, Francis Abu, and Abdul Mumin, are currently sidelined with injuries.

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before facing England in Boston, and concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The Black Stars have previously exited at the group stage in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, and are now determined to make a stronger impression on football’s biggest stage.

Kingston, a former Black Stars winger, was appointed head coach of the Black Starlets in April 2024 ahead of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship. Ghana’s campaign ended at the semifinal stage following a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso, a result that denied the team a place in the final.

In a surprising turn, Kingston announced his resignation during his post-match press conference, a decision that reportedly disappointed the GFA leadership.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Kingston said Okraku had hoped he would continue in the role but respected his choice to leave.

“Kurt Okraku was disappointed with my decision to leave my role as Black Starlets head coach. It was not about him, but my decision. I had made my decision to quit even before our final game,” he said.

He added that he later requested a meeting with the GFA president to explain his reasons.

“I requested to meet him, and he gave me the chance, and I explained why I resigned. Even though he welcomed my decision, he was disappointed,” Kingston added.

Since stepping down, Kingston has worked in the United States and is currently serving as head coach of Uganda’s youth national teams, contributing to the development of young talents and helping shape the country’s football philosophy.

Kingston was appointed head coach of the Black Starlets in April 2024 ahead of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship hosted by Ghana. However, the team fell short of the title after a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Burkina Faso.

Following the loss, the former Hearts of Oak winger made a surprise announcement, stepping down from his role as head coach.

Since leaving the Black Starlets, Kingston has worked in the United States and is currently serving as head coach of all Uganda’s junior national teams.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Kingston stressed his readiness to serve Ghana again, provided the conditions are favourable.

“I’m a Ghanaian, and anytime the opportunity comes to coach any national team, I will. If the environment is conducive for me, I’ll take the offer,” he said.

The 21-year-old, who lashed in United’s second goal from the edge of the box, limped off in the closing stages of the match with what interim head coach Michael Carrick hoped was cramp.

It is more significant than that but sources say the Denmark international is still being assessed and the timescale for his absence is not clear.

The in-form Dorgu, who joined United as a wing-back from Italian club Lecce 12 months ago, has excelled in an advanced left-sided attacking role under Carrick, and also scored in the previous win over Manchester City.

United have eight Premier League games before the March international break, when Dorgu is expected to be involved for Denmark in the World Cup play-offs.

Dorgu’s absence could lead to a greater role for Matheus Cunha, who has started United’s past two games on the substitutes’ bench but scored the winner against Arsenal.

World number one Sabalenka said her mentality is “trophy or nothing” after overpowering rising American star Jovic 6-3 6-0.

The 27-year-old Belarusian has a favourable 5-1 head-to-head record against Svitolina – but she will be wary after the Ukrainian dismantled Gauff 6-1 6-2.

A despondent Gauff served five double faults, made 26 unforced errors, hit just three winners and smashed her racquet in the players’ area after the loss.

Four-time major singles champion Sabalenka has made the semi-final stage at 14 of the past 17 majors she has contested.

She has become only the third women’s player to reach eight consecutive singles semi-finals at Grand Slams in the past 38 years, after Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

“I think that it’s unbelievable what I was able to achieve,” Sabalenka said.

“What’s really helping me to be there all the time is the focus that I’m having.

“Focusing on the right things definitely helps a lot with the consistency.”

‘Trophy or nothing’ mentality for Sabalenka

Sabalenka has reached this year’s semi-finals at Melbourne Park without dropping a set, taking her winning streak at the start of 2026 to 10 matches and 20 consecutive sets.

Having lost two Grand Slam finals last year – first in Melbourne and then at the French Open – Sabalenka defended her US Open crown in September and is the heavy favourite to regain her Australian Open title on her most successful surface.

Sabalenka, who has won 19 of her 22 career titles on hard courts, said: “I think every player, when they get to the tournament, is trophy or nothing.

“It’s always in the back of your mind that, obviously, you want to win it. But I’m trying to focus on the right things and trying my best in each match, each point, each game, each set. That’s my mentality.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 but lost last year’s final to Madison Keys

Sabalenka’s quarter-final against the 18-year-old Jovic was played in intense heat exceeding 40C, with the Australian Open’s heat stress scale hitting the cut-off mark shortly after the conclusion of their match.

The roof was closed on Rod Laver Arena as Sabalenka conducted her post-match interview and will stay shut for the day’s remaining matches

Jovic described Sabalenka, who has worked on controlling her emotions on-court to achieve consistency at the sport’s biggest tournaments, as “very inspiring”.

“I think the way she’s been able to use all the negative things that have happened to her and turned them into motivation and fuel to be better is amazing,” Jovic said.

Blatter gave his support to comments from anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who worked with FIFA on potential reforms when Blatter was boss, saying fans should stay away from the USA for the tournament.

“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter said on social media.

Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier in January as one reason for supporters not to travel to the USA, with Blatter’s endorsement of his comments coming in the wake of the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.

The World Cup is due to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11-July 19.

“What we are seeing domestically -– the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. – hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last week.

“For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You’ll get a better view on television anyway.

“Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky…”

Blatter stepped down as FIFA president in 2015 amid several scandals and was replaced by current boss Gianni Infantino.

Blatter and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were last year acquitted definitively on charges stemming from a delayed payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.5 million) FIFA made to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.

Former France star Platini said earlier this month that Infantino, who has forged a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, has “become more of an autocrat” and “he likes the rich and powerful”.

World number one Sabalenka overpowered rising American star Jovic 6-3 6-0 and awaits either third seed Coco Gauff or Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals.

The 27-year-old Belarusian, a four-time major singles champion, has made the semi-final stage at 14 of the last 17 majors she has contested.

Sabalenka is only the third women’s player to reach eight consecutive singles semi-finals at Grand Slams in the past 38 years, after Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

“I think that it’s unbelievable what I was able to achieve,” said Sabalenka.

“What’s really helping me to be there all the time is the focus that I’m having.

“Focusing on the right things definitely helps a lot with the consistency.”

Sabalenka has reached this year’s semi-finals in Melbourne without dropping a set, taking her winning streak at the start of 2026 to 10 matches and 20 consecutive sets.

Having lost two Grand Slam finals last year – first in Melbourne and then at the French Open – Sabalenka defended her US Open crown in September and is the heavy favourite to regain her Australian Open title.

Sabalenka, who has won 19 of her 22 career titles on hard courts, said: “I think every player, when they get to the tournament, is trophy or nothing.

“The mentality is the same, and it’s always in the back of your mind that obviously you want to win it.

“But I’m trying to shift my focus on the right things and just trying my best in each match, each point, each game, each set. That’s my mentality.”

It was the second consecutive round in which Sabalenka faced a teenage opponent, having previously beaten 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko.

“These teenagers were testing me in the last couple rounds. Don’t look at the score. It wasn’t easy at all,” she said.

Sabalenka’s quarter-final against the 18-year-old Jovic was played in intense heat exceeding 40C, with the Australian Open’s heat stress scale hitting the cut-off mark shortly after the conclusion of their match.

The roof was closed on Rod Laver Arena as Sabalenka conducted her post-match interview and will stay shut for the day’s remaining matches

Jovic described Sabalenka, who has worked on controlling her emotions on-court to achieve consistency at the sport’s biggest tournaments, as “very inspiring”.

“I think the way she’s been able to use all the negative things that have happened to her and turned them into motivation and fuel to be better is amazing,” Jovic said.

The Black Stars will be making their fifth appearance at the Mundial, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Following Ghana’s qualification, several players have reportedly expressed interest in switching national allegiance to represent the four-time African champions.

Despite calls from some quarters for the coach to overlook such players, Alhassan believes Otto Addo must prioritise quality and impact over past involvement in the qualifiers.

“Coach Otto Addo should put aside his personal interests and select players who can help Ghana achieve success at the World Cup, regardless of whether they played in the qualifiers,” he told Asempa FM’s Prep Zone.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L and will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Having exited at the group stage in both Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are keen to make a stronger impression on football’s biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1.

Ayew last featured for the senior national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where Ghana suffered a group-stage exit.

After leaving French side Le Havre at the end of last season, the 36-year-old was without a club for six months before signing with Dutch outfit NAC Breda on a deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season.

However, Alhassan, who was part of Ghana’s squad for the 2012 AFCON, believes Andre Ayew’s experience and leadership could be crucial to the team’s World Cup campaign.

“We need Andre Ayew in the Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup. His motivation can take the team far,” he told Asempa FM’s Prep Zone.

Andre Ayew has so far made three appearances for NAC Breda since joining the club.

Meanwhile, Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1.

The protracted conflict centres on Stanley Nunoo, who has maintained control of the beach’s operations and finances in defiance of a Court of Appeal order that restructured the management committee and mandated a peaceful handover of responsibilities.

The dispute traces back to a 2002 Memorandum of Understanding between the La Traditional Council, the allodial owners of the land, and the Ghana Tourism Development Company for the development and management of La Pleasure Beach. When youth agitation in 2012 and 2013 demanded accountability, the courts established an Interim Management Committee with representation from the La Traditional Council, GTDC, and the La Youth Association, with revenue to be shared: twenty percent to the traditional council as landowners and thirty percent to a youth development fund for social initiatives.

However, from 14th October 2014 to 21st July 2022, the three-member committee structure effectively collapsed as Nunoo, appointed as the youth representative, assumed sole control of beach operations. During this period, neither the traditional council received their stipulated twenty percent nor did funds flow into the youth development account, despite the beach generating substantial monthly revenues. Twenty-five individuals who questioned the lack of accountability were cited for contempt of court and jailed.

On 21st July 2022, the Court of Appeal restructured the arrangement, dissolving the three-member committee and ordering the formation of a nine-member management structure with three representatives each from the La Traditional Council, the youth development fund, and GTDC. The chairmanship was to rotate annually among the three groups. Nunoo was given six months, until January 2023, to facilitate the handover.

The handover never materialised. Instead, according to documents filed with Cantonments Police Station, Nunoo allegedly falsified signatures of two directors of the La Youth Association to appoint himself as a director, thereby qualifying for the new committee. The complaint notes that taxpayer identification numbers were interchanged and names misspelt. Forensic analysis was requested at police headquarters.

Nunoo subsequently registered La Pleasure Beach as personal property, transforming what had been a community resource held in trust by the traditional council into a private holding.

Between December 2023 and 2024, Abraham Lomotey, the traditional council’s representative, briefly assumed the chairmanship and began implementing transparent accounting practices. Revenue apportionment records from this period show total monthly revenues exceeding five million cedis for 2024, with allocations for royalty, the development fund, and operational costs properly documented.

However, Lomotey was subsequently ousted from the position. The official mobile money number for La Pleasure Beach was replaced with a personal number, ensuring direct control of all transactions. Revenue records show that from August to November 2024, whilst monthly revenues continued in the hundreds of thousands of cedis, the development fund received reduced payments marked as “paying bank loan” rather than the full thirty percent allocation stipulated by court order.

According to the rotational arrangement established by the Court of Appeal, it is now time for GTDC to assume the chairmanship. However, Nunoo has taken over operations once again, continuing to run the facility outside the mandated structure.

Nabi Adja Gasa, a director of the La Youth Association, expressed frustration with the ongoing situation. “The youth of La are suffering. We have watched millions of cedis pass through that beach whilst our development fund remains empty. According to the court ruling, GTDC should be chairing the committee now, but Stanley Nunoo has seized control again. What we want is for the place to go back to the traditional authority so that a proper way forward can be found. Our young people need scholarships, they need skills training, they need opportunities. Instead, we have one man treating our community’s resources as his personal property.”

A letter dated 2nd March 2023 from the La Stool Secretary to the Chairman of the Municipal Security Council and the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly details the ongoing crisis. The correspondence states that management has operated in violation of the Memorandum of Understanding, failed to account for stewardship since 2013, and actively frustrated attempts to implement the Court of Appeal’s orders. The letter notes that opposing parties are “threatening to use force to eject” anyone attempting to enable the new management committee, and requests intervention to ensure a peaceful handover and avoid “any breach of the peace.”

A High Court ruling on 27th February 2023 acknowledged “reasonable belief or evidence of a likelihood of a breach of the peace” and clarified that police assistance could be sought to enforce the Court of Appeal’s orders. Despite this, implementation has stalled.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on La’s youth, who were to benefit from the thirty percent allocation to the development fund for scholarships, skills training, and economic opportunities. The La Traditional Council, as allodial landowners, has similarly been denied their lawful twenty percent share of revenues throughout much of the beach’s operational period.

Observers note that in modern times, with functioning courts and law enforcement agencies, the persistence of such defiance of judicial orders raises serious questions about institutional accountability. As custodians of community resources, managers are reminded that they are not above the law and have a responsibility to operate within court-mandated frameworks.

The dispute at La Pleasure Beach stems from complex governance and accountability issues in the management of community assets. Under the Memorandum of Understanding and subsequent court orders, proper representation from all stakeholder groups is required to ensure transparent operations and equitable distribution of revenues.

Stakeholders have called on the Inspector General of Police to deploy officers to ensure strict enforcement of court orders and end what they describe as an atmosphere of impunity where community resources are managed in defiance of judicial rulings and without accountability to rightful beneficiaries.

The Lands Commission and relevant authorities have been urged to clarify the registration status of La Pleasure Beach and ensure compliance with all court orders to prevent the continued diversion of resources meant for community development.

La Pleasure Beach, located in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly area of Greater Accra, generates significant revenue from tourism activities, making the dispute over transparent management and equitable revenue sharing particularly consequential for community development in the area.

The 32-year-old England captain joined on a four-year deal from Tottenham in August 2023 in a move worth an initial 100m euros (£86.4m).

Kane has since scored 119 goals and registered 30 assists in 126 games for Bayern and clinched the first major trophy of his career when he helped them win the 2024-25 Bundesliga title.

“We’re talking to Harry, we’re talking,” Eberl said at a Bundesliga event in Frankfurt.

“Everyone knows at some point a decision has to be made.”

In October, Kane said he “could definitely” see himself staying at Bayern, and that his desire to return to the Premier League had “gone down a little bit”.

This season he has scored 34 times in 30 games for Vincent Kompany’s side, including 21 goals in 19 Bundesliga outings as he tries to beat former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign.

Kane has also helped Bayern to second place in the Champions League group phase table with one game to go.

“Harry has great confidence in us and he feels comfortable in Munich,” said Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen.

“He and his family are settled in. Therefore we’ve got absolutely no reason to rush.”

On Sunday, United followed up their Manchester derby triumph over rivals City with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Premier League leaders Arsenal to make it two wins out of two since Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach on 13 January.

The result means United sit fourth in the table and well placed in the chase for a Champions League place next term.

However, it is the manner of both performances and the way in which the club has operated behind the scenes since Carrick took the helm that has instilled hope United are heading in the right direction again.

“The change in Manchester United over a two-game period is incredible,”former England striker Rooney said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, which you can now listen to on BBC Sounds.

“Michael and his coaches deserve a lot of praise for that.

“Just putting an attitude into the players and a focus, and a togetherness into them which, if we’re honest, we didn’t see under Ruben Amorim.

“Manchester United went there believing they could win the game. They didn’t create a whole lot of chances, but you always felt they had a good control of the game.

“Arsenal started well. And then when Manchester United went a goal down, the reaction was great.

“Manchester United deserved the win.”

‘A calmness about the place’

Rooney believes the actions of Carrick and his staff away from the first team have also contributed to the sense the club is beginning to move back to what made them so successful in years gone by.

“There’s a calmness about the place,” Rooney added.

“I was watching the under-16s on Saturday morning and they were all there again. Michael Carrick was there, Steve Holland, Jason Wilcox, all the coaches were there and so on, which you’ve heard me talking about a lot, that connection with the academy.

“What I saw, not just from Michael, but the other coaches, Johnny Evans as well, is a real calmness and a belief.

“Michael told me how good the players were and he felt he had to stop the session early because they were that good and he wanted to bottle it up.

“And that’s proven today. An absolute incredible performance.”

A jubilant away end sang, presumably tongue in cheek, about winning the league and while that might be out of reach this season, winning the title was the norm under Sir Alex Ferguson.

United won 13 league titles with the Scot at the helm, with Rooney a key part of five of those successes.

“You go back to the United DNA and United as a club and things you want to see,” he added.

“I was there for 13 years, so [there are] things you want to see at that football club which I haven’t seen there for a long time. And I thought it was absolutely brilliant.

“You’ve got all the coaching staff all there watching the under-18s play. And then again, on a Saturday morning, they’re all there watching the under-16s play after the training session.

“These are all things which used to happen in the past and it makes a big difference. In my eyes they have taken a step towards getting the club back a little bit closer to where they used to be when the club was successful.

“I know how Michael works and I knew what he could do with this team. I am really pleased with the start he has made because he and his coaches have been criticised as well and have gone and competed with the best teams in the league.”

The striker had a medical on Saturday having travelled to the UK on Friday after Villa agreed an £18m deal with the Super Lig side.

Besiktas had an obligation to buy in the loan deal which took Abraham from Roma last summer and did not want to sell him, but are reluctantly allowing Abraham to return to England.

Abraham, who has 11 England caps, scored 12 goals in 24 games for Besiktas.

“The conditions in the transfer contract of Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham have been fulfilled and the provision for the permanent transfer of the player has come into effect,” said Besiktas.

“In this context, a transfer fee of 13m euros will be paid to AS Roma.”

The 28-year-old joined Roma from Chelsea for £34m in 2021 and scored 39 goals in 120 games for the Serie A club, winning the Europa Conference League in 2022.

He also spent 2024-25 on loan at AC Milan, scoring 10 times in 44 appearances.

With all 18 matches shown live across SuperSport’s DStv and GOtv platforms, fans are guaranteed wall-to-wall coverage as drama unfolds on multiple fronts at once. This is a night built for tension, shifting tables and late twists, where a single goal elsewhere can alter the fate of clubs thousands of kilometres away.

Several sides arrive knowing qualification is within reach but far from secure. Established contenders hosting opponents with little margin for error will be under pressure to assert control early, aware that complacency can be punished at this stage. Fixtures such as Liverpool v Qarabag, Barcelona v Copenhagen and Arsenal v Kairat place expectation firmly on the hosts, but the stakes mean that nerves, not reputation, often shape these encounters. A strong start could ease passage into the top eight; a slow one could open the door to uncertainty.

Elsewhere, heavyweight clashes add further intrigue. Monaco v Juventus, Dortmund v Inter Milan and Napoli v Chelsea bring together teams directly competing for similar positions in the standings. These are not just matches to win, but contests that can swing head-to-head balances and determine who takes a more direct route into the knockout rounds. With fine margins separating success from complication, game management and composure will be critical.

There is also significance for clubs straddling the line between progression and elimination. PSG v Newcastle, Ajax v Olympiacos and Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham represent fixtures where ambition meets urgency. Victory could extend a European campaign and keep hopes alive, while defeat may confirm an early exit. In this context, risk calculation becomes central: push for a decisive win, or protect against damaging swings elsewhere?

The same tension applies further down the schedule, with Atletico Madrid hosting Bodo-Glimt, Manchester City welcoming Galatasaray and Leverkusen facing Villarreal. Each of these matches feeds into the broader equation of qualification, seeding and survival, contributing to a night where no fixture is isolated from the rest.

As the clock ticks down across Europe, attention will constantly shift between grounds, goals and updated tables. Matchday 8 is not just another round; it is a reckoning. With comprehensive live coverage ensuring no moment is missed, this is the Champions League at its most unforgiving and compelling, where seasons are extended, rerouted or brought to a definitive close in the space of 90 minutes.

UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Wednesday 28 January – all matches kick-off at 22:00 CAT

Goals Show – LIVE on SuperSport Blitz

Liverpool v Qarabag – LIVE on SuperSport PSL, SuperSport GOtv Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Barcelona v Copenhagen – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

Monaco v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Events

Ajax v Olympiacos – LIVE on SuperSport OTT2

PSG v Newcastle – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport GOtv Football

Dortmund v Inter Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand

Napoli v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham – LIVE on SuperSport Action

Atletico Madrid v Bodo-Glimt – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby and SuperSport OTT6

Leverkusen v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport Tennis

Arsenal v Kairat – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Africa 2

Pafos v Slavia Prague – LIVE on SuperSport OTT4

Manchester City v Galatasaray – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Club Brugge v Marseille – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

PSV v Bayern – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Benfica v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

Athletic Bilbao v Sporting – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Union SG v Atalanta – LIVE on SuperSport OTT3

All remaining teams in the competition will learn their next opponents, including the last surviving Division Two side, True Life.

True Life has drawn attention after producing a major upset by eliminating Ghana Premier League giants Accra Hearts of Oak. The club will now join defending champions Asante Kotoko, two-time winners Medeama SC, 2023 champions Dreams FC, and three-time finalists Real Tamale United in discovering their Round of 16 fixtures.

Other teams progressing to the next stage include Kpando Heart of Lions, Eleven Wonders, Attram De Visser, Inter Allies, Aduana FC, Berekum Chelsea, Techiman Liberty, Tamale City, FC Samartex, Swedru All Blacks, and Nations FC.

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 9, 2026.

The forward, who recently played for Libyan side Al-Ahly Benghazi, rejoined the Porcupine Warriors on a deal running until the end of the season and has already started making an impact in the Ghana Premier League. Amoah was on the scoresheet over the weekend as Kotoko secured a 3-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Zito highlighted how Amoah’s experience abroad influenced his approach to the game.

“His approach, his attitude has changed—the attitude change,” Zito said.

“When you go to play abroad, certain things force you to change your attitude, and that is money. If you don’t perform, they deduct it. They pay you more, so the approach to the game is quite different, even though it’s the same Amoah we all know,” he added.

Kotoko will aim to maintain their strong form when they travel to face Heart of Lions at the Kpando Sports Stadium on Sunday for their Matchday 21 fixture.

The Porcupine Warriors extended their unbeaten streak with a convincing 3-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Samba O’Neil, Albert Amoah, and Kwame Opoku were on target to secure the comprehensive win for Kotoko.

Although the Kumasi giants sit eight points behind league leaders Medeama SC, Zito praised his players for their effort and insisted the title race is far from over.

“It’s hard work; we increased the tempo of the training to a higher level. Because, after this, there is no opportunity again,” he said.

“So, we have to go all out and execute our plan.

“Why not? We still have our eyes set on the league title. Its reaming 14 matches and we can do it,” Zito said when asked about winning the title.

Asante Kotoko will look to maintain their strong form when they travel to face Heart of Lions in Matchday 21 at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

Semenyo made an immediate impact at the Etihad Stadium, scoring on his debut against Exeter FC and following up with another goal against Newcastle United in just his first two outings for the club.

He continued his rich vein of form on Saturday, netting his first Premier League goal for City in a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. City took the lead early through Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush in the sixth minute, with Semenyo sealing the victory just before half-time with a composed finish.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Defoe described the 26-year-old’s performance as “unplayable” and highlighted his all-round contribution.

“We have seen him do that a lot of times, but to do that, it was special. He scores goals and assists as well. He is just unplayable. He is dynamic,” Defoe said.

Since joining Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth, Semenyo has scored three goals in four appearances and will aim to maintain his momentum as City prepare to face Galatasaray in the Champions League midweek, before traveling to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, the GFA made several additions to the technical team in January last year, bringing in Desmond Ofei, Winfried Schäfer, and Gregory De Grauwe as preparations for the resumption of World Cup qualifiers intensified.

With Ghana now having secured a spot at the 2026 Mundial, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Dr Ofori believes the technical team needs further reinforcement to keep pace with modern football demands.

“I still think they may need to beef it up because football has evolved,” he told Citi Sports. “There are teams that have analysts whose sole job is to study opposing defenders—their concentration levels, behaviour, and patterns.”

Ghana has been drawn in Group L and will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto. They will then face England in Boston before concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

After exiting at the group stages in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, the Black Stars are aiming to make a stronger impression at the global showpiece.

Ghana will compete for a World Cup berth through the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.

The Black Queens have been drawn in Group D, where they will face Cameroon, Cape Verde, and Mali. From each group, the top two teams will advance to the next round, with the four semifinalists securing automatic qualification for the World Cup, which will be hosted in Brazil.

Speaking to GHOne TV about Ghana’s chances, the Swedish coach was emphatic: “Yes, we will qualify for the World Cup. If you don’t believe that you will make it, there is no need to give it a try. It will not be easy, and we all know that, but in football, everything can happen.

“There are so many teams that are close to each other in Africa and on a similar level, but with slight differences in style of play and approach.”

Björkegren acknowledged the competitive nature of African women’s football but stressed the team’s preparedness: “You can have a bad day, but hopefully, we will not. I can guarantee that we will be fit and prepared, and we will be ready for the tournament.”

The coach previously guided the Black Queens to a bronze medal at the last WAFCON, also held in Morocco.

Semenyo joined the Premier League champions during the ongoing winter transfer window from AFC Bournemouth and has wasted little time making his mark at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old announced his arrival by scoring on his debut against Exeter City in the FA Cup before finding the net again against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. He continued his fine form on Saturday, registering his first Premier League goal for City in a 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola lauded Semenyo’s energy and productivity since joining the club.

“Absolutely. They are set-up players,” Pep said. “Last season, it was young players [who we brought in] except Omar. Semenyo made an incredible impact at Bournemouth. Antoine came with incredible energy, and strikers are about numbers. Since he arrived, he has been unbelievable. [It was an] incredible goal.”

Semenyo will be hoping to sustain his strong start in City colours when they face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Phobians, who were hosted by bottom-placed Eleven Wonders at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, recorded their biggest win of the season thanks to goals from Mawuli Wayo, Martin Karikari and Kelvin Osei Asibey.

The victory lifted Hearts of Oak into the league’s top four.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Dramani was far from satisfied with the overall performance and admitted after the game that the display fell short of his expectations.

“I wasn’t too happy a person,” the Hearts coach said.

While acknowledging the importance of the clean sheet and margin of victory, Dramani stressed that his side must improve in key areas, particularly decision-making and efficiency in front of goal.

“I think it is good that we had our first 3-0 win, but we still need to be more clinical. We need to be more conventional and also make the right decisions in very key moments,” he explained.

The coach also pointed to tactical shortcomings, especially in the team’s defensive organisation and approach without the ball.

“For me, I focus more on the small details of the game, both in terms of our defensive structure and having a clear identity of what we have to do when we don’t have the ball, especially when we need to win it in higher positions.

“These key aspects are things I don’t take lightly. I really emphasise them,” he added.

Hearts of Oak currently sit fourth on the league table with 35 points and will shift focus to a tough Matchday 21 encounter against Bechem United this weekend.

The US will host world football’s showpiece event this summer, along with Canada and Mexico.

President Trump caused outrage among European leaders earlier this month by threatening to acquire Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark.

The 79-year-old threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries – including Germany – who opposed his plan.

Trump has since rowed back on that threat, but tensions between European leaders and the US government remain high.

“I really wonder when the time will be to think and talk about this [a boycott] concretely,” Oke Gottlich, a DFB vice-president, told the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper.

“For me, that time has definitely come.”

Of the 104 matches at this summer’s World Cup, 78 will be held in the US.

The French government said it is not currently in favour of a boycott, while the Danish Football Association said it is “aware of the current sensitive situation”.

Denmark will aim to qualify for the tournament via play-offs.

In making his argument, Gottlich referenced a US-led boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games following the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.

“What were the justifications for the boycotts of the Olympic Games in the 1980s?” said Gottlich, who is also the president of Bundesliga club St Pauli.

“By my reckoning the potential threat is greater now than it was then. We need to have this discussion.”

Germany were involved in a row with Fifa at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when world football’s governing body threatened players with a booking for wearing the OneLove armband during games.

The captains of seven European nations were set to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion.

Instead, Fifa brought forward its own ‘No Discrimination’ campaign, which had been due to start from the quarter-finals, and captains were permitted to wear a No Discrimination armband for the duration of the tournament.

Germany players covered their mouths during the team photograph before their World Cup opener against Japan “to convey the message that Fifa is silencing” teams, said the country’s then-manager Hansi Flick.

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position,” said DFB at the time.

Gottlich added: “Qatar was too political for everyone and now we’re completely apolitical? That’s something that really, really, really bothers me.

“As organisations and society, we’re forgetting how to set taboos and boundaries, and how to defend values.

“Taboos are an essential part of our stance. Is a taboo crossed when someone threatens? Is a taboo crossed when someone attacks? When people die?

“I would like to know from Donald Trump when he has reached his taboo, and I would like to know from [DFB president] Bernd Neuendorf and [Fifa president] Gianni Infantino.”

But the Englishman has started life with the Blues by securing back‑to‑back league victories.

Goals from Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez gave Chelsea a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, returning them to fourth place before Arsenal hosted Manchester United later on Sunday.

Four weeks ago, there had been shock when former head coach Enzo Maresca left Chelsea after a falling out with the club hierarchy. His replacement – the 41-year-old who joined from sister club Strasbourg – has since steadied the ship.

Rosenior was in the stands for Chelsea’s last league defeat, a 2-1 loss to Fulham, having been appointed but not in time to take charge for that game.

Since then, Chelsea have beaten Charlton in the FA Cup third round, lost at home to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, beaten Brentford, Pafos in the Champions League and Crystal Palace.

Neither Maresca nor Mauricio Pochettino won their opening two league games as Chelsea boss, with that feat last being achieved by Graham Potter.

With Potter ultimately disappointing during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, the comparison underlines that Rosenior will be judged over a longer period – a reality of which he is fully aware.

“I’m not thinking about being relieved or how I’m feeling,” Rosenior said. “I’m just focused on the job. That’s really, really important. We’ve got another huge game on Wednesday.”

Still, it’s a positive start with Chelsea next facing a trip to face Italian champions Napoli in the Champions League, before welcoming West Ham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Rosenior builds momentum without reinventing wheel

Rosenior has undoubtedly kick‑started momentum with a favourable run of fixtures that Chelsea were largely expected to win.

Having arrived mid-season, and with two matches per week until at least mid-February – and potentially beyond if Chelsea fail to beat Napoli and are forced into a two‑legged Champions League play-off – there has been and will continue to be little time to work on the training pitch.

The Blues, therefore, still look stylistically similar to the team built by Maresca. They favour a patient, possession-based approach, press high and set up cautiously to prevent opponents counter-attacking.

However, a key vulnerability remains: set-pieces. Since Rosenior joined Chelsea, all five goals they have conceded have come from set-plays – one long throw-in, one deep free-kick and three corners.

Rosenior has focused on addressing other low-hanging fruit. He has encouraged his squad – the youngest in the Premier League – to be more aggressive, has worked on improving team spirit and has spoken to the players about their ill-discipline.

Chelsea still primarily line up in a 4-2-3-1, but there are signs that, as with his Strasbourg side, they will become more tactically flexible. They adjusted their set-up to face Oliver Glasner’s distinctive 3-4-3 system at Palace.

Rosenior explained: “I think today was a huge test. I changed the shape of the play. It’s hard to explain – it’s like a semi-four or semi-five at the back with Andrey [Santos] in between.

“For them to go and put on, from a tactical point of view, the performance that they did in two days makes me very pleased, because pretty much 95% of the press and 95% of the positioning was absolutely perfect. They’re engaged.

“I think they’re believing in what they’re doing. It’s one game. We have to make sure we’re consistent in every game we play.”

Improving fan mood will be key

After the match, there was a positive exchange between Rosenior and some of the away fans, who appeared to be chanting his name.

The London-born coach placed a hand on his heart and looked visibly moved. When asked whether he is already winning over supporters, he said: “I hope so. I’m very happy to be here. It’s a fantastic club with fantastic supporters.

“As I said, it’s two-way. I have to earn that – I’m aware of that. Not just me, but my staff, the players, the team, in our performances. And I hope that over time we’ll see that something good may happen here.”

However, there were also anti-ownership chants – now a familiar feature of Chelsea matches, particularly away from home.

Despite that unrest, the club’s hierarchy, including the owners and sporting directors, have set high expectations for Rosenior and still demand Champions League qualification.

In Maresca’s exit statement, they said a change was needed to give “the team the best chance of getting the season back on track”.

It may be early days, but Rosenior has made an encouraging start.