The 29-year-old was stopped in the eighth round of the September 13 super middleweight contest and was later admitted to the LEKMA Hospital, where he was treated for internal bleeding. Despite days of medical care, he passed away 12 days later.

Akushey ended his professional career with eight fights, recording six victories. He competed across the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, earning a reputation for his fearless style and crowd-pleasing showmanship.

His ring name, ‘Bahubali’, inspired by the legendary movie character, reflected his fighting spirit and resilience.

His passing has reignited debate over safety standards in Ghanaian boxing, with fresh calls for stricter medical checks and improved post-fight care for athletes.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/hearts-of-oak-target-continental-football-md-anku-adiamah/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:31:07 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2581382 Managing Director of Accra Hearts of Oak, Delali Anku-Adiamah, has reaffirmed the club’s ambition to secure continental football next season.

The Phobians had a frustrating start to the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign after being held to a goalless draw by debutants Hohoe United at the Accra Sports Stadium.

They, however, bounced back on Monday afternoon with their first win of the season, defeating Dreams FC 1-0 at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex under head coach Didi Dramani.

Speaking to Asempa FM after the game, Mr Anku-Adiamah said consistency would be key if Hearts are to achieve their target of returning to Africa.

“Our target is to win every game. Of course, we dropped points in our first game, but we plan to play in Africa next season, so we must win every game,” he stated.

Hearts of Oak will look to build on their momentum when they host Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium in their Matchday 3 fixture.

Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Togo in Yamoussoukro, a result that left Ogum frustrated with his players’ inability to convert numerous scoring opportunities.

“Creating the chance is not the problem. It’s about conversion, and because of that, we had a full session on goal scoring in our last training session,” he said ahead of the game.

The former Asante Kotoko manager revealed that the technical team has been replicating in-game scenarios during training to enhance the players’ composure and precision in front of goal.

“Some of the situations that happened in the game were recreated, and we worked on the finishing in our last training session. The conversion was good at training, and I’m sure our conversion against Ivory Coast will be better,” Dr. Ogum added.

The Black Starlets face the host nation today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

Ghana began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Togo and will now face the host nation at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

Ofori, who featured in the opening game, expressed confidence in Ghana’s chances during Monday’s pre-match press conference.

“We’re fully prepared for Ivory Coast,” he said.

“We know what is at stake, and we’ve worked hard in training to put ourselves in a good position to win. All we will need to do is to be tactically disciplined, and the job against Ivory Coast will be easier,” he added.

Ivory Coast currently tops Group A after defeating Niger 2-0 in their opening fixture. A victory for Ghana would see them leapfrog the Ivorians ahead of their final group game on Friday, September 26.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

Currently, two key venues — the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and the Essipong Stadium in Sekondi — have been shut down for renovation. Several others have deteriorated due to years of poor maintenance. The Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana’s only arena certified to host CAF and FIFA-sanctioned matches, has also had sections cordoned off for safety reasons.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One, the Buem MP stressed that the ministry’s approach will go beyond surface-level fixes.

“We are not just going to renovate, we are going to refurbish [existing stadiums],” Adams said. “When I took over and looked through the documents, huge sums of money, millions of cedis, have been spent in the name of renovation, but we don’t see anything. We think that we must properly refurbish the stadia that we have to a standard that is very acceptable.”

Adams further revealed that government also intends to extend sports infrastructure to underserved regions.

“We will also build in regions that do not have anything that they can refer to as a stadium,” he added.

The Porcupine Warriors secured a 4-3 victory over the Nigerian side in a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, but Zito was left unimpressed with his backline.

“Well, I was also surprised by the goals we conceded, just as you were. If you were in my dressing room today, I would applaud the attackers and then tell the defenders they are surprising me,” he said.

Zito explained that inexperience may have contributed to the defensive lapses, as some of his players were making their continental debut.

“This is the first time some of them are playing in this type of competition. It’s not easy, but I’ve seen my mistakes and I have to correct them before we go to Nigeria,” he added.

Kotoko will travel to Abuja for the decisive return leg against Kwara United at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, September 28.

The 28-year-old France forward scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in 53 matches for PSG last season as they won the treble, including their first Champions League.

He was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals, and named the French top flight and Champions League player of the year.

And he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final where they lost to Chelsea in New Jersey.

Dembele, who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to the award, was able to attend the ceremony in Paris – and was in tears as he stood on the stage – despite the fact his team were playing on Monday evening.

The forward is currently sidelined through injury, meaning he missed PSG’s 1-0 home defeat by Marseille in a game which was rearranged because of a storm.

It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figures in a league campaign season since he was a teenager at Rennes.

PSG manager Luis Enrique – who was named coach of the year – deserves huge credit for Dembele’s award because of a tactical switch in mid-December.

He moved Dembele from a wide right to centre-forward role against Lyon on 15 December, by which stage he had only scored five goals.

He hit 30 goals for PSG from that date onwards.

Dembele has finally shown the quality that persuaded Barcelona to pay an initial £96.8m, potentially rising to £135.5m, to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

However PSG – who dominated the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards – were the team who got the bargain by recruiting him for just £43.5m in 2023.

Dembele also scored twice in seven caps for France in 2024-25.

He is the sixth Frenchman to win the award and only the second of the 21st century after Karim Benzema in 2022.

Lamine Yamal, 18, finished second – and also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.

PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha was third, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was fourth.

Chelsea and England’s Cole Palmer finished eighth.

Last year’s winner, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, did not make the shortlist this time after an injury-hit campaign.

Gyokeres wins top scorer trophy

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres won the Gerd Muller Trophy, which is awarded to the top scoring player in 2024-25 in European football for club and country.

The 27-year-old scored 54 goals in 52 games for Portuguese club Sporting last season – and nine goals in six Nations League games for Sweden.

He joined Arsenal in a deal worth up to £64m in the summer.

The exact criteria for the award is not known, meaning the winner was uncertain before the ceremony even though it is factually based.

Last season’s was shared between Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe (although for his time at PSG) – with 52 goals each.

The previous winners for the award which was launched in 2021 were Robert Lewandowski, twice, and Erling Haaland.

Lamine Yamal wins second Kopa Trophy

Lamine Yamal may have been disappointed not to win the Ballon d’Or, with rumours emerging hours before the event that he had won it.

But the Barcelona star did receive the Kopa Trophy, for the best player under the age of 21, for the second consecutive year.

The teenager is the first player to win it twice, although it was only created in 2018.

He helped Spain to win the domestic double last season of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

The winger scored 18 goals – including netting in three different Clasicos – and made 21 assists in 55 games.

And he also helped Spain to the Nations League final, where they lost on penalties to Portugal, after scoring twice in a memorable 5-4 semi-final win over Dembele’s France.

The decision follows the Miners’ 2-0 home defeat to Algerian side JS Kabylie in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, a result that has significantly diminished their chances of progressing to the next stage.

Manso, a former Ghana international, took charge of GoldStars in December 2023 and guided the club to its first-ever Ghana Premier League title.

Under his stewardship, the Miners also captured the prestigious GHALCA Top 4 Cup earlier this year, adding another trophy to the club’s cabinet.

GoldStars began their 2025/26 league campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bechem United, but their maiden foray into continental competition proved challenging, with Sunday’s loss at the Accra Sports Stadium leaving their ambitions for Africa’s top club competition in jeopardy ahead of the second leg in Algeria.

The departure of Manso comes at a crucial juncture, as the club prepares to defend its domestic crown while juggling demanding continental commitments.

An interim coach is expected to be appointed in the coming days to steer the team through the second leg this weekend and the resumption of Premier League action.

The Miners confirmed on Monday, September 22, that they had mutually parted ways with Manso after a 2-0 home defeat to Algerian giants JS Kabylie in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The result has left GoldStars with a daunting task in their debut continental campaign and triggered a swift shake-up in the technical team.

Konadu, 52, has emerged as the leading candidate for the role. The experienced tactician, who guided Asante Kotoko to a Ghana Premier League title during his stint with the club, also boasts spells with Legon Cities, Nsoatreman FC, and the Black Stars B, where he steered Ghana to WAFU Cup of Nations glory in 2017.

GoldStars are expected to confirm his appointment in the coming days. Should the deal be finalized, Konadu is likely to be in the dugout for the decisive return leg in Algeria this weekend as well as the club’s upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Manso departs with his name firmly etched in GoldStars’ history, having delivered their first-ever Ghana Premier League title and a GHALCA Top 4 triumph during his tenure.

In doing so, Bonmati became the first women’s player in history to win the award three times since its inauguration in 2018, seeing off competition from Arsenal forwards Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, who finished second and third respectively.

Bonmati once again played a leading role in Barca’s success last season, helping the Catalan side to a domestic treble: the Liga F, Copa de la Reina de Futbol and Supercopa de Espana Femenina.

The midfielder recorded 16 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Barca last season, and was named the UEFA Women’s Champions League player of the season after playing an instrumental role in her side’s run to the final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in Lisbon.

Bonmati was a vital cog in Barca’s imperious attack last season, as they scored 128 goals in just 30 league matches, winning the title with an eight-point gap over Real Madrid and dropping just six points over the course of the season.

Alongside her club success, Bonmati was also a crucial figure for her country, Spain.

Despite her preparations being blighted by a diagnosis of viral meningitis just days before the start of Euro 2025 in Switzerland, she played a seismic role in her side’s run to the final, and was named player of the tournament.

Bonmati featured in every match of the summer competition, making some vital contributions, and scored the winner in the 1-0 semi-final victory over Germany.

She also provided an assist for Athenea del Castillo to score Spain’s opening goal in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Switzerland, but their tournament ultimately ended with a penalty shoot-out defeat to England.

By winning the Ballon d’Or on Monday, Bonmati ensured the trophy would go to a Spanish Barcelona midfielder for the fifth year in succession. She won the 2024 and 2023 editions, while team-mate and compatriot Alexia Putellas scooped the trophies in 2022 and 2021.

Ballon d’Or Feminin top 10 in full

1. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)

2. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)

3. Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)

4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)

5. Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England)

6. Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)

7. Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)

8. Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)

9. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)

10. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)

The award recognises the best players in the world under the age of 21.

Yamal, 18, enjoyed a superb 2024/25 season with Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in all competitions.

His exceptional form for the Blaugrana earned him a nomination for the men’s Ballon d’Or award.

“Maybe I’ll see you back up here later,” said Ruud Gullit, co-hosting the ceremony, when Yamal collected the Kopa Trophy.

“Firstly, thank you to France Football for the award,” Yamal said. “It’s an honour to be here again.

“I would also like to thank my club Barcelona, as well as the national team, because without them I would not be here.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick gave his thoughts on Yamal’s Ballon d’Or hopes last weekend, with the teenager absent from his side’s win over Getafe with a groin injury.

“I don’t know [whether he will win the Ballon d’Or on Monday],” Flick said. “One day we’ll see Lamine win this trophy, but whoever wins it this year will deserve it. For me, anyway, it’s a matter of respect to be nominated.”

It is the second successive year Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy. He won by a landslide with 113 points in 2024, ahead of Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.

This year, he beat Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue to the award, after the 20-year-old starred with a brace in the UEFA Champions League final against Internazionale.

Another PSG player, Joao Neves, was in third. The Portugal international was influential throughout the French club’s successful campaign.

New Chelsea signing Estevao was in fourth, after impressing in Brazil with Palmeiras and earning his first caps for the national team before his move to Stamford Bridge.

Rounding off the top 10 were Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, Porto’s Rodrigo Mora, Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

In the Women’s Kopa Trophy, Lopez of Barcelona took the award, having helped her side to Liga F and Copa de la Reina glory, as well as playing an important role in Spain’s run to the final of the UEFA Women’s Euros.

The 19-year-old, who won the Golden Girl award last year, scored 10 goals in 25 league appearances for Barcelona.

“I dedicate this award to my mother, who is protecting me from heaven,” Lopez said.

She added an acknowledgement for Barcelona, saying: “They have supported me and allowed me to compete for the best team in the world at just 16 years old.”

She finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo in the Kopa Trophy rankings, with Chelsea’s Wieke Kaptein in third.

Brighton loanee and England rising star Michelle Agyemang finished fourth, ahead of Paraguayan Claudia Martinez Ovando.

Spurs fought back from two goals down to snatch a point at the American Express Stadium, with Kudus playing a key role in the spirited comeback.

Speaking after the game, Frank highlighted the Ghanaian international’s all-round contribution, particularly his tireless work off the ball.

“I think two things. One, his work ethic has been really good. It’s big for me, how hard he works in the counter-press, high pressure, defensive side of it,” Frank explained in his post-match interview.

The Tottenham boss also underlined Kudus’ technical qualities, stressing that his ability to hold up play gave the team a vital outlet throughout the contest.

“But his hold-up play, when it goes into him, it just sticks. You can’t get it off him. So he just keeps it. He doesn’t lose a 50-50 ball.”

Kudus will be looking to build on his impressive showing when Spurs host Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup third round before returning to Premier League duty against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Each club received GHC1 million following the launch of a partnership between the GPL and Adesa Production Limited before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Saturday, September 21, when Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars paid a courtesy call ahead of their CAF inter-club assignments, President Mahama said the initiative reflects government’s renewed commitment to sustainable sports financing.

“Aside from that, as a token, at the start of the Premier [League], we have managed to give every club something. It’s a start. I’m sure the fund will grow,” Mahama said.

He explained that the intervention was made possible through fiscal discipline and efforts to curb wasteful spending.

“Like Kurt said, we’ve agreed that with all the savings we are making in terms of expenditure, we’re cutting down expenditure, we’ve cut down the size of government, we’re avoiding waste of our national resources. It frees up more resources for us to invest in the things that are important, and sports is one of them,” he stated.

The President emphasized football’s unique ability to unify the nation, highlighting its significance beyond entertainment.

“The good thing about sports, and especially football, is that it unites us… supporters of Kotoko are Dagatis, they are Dagombes, they are Ashantis, they are Fantis… and it is the football that brings us all together. So if we put money into sports and into football, we’re putting money into building a united country,” he said.

Mahama also linked the strengthening of the local league to the success of the Black Stars, stressing that a vibrant GPL is essential for nurturing talent.

“And that is not resources that have been wasted. But also, when you have a strong domestic league, it reflects in your international assignments, especially with the Black Stars, because you are the primary source for players into the Black Stars.

“So if we support the domestic league and it’s competitive, it will breed more talents and the Black Stars will benefit from those talents and be able to also represent Ghana abroad.”

Through a partnership between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Adesa Production Limited (APL), each of the 18 top-flight clubs has received GHS1 million to strengthen their preparations for the campaign.

According to Adams, the funding package was made possible by President Mahama’s direct intervention at the cabinet level, which facilitated contributions from both public and private sectors.

“Your Excellency, that vision, met with dedication and investment, is yielding results,” Adams said during a visit of GoldStars and Kotoko at the Jubilee House.

“Today, the clubs have started the premiership with each premier club receiving a million Ghana cedis to start with,” he added.

In addition to the league-wide support, President Mahama announced a $100,000 package to assist Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars in their CAF inter-club campaigns, with each club set to receive $50,000.

On the pitch, Bibiani GoldStars suffered a 2-0 defeat to JS Kabylie in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary tie, while Asante Kotoko secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in the Confederation Cup.

The Phobians travel to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex for the Matchday 2 fixture after a frustrating goalless draw with league debutants Hohoe United in their season opener at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Asempa FM ahead of the clash, Anku-Adiamah conceded that Hearts fell short of expectations in their first outing but expressed confidence that the team will bounce back.

“We want to win every cup, so every game is a must-win for us. We have a game against Dreams FC on Monday, and what we need to do is to prepare well for that game,” he said.

“We did not play well against Hohoe United, but we will have to prepare well for this game, and I know the coaches will do that to ensure we win. We will have to do everything we need to do to get the needed win against Dreams FC,” Anku-Adiamah added.

Kick-off for the encounter is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Ghana FA Cup champions edged the Nigerian side 4-3 in a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Amoah, who bagged a brace, admitted that defensive lapses allowed Kwara back into the game but maintained that Kotoko will finish the job in Nigeria.

“I think we played very well, we wanted to score more goals, we got the goals, but a few mistakes at the back,” he said.

“We conceded three goals, but we are not giving up; we are going there to qualify,” Amoah added.

Midfielder Emmanuel Antwi and Joseph Ablorh were also on target for Kotoko in the seven-goal thriller.

Kotoko will travel to Nigeria for the return leg at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, September 28.

The aggregate winner will advance to face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the second preliminary round.

The Porcupine Warriors were made to dig deep in Sunday’s encounter but ultimately secured a narrow first-leg advantage in front of their home supporters.

Reflecting on the contest, Zito acknowledged that many underestimated the quality of the Nigerian side but praised his players for showing character to get the job done.

“It was a tough game. We all had our own thoughts when we heard of Kwara United. I told my players before the game that the fact that we got them as opponents shows they are good. In Ghana, we used to have 64 clubs and we emerged champions,” Zito said.

The veteran tactician further noted that while doubts lingered over Kotoko’s attacking potency, his side proved their critics wrong with four goals on the night.

“At the end of the day, nobody thought we could even score two or three goals. What makes me a little happy is that we won by four goals to three. Now I will plan how to go there and try to do what they came here to do,” Zito noted.

Kotoko will now shift their focus to the decisive return leg in Nigeria next weekend at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, where they must protect their slender lead to progress to the next round of the competition.

The game at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena saw Karela take the lead in the first half through Mohammed Zaidan, before Samuel Tetteh struck to restore parity for the home side.

Speaking after the match, Ennin criticised his players for straying from the tactical plan, which he believes led to the early setback.

“I am really disappointed with the results, especially conceding that early goal,” he said.

“That is usually our strength, to get the early goal ourselves. But tactical indiscipline is what resulted in us conceding,” Ennin added.

Despite levelling the score, Samartex were unable to capitalise and secure all three points, leaving their coach frustrated by what he felt was a missed opportunity.

The Timber Giants, still unbeaten this season, will now turn their focus to Matchday 3, where they face Nations FC at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex this weekend in search of their first victory of the campaign.

Speaking on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United, Everton and England forward said he and his team-mates would play five-versus-five on the army game SOCOM on the PlayStation Portable.

“I really believe a big part of our success was playing on the PSP,” said Rooney, who won five Premier League titles and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It got us communicating more – we used to play it on the plane, on the team bus.

“It would be me, Rio [Ferdinand], Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, Wes Brown. You have to talk, you have to tactically be right, go and revive people when they get killed and it was a massive part of our success – ask any of those players, it was brilliant.”

Rooney even says his team-mates’ playing styles on the video game reflected what they were like on the pitch at Old Trafford.

“How you played that game reflected that player, how they play the game,” he added. “Michael Carrick was a little sneaky calm one, you would be lying down hiding and you’d hear a little grenade bouncing by where he’d thrown it.

“I was just all in, straight in, frontline of the trenches, get in there.”

However, it was not to everyone’s taste, as Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar would attest.

“Edwin van der Sar used to get annoyed, because we’re on the team bus and there’s just shouting on the team bus all over the place where you are telling people where you are,” said Rooney.

“Sometimes if they have got one player left, you communicate, so you flank them, go and get them. Van der Sar used to get annoyed and move, he used to try and get as far away from us as possible!”

West Ham need ‘good foundation’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: West Ham have finished in the top half in three of the past five Premier League campaigns

Rooney also spoke about West Ham’s troubles on his most recent podcast, and said the Hammers need to build a “good foundation” rather than jumping between managers as Graham Potter is under growing pressure.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace multiple sources told BBC Sport that Potter is under significant internal scrutiny with the club now considering managerial alternatives.

The 50-year-old took charge in January – replacing Julen Loptegui – but has won just six of his 25 games at the helm, losing 14 and drawing five.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, is understood to be among the options to replace Potter, while former boss Slaven Bilic and ex-Wolves manager Gary O’Neil arealso in the mix.

If West Ham opt for a change in the dugout then it would be their third appointment since David Moyes left in May 2024.

“It takes time to then get players out, get players in and then before you know it, that manager doesn’t get the results and then they’re gone and you’re back to square one,” said Rooney.

“I think for the club to have a good foundation would help.”

West Ham have lost four of their five fixtures in the league this term – beating only Nottingham Forest – and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves.

Only rock-bottom Wolves have conceded more than West Ham’s tally of 12 goals and they are the joint-fifth lowest scorers with five.

The Hammers, who sit 19th in the Premier League, return to action on Monday 29 September against Everton where they will reunite with Moyes.

“Brentford and Brighton have a clear way of playing and that’s because the clubs identified the managers to come in and they’ve already got their own philosophy, regardless of who the manager is they bring in and they stick to that and that’s why you’ve seen a progression with them clubs,” Rooney said.

“Slaven Bilic before – I know that was a while ago, and maybe talk of him coming back – has a different philosophy and when you’re changing from philosophy to philosophy, which Manchester United have been doing in terms of [Erik] Ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, it is a completely different way.”

The winners of the two Ballon d’Or awards – for their performances last season – will be announced at a ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

But which of the 30 nominees that were announced last month are most likely to win?

We have analysed how six of the key contenders for each prize performed last season, using statistics from 2024-25 – across all club competitions for the men and all league matches for the women.

You can also have your say and vote for who you think will top the class of 2025.

Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Ousmane Dembele has thrived in two seasons at Paris St-Germain after six years at Barcelona

Games played: 53 Minutes played: 3,483 Goals: 35 Assists: 14 Goal contributions: 49 Minutes per goal: 99.5 Minutes per goal contribution: 71.1

Ousmane Dembele played a key role in helping Paris St-Germain win Ligue 1, become European champions for the first time and reach the final of the Club World Cup.

He scored 21 goals from 29 games in Ligue 1 to end the campaign as joint-top scorer. He was also named in the division’s team of the season and won the player of the year award.

The 28-year-old was also the Champions League’s player of the season after eight goals and six assists in the tournament, including two assists in the 5-0 final win against Inter Milan.

Dembele then scored in the Club World Cup quarter-final and semi-final victories over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Harry Kane has scored 85 goals in 96 games for Bayern Munich since his £86m move from Tottenham in August 2023

Games played: 51 Minutes played: 3,955 Goals: 41 Assists: 12 Goal contributions: 53 Minutes per goal: 96.5 Minutes per goal contribution: 74.6

England’s record goalscorer claimed the first major trophy of his career when he inspired Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title.

The 32-year-old netted 26 league goals to top the Bundesliga scoring charts, including three hat-tricks.

In September, he scored 10 goals in 11 days, starting with two for England against Finland in the Nations League on 10 September.

He got three more in Bayern’s 6-1 league victory on Holsten Kiel three days later, scored four in Bayern’s 9-2 Champions League thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb on 17 September and one in his club’s 5-0 win at Werder Bremen on 21 September.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid from Paris St-Germain on a free transfer when his contract with the Ligue 1 side expired

Games played: 59 Minutes played: 4,742 Goals: 44 Assists: 5 Goal contributions: 49 Minutes per goal: 107.7 Minutes per goal contribution: 96.8

The France forward ended his first season in Spain as the top goalscorer in La Liga, his tally of 31 goals being four better than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappe’s total came from 34 matches and included hat-tricks against Valladolid and Barcelona. He also scored a treble to eliminate Manchester City in the Champions League knockout play-off round.

The 26-year-old became only the third player to score 50 goals for France, a figure he reached in June when he helped his country finish third in the Nations League.

Raphinha (Barcelona)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in a deal worth up to £55m in July 2022

Games played: 57 Minutes played: 4,661 Goals: 34 Assists: 22 Goal contributions: 56 Minutes per goal: 137.1 Minutes per goal contribution: 83.2

Raphinha helped Barcelona win three trophies in 2024-25 – La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.

His 18 goals and nine assists earned him La Liga’s player of the season award.

The 28-year-old Brazil forward, who moved to Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, also ended as the joint-top scorer in the Champions League, finding the net 13 times in 14 games including a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Image source: Reuters

Image caption: Mohamed Salah won the Premier League player of the season award again, having also done so in 2017-18

Games played: 52 Minutes played: 4,497 Goals: 34 Assists: 23 Goal contributions: 57 Minutes per goal: 132.3 Minutes per goal contribution: 78.9

Mohamed Salah played a huge role in helping Liverpool become English champions for a 20th time.

His 29 goals and 18 assists gave him a total of 47 Premier League goal involvements, tying the record for the most in a 38-game season.

His goals tally also secured him the Golden Boot – the fourth time he has won it, a record shared with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. The 33-year-old was also named the Premier League’s player of the year for a second time.

The Egypt forward scored three times in the Champions League before Liverpool lost to eventual winners Paris St-Germain in the last 16.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Lamine Yamal has already played 20 times for Spain at the age of 18

Games played: 55 Minutes played: 4,548 Goals: 18 Assists: 21 Goal contributions: 39 Minutes per goal: 252.7 Minutes per goal contribution: 116.6

The 18-year-old winger helped Barcelona to the Spanish treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.

He won La Liga’s player of the month award in September and was in the La Liga and Champions League teams of the season.

He scored twice for Spain in their 5-4 win over France in the Nations League semi-final, although the side lost on penalties in the final to Portugal.

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)

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Image caption: Aitana Bonmati has won the past two Ballon d’Or awards

Games played: 26 Minutes played: 1,913 Goals: 12 Assists: 6 Goal contributions: 18 Minutes per goal: 159 Minutes per goal contribution: 106

One of two Barcelona and Spain players who could lift the Ballon d’Or for the third time, but the only one who could do it in three successive years.

Aitana Bonmati is undeniably one of the world’s best players and it would not be a surprise if she won again – although missing out on two major accolades might not help her cause.

There were doubts about her ability to play in the Euros when she was hospitalised with meningitis just days before it began, but she played a typically important role for Spain, including scoring the winner in their semi-final.

She was not however the brightest light in the knockout stage as others stole the show and England won the final.

Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

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Image caption: Alessia Russo was the 2024-25 Football Writers’ Association’s women’s player of the year

Games played: 21 Minutes played: 1,686 Goals: 12 Assists: 2 Goal contributions: 14 Minutes per goal: 141 Minutes per goal contribution: 120

Champions League winner and Euro 2025 winner… it has been quite a year for the Arsenal striker.

She scored in the final of the Euros and found her groove for her club, playing a crucial role throughout the season in front of goal and with her work off the ball.

The 26-year-old was named the Football Writers’ Association’s women’s footballer of the year for last season for good reason.

She was the Women’s Super League’s joint-top scorer, sharing the Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw.

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

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Image caption: Alexia Putellas has won the Ballon d’Or twice before

Games played: 24 Minutes played: 1,620 Goals: 16 Assists: 11 Goal contributions: 27 Minutes per goal: 101 Minutes per goal contribution: 60

Alexia Putellas is in the running for a third Ballon d’Or, and it’s clear why she is a strong contender even in a year that has not gone entirely to plan.

Barcelona missed out on the Champions League and Spain were beaten by England in the Euro 2025 final, but Putellas has still performed at a very high standard.

She provided 16 goals and 11 assists as Barcelona once again won Spain’s top flight and secured a domestic treble.

Having already won it back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, she is a strong contender to do it again.

Claudia Pina (Barcelona)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Claudia Pina won a domestic treble with Barcelona in 2024-25

Games played: 27 Minutes played: 1,557 Goals: 10 Assists: 7 Goal contributions: 17 Minutes per goal: 156 Minutes per goal contribution: 92

She did not win the Champions League, but she was the competition’s top scorer. She netted 24 in total for her club and six for Spain.

The 24-year-old is a versatile player who is comfortable both as a midfielder and a forward.

She regularly makes the difference for club and country and was missed by Spain in the Euros final. Pina is among the favourites for the award.

Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Lucy Bronze was Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2019

Games played: 19 Minutes played: 1,491 Goals: 2 Assists: 3 Goal contributions: 5 Minutes per goal: 746 Minutes per goal contribution: 298

Lucy Bronze played through the pain of a fractured tibia as she won Euro 2025, on the back of clinching the Women’s Super League, FA Cup and League Cup.

The full-back secured her fourth WSL title as part of a domestic treble in her first season with Chelsea.

The 33-year-old played the fourth-highest number of minutes for the Lionesses in the Euros despite her injury, and scored an emphatic penalty in the quarter-final against Sweden.

A defender lifting the trophy is never as likely as a forward, but Bronze has had a spectacular year.

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Mariona Caldentey won the Champions League in her debut season with Arsenal

Games played: 21 Minutes played: 1,774 Goals: 9 Assists: 5 Goal contributions: 14 Minutes per goal: 197 Minutes per goal contribution: 127

Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal last summer and helped deliver the biggest prize in the team’s history – the Champions League.

She hit the ground running and added a creative nous and cutting edge to an already strong frontline.

She performed so well since making the move from Barcelona that she was named the WSL’s player of the year.

The Spaniard netted in the Euro 2025 final, albeit in a losing cause.

The Nigerian side fell 4-3 to the Ghanaian giants in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite a spirited fightback that saw Shola Abdulraheem score in the 85th minute to keep Kwara’s hopes alive.

Addressing the media after the game, Tunde expressed confidence that his team would overturn the deficit when they play in front of their home supporters.

“Our assumption is not what we met. They are a bit luckier today, that’s it. They are a bit luckier, but they are coming to meet us at home,” he said.

Kwara United will host Asante Kotoko in the return leg at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, September 28, with everything still to play for.

The Ghana FA Cup champions took the lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Emmanuel Antwi unleashed a thunderous strike.

Their advantage, however, was short-lived as Johnmark Atule equalised for the visitors in the 34th minute.

Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead with a spectacular effort on the stroke of halftime, but Atule struck again in stoppage time to send both sides into the break level at 2-2.

Kotoko resumed the second half with intensity and were rewarded when Joseph Ablorh finished off a sweeping move to make it 3-2. Their dominance continued, and in the 68th minute, Amoah converted a penalty after Patrick Asiedu was fouled in the box to extend the lead.

Just as the Porcupine Warriors looked set to close out the game comfortably, Kwara United reduced the deficit in the 88th minute through Abdulraheem Shola, setting up a tense finish.

The 4-3 win gives Kotoko a slim advantage ahead of the decisive second leg at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abuja on Sunday, September 28.

The aggregate winner will advance to face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the next round.

Medeama SC continued their perfect start with a commanding 4-0 win over Vision FC at the TNA Park.

Kamaradini Mamudu opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Abdul Salam doubled the lead in the 31st to put the defending champions 2-0 up at halftime.

The Yellow and Mauve outfit remained dominant after the break, with Emmanuel Owusu and Ibrahim Nurudeen striking in the 82nd and 84th minutes to complete the rout.

At the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, Eleven Wonders endured a tough afternoon, falling 4-1 to Heart of Lions.

Paul Attah Agyei netted twice in quick succession in the 24th and 25th minutes, giving Lions a strong cushion by the break.

Though Kwadwo Asamoah pulled one back for Wonders in the 71st minute, goals from Ishmael Addo (81’) and Kojo Kuma (90+5’) sealed a resounding win for Bashir Hayford’s men.

Swedru All Blacks made a statement with a 3-0 triumph over Berekum Chelsea at the Swedru Stadium.

Zayat Abubakari converted a 27th-minute penalty before Rudolf Mensah struck eight minutes later to make it 2-0 at halftime. Hafiz Alhassan wrapped up the victory in the 90th minute.

At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United and Basake Holy Stars played out a goalless draw, while at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, FC Samartex rescued a point against Karela United.

Zaidan Mohammed’s 24th-minute strike put the visitors ahead, but Samuel Tetteh equalised late to settle the match at 1-1.

In Dormaa, Aduana FC claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Nations FC thanks to Hensen Anponsa’s 86th-minute effort at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park.

Meanwhile, Hohoe United and Young Apostles shared the spoils at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.

Ganiu Abass opened the scoring for the hosts in the 47th minute, but Clinton Opoku levelled things in the 74th minute to ensure both sides left with a point.

The round wraps up on Monday as Dreams FC host Hearts of Oak at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, with kickoff set for 15:00 GMT.

Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars sat out this weekend’s action due to their involvement in CAF inter-club competitions.

Full Time Results:

The Brazilian latched on to a through ball from Eberechi Eze to deny the visitors, who had produced something of a defensive masterclass up until the third minute of time added on.

Erling Haaland had opened the scoring on nine minutes when the Norwegian started and finished a ruthless counter-attack to take his tally to 13 goals in eight appearances for club and country so far this season.

Arsenal dominated without creating much of note and Mikel Arteta responded with a half-time double change that introduced the fit-again Bukayo Saka along with Eze.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was repeatedly called into action to repel set pieces fired underneath his crossbar and the Italian made an excellent stop to keep out an Eze thunderbolt.

City continued to thwart the increasingly desperate Gunners but were unlocked right at the death by a piece of brilliance from substitute, Martinelli.

The result leaves Arsenal in second spot, but five points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Man City are three points further back in ninth.

Next up, Arsenal visit Port Vale in the League Cup on Wednesday prior to a trip to Newcastle on Sunday.

Man City are at Huddersfield in the cup in midweek before hosting Burnley on Saturday.

The quartet of Ibrahim Fuseini, Benjamin Azamati, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu clocked 37.93s, narrowly behind the Netherlands, who secured bronze with a national record of 37.81s.

The United States, featuring Christian Coleman, Kenneth Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey, and Noah Lyles, stormed to victory in a world-leading 37.29s. Canada, anchored by Olympic champion Andre De Grasse, claimed silver in a season’s best of 37.55s.

Germany (38.29s), Japan (38.35s), and France (38.58s) followed, while Australia did not finish.

Meanwhile, Rose Yeboah finished 15th in the Women’s High Jump final.

The Starlets faced an early setback when defender Gabriel Denyinah was sent off in the second minute, leaving Ghana with 10 men for nearly the entire match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, captain Joseph Narbi put the team ahead in the ninth minute, finishing off a Mark Aboagye cross.

Togo, however, drew level after the break when Sultan Ganiou converted from the penalty spot, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Dr. Ogum praised his players for their discipline and composure under pressure.

“Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match, they played to my instructions and were very disciplined. That is the kind of mentality we want to build in this team.”

The coach also singled out skipper Joseph Narbi, who was named Man of the Match, for his leadership and influence.

“Joseph showed great character and leadership on the pitch today. His goal and overall contribution inspired the rest of the team,” the coach added.

Looking ahead, Ogum stressed that the encounter had provided vital lessons for his young side.

“We will go back, review our performance and work on our finishing. We created chances even with ten men, and that shows the potential of this group,” he said.

Ghana will take on hosts Ivory Coast in their second Group A fixture on Tuesday.

The Ghana Premier League outfit fell at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, conceding a goal in each half to hand the visitors a comfortable advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Reflecting on the performance, Manso conceded his players struggled to find their rhythm against their more experienced opponents.

“I think it was a difficult game, and we made too many mistakes in the first half,” he reflected post-match.

“To be frank, playing against such a team, if you start to lose passes in the midfield, you always find yourself wanting. So for me, especially in the first half, we didn’t play well,” he added.

GoldStars now face a daunting task in the second leg, where they must overturn the two-goal deficit in Algiers on Friday, September 26, to keep their Champions League campaign alive.

Stationed in Yamoussoukro, Akoto is overseeing crucial aspects of match coordination at the competition, which doubles as the qualification pathway to the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

He was on duty during Saturday’s opening games, supervising both the hosts Côte d’Ivoire’s clash with Niger and Ghana’s spirited 1–1 draw with Togo, despite the Black Starlets being reduced to 10 men. His next assignment will be Sunday’s fixture between Burkina Faso and Benin.

Akoto currently serves as Senior Communications Manager at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), having previously established himself at Medeama SC, where he spent over a decade as Communications Director. His leadership helped position Medeama’s communications department as one of the most professional in the country, while the club enjoyed one of its most successful eras—winning two FA Cups, two Super Cups, the Ghana Premier League title, and making history in continental competitions.

Beyond his club achievements, Akoto has held key roles with the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), the Ghana Premier League Clubs, and the Ghana Olympic Committee, consistently earning recognition for his organizational acumen and strategic vision.

His appointment to the WAFU B tournament further enhances his growing profile within regional and continental football administration, underlining his reputation for professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of the game’s operations.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Montenegro striker Nikola Krstovic converted a fine through ball from Serbian playmaker Lazar Samardzic.

Four minutes later, Sulemana doubled the lead, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to finish with precision.

The 24-year-old winger was not done yet. Moments later, he turned provider, setting up Krstovic for his second goal of the game to effectively seal the contest before half-time.

Sulemana was a constant menace to Torino’s defence, using his blistering pace and skill to stretch the backline throughout the match.

His standout display underlines his growing influence in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

The result lifts Atalanta to fifth place in Serie A with eight points from their opening four matches.

Sulemana and his teammates will now turn their attention to a high-profile clash against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, September 27.

After a thrilling opening day filled with strategy and suspense, the stage is now set for a historic showdown between Michael Abu, popularly known as Abu National, and Theophilus Quaye, famously called Nii Ayi Chameleon, two of the fiercest competitors in the draught fraternity.

Group Stage Drama

In Group A, Tei topped the standings with a strong win over Kickway, while Kweku Ayigbe’s campaign ended in disappointment.

Group B saw Addae dominate, defeating both Daalin and Kumah to progress.

Group C produced fireworks as Abu National silenced Pollifila and fought past Ardey to secure qualification.

And in Group D, Nii Ayi the Chameleon stood tall, edging Ekow Simple and drawing with Ortega to claim top spot.

Knockout Tension

The quarterfinals delivered high-stakes drama. Tei overcame Daalin, Addae got the better of Kickway, while Nii Ayi Chameleon dispatched Ardey. Abu National, meanwhile, proved too strong for Ortega.

The semifinals then set the stage for the final clash. Chameleon defeated Tei with tactical brilliance, while Abu National outclassed Addae in a tense encounter.

The Road to Glory

On Monday, 22nd September, Dansoman will witness the ultimate test: Michael Abu a.k.a Abu National vs Theophilus Quaye a.k.a Nii Ayi Chameleon in a final that promises fireworks, strategy, and a fight for bragging rights as the 2025 Titan of Draught.

Adding to the glamour of the event, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Dr Kweku Addo, and the Municipal Chief Executive, George Nii Kpakpo Allotey, will both grace the grand finale to lend their support and celebrate the growth of draught as a community sport.

Meanwhile, Tei and Addae will contest the third-place playoff, adding another layer of excitement to an already unforgettable tournament.

As the pieces are placed and the boards are set, Dansoman is ready for a grand finale that will etch new champions into the history of Ghana’s fast-rising draught sport.

The visitors signaled their intent early, with Aymen Mahious finding the net in the eighth minute, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Kabylie, however, did not have to wait long to break the deadlock as Medhi Merghem struck in the 21st minute to hand the Algerians a deserved first-half lead.

GoldStars improved after the restart and carved out several openings but their lack of composure in front of goal proved costly.

The Ghanaian champions were punished again in the 70th minute when Babacar Sarr pounced from a corner to double Kabylie’s advantage.

The defeat leaves GoldStars with a daunting task in the return leg in Algiers next week, where they will need a strong performance to overturn the deficit.

The winner of this tie will go on to face either East End Lions of Sierra Leone or Tunisia’s US Monastir in the second preliminary round.

The President made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting at the Jubilee House with officials of Bibiani GoldStars and Asante Kotoko, who are currently representing Ghana in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

“The Finance Minister is going to present the budget in November, and I was telling the Sports Minister and Director-General of the National Sports Authority that next year we are going to build about seven brand new stadia,” Mahama said.

“We want every region to have a stadium fit for purpose so that we can improve playing conditions and make our football more competitive.”

Ghana’s lack of modern sports facilities has long been a concern. The Accra Sports Stadium remains the only venue meeting international requirements, serving as the home ground for both GoldStars and Kotoko in their continental campaigns, as well as recent Black Stars matches.

Other venues, including the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, and the Sekondi Essipong Stadium, refurbished for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, have since deteriorated, with Essipong described as being in the most dire condition.

The Cape Coast Stadium, commissioned in 2016, has also seen a significant decline in recent years.

The Al Ahly striker, who only linked up with the squad in Tunisia, was handed a starting role by head coach Charles Sampson.

Leading the attack alongside Linda Owusu Ansah and Zeinab Haruna, Attobrah wasted no time in making her presence felt, breaking the deadlock inside five minutes to hand Ghana the lead.

Despite creating several chances, the Black Princesses were unable to extend their advantage before halftime, with poor finishing keeping the margin narrow at the break.

Attobrah, however, doubled her tally after the restart, unleashing a superb strike from 20 yards that left the Tunisian goalkeeper helpless.

Ghana nearly added a third when Sarah Nayrko went close from close range, but her effort drifted wide.

In the end, Attobrah’s double proved decisive, sealing an important first-leg victory ahead of the return fixture in Accra on Sunday, September 28.

The Black Princesses, who are seeking an eighth consecutive U-20 Women’s World Cup appearance since their maiden qualification in 2010, will look to finish the job at home.

The game took a dramatic turn as early as the second minute when Ghana’s defender Gabriel Denyinah was shown a red card, leaving the Starlets with a numerical disadvantage for almost the entire match. Despite the setback, the youngsters showed courage and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.

Skipper Joseph Narbi gave Ghana the perfect start in the ninth minute, finishing off a superb cross from Mark Aboagye to send the fans into wild celebration. The Starlets maintained their shape and composure to protect their slim lead going into halftime.

After the break, Togo were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty, which Sultan Ganiou converted to level the scores. Ghana responded by maintaining their tactical discipline and creating scoring opportunities of their own.

Narbi came close to restoring Ghana’s lead after expertly turning his marker, but Togo goalkeeper Ninkabou Gantin made a brilliant save to deny him. Substitute Mark Kagawa also nearly snatched a winner from a free kick, but his effort was thwarted by the Togolese defence.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Black Starlets earned plaudits from the fans for their resilience, organisation and attacking flair. Skipper Joseph Narbi was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and leadership on the pitch.

Ghana will next face hosts Ivory Coast in their second group game on Tuesday at the same venue, hoping to build on this spirited display and boost their chances of progressing in the competition.

The first match in Premier League history to see two or more goals, red cards and substitutions in the first half was settled by goals from United skipper Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who was the other player sent off before the break.

It was Sanchez’s dismissal that set the course of the game though.

The Spain international raced from his goal to meet Bryan Mbeumo as the striker ran beyond the Chelsea defence.

Sanchez then upended the forward outside his area rather than allow him past to tap the ball into an empty net.

Enzo Maresca’s response to the red card was to take off both Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian and, as Cole Palmer had to be replaced after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury, Chelsea had lost three attacking players in the space of 20 minutes.

Trevor Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea with a header 10 minutes from time but United kept their nerves at bay to make it to the final whistle with their lead intact.

The victory was United’s second of the season and came in front of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who gave head coach Ruben Amorim assurances over his future 48 hours earlier.

It also means Chelsea have still not won at Old Trafford since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson was United manager.

The Seagulls were second best for much of the match but found themselves 2-0 up after 31 minutes thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s early strike and Yasin Ayari’s powerful drive.

However, Richarlison halved the deficit just before half-time when he stopped a shot by Mohammed Kudus before slotting in.

Spurs dominated the second half but their finishing let them down as Richarlison and substitute Xavi Simons were both unable to make the most of promising opportunities.

But the equaliser came eight minutes from time when Jan Paul van Hecke turned Kudus’ cross into his own net.

Spurs then pushed for a winner as they looked to continue their impressive start to the season, but Brighton held on for the point.

The England captain, 32, broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a clinical first-time finish from a cleverly worked low corner, and doubled Bayern’s lead from the spot after Albian Hajdari was harshly penalised for a handball.

That broke Hoffenheim’s resistance and Kane completed his ninth Bundesliga hat-trick with another penalty, given for a foul on substitute Michael Olise after a video assistant referee (VAR) check.

This time Kane sent home keeper Oliver Baumann the wrong way for his 13th Bayern goal in seven matches across all competitions this season – adding to his Champions League double against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Hoffenheim had the better of the first 45 minutes, Fisnik Asllani only able to hit the post after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer passed straight to the Kosovan.

They eventually got some reward for their efforts, former West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal’s deflected free-kick beating Neuer to earn the Czech his first goal for the club.

Ex-Liverpool winger Luis Diaz hit the top of the bar late on as he failed to continue his record of scoring in every Bundesliga game this season, but Serge Gnabry added a fourth for Bayern with the last kick – converting a rebound from a tight angle after Baumann saved from Joshua Kimmich.

Nicolas Jackson made his first start since joining Bayern on an initial loan deal from Chelsea, but the Senegal striker had a very quiet game before being replaced in the 62nd minute.

The quartet of Ibrahim Fuseini, Benjamin Azamati, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu combined seamlessly to eclipse their own previous record of 38.07s, set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.

Their performance not only secured first place in their heat but also positioned them ahead of traditional sprinting powerhouses.

Among the teams standing in their way are Canada and the United States. Canada, who won gold in Eugene three years ago when Ghana last broke the national record, clocked 37.85s in the heats, the second-fastest time overall.

The United States qualified with 37.98s, while the Netherlands (37.95s), Japan (38.07s), Germany (38.12s), Australia (38.21s), and France (38.34s) complete the line-up for the final.

With the eight fastest nations in the world set to compete, Ghana will be seeking to translate their record-breaking momentum into a historic podium finish.

Running in Heat 2, the Ghanaian quartet of Ibrahim Fuseini, Benjamin Azamati, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu combined precision with explosive speed to deliver one of the nation’s greatest relay runs on the global stage. Their time eclipsed the previous record of 38.07s set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.

Starting from the blocks, Ibrahim Fuseini gave Ghana a steady opening leg, clocking 10.57s to hand over the baton cleanly. Though not the quickest starter in the field, Fuseini’s composed run set the platform for what followed.

On the back straight, Benjamin Azamati unleashed his trademark speed, covering his leg in a blistering 8.74s, the fastest by any athlete on the track. His surge powered Ghana into contention, moving them up alongside The Netherlands and Japan.

The third leg was taken up by Joseph Paul Amoah, who anchored to team to set the previous record. His smooth bend-running and strong acceleration as he split 9.41s before exchanging for the anchor, Abdul Rasheed Saminu, finalist in the 100m on Day 1 of this year’s championships.

He blazed down the home straight, running 9.07s to cross the line first and secure qualification with the fastest time across the heats.

Ghana’s 37.79s (NR) led all qualifiers, followed closely by Canada (37.85s, SB) as they won Heat 1, the Netherlands (37.95s), and the United States (37.98s). Japan, Germany, Australia, and France completed the list of finalists.

GoldStars, making their debut on the continental stage, face Algerian giants JS Kabylie later today in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium. On Sunday, Kotoko will welcome Nigeria’s Kwara United to the same venue in the Confederation Cup.

Ahead of the crucial fixtures, Adams paid visits to both camps, urging the players to rise to the occasion and fly Ghana’s flag high.

He assured them of government’s commitment to supporting local clubs through infrastructure development, sound policies, and technical assistance.

“As you represent Ghana, know that the entire nation is behind you,” Adams told the players.

“These matches are bigger than your clubs; they are about Ghana’s pride on the African stage,” he added.

To further boost morale, Adams, who is also the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, presented GH¢10,000 each to the two clubs in support of their preparations.

The Ghana Premier League champions host the five-time African finalists in the first leg of the preliminary round later today at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Manso admitted Kabylie’s pedigree in continental football but maintained that his team’s preparation and determination give them confidence.

“JSK, we know them to be one of the strong sides and a very confident team. And in terms of experience, I think they are ahead of us. I can talk about that because they’ve been playing in the Champions League for some time, but then this is our first time,” he told Joy Sports.

“But that doesn’t mean that we’re going to respect them too much, no. Now we are also starting, so we also need to be able to get to a point where we can also be like them. Although we know they are a very, very strong side, it’s not going to scare us,” he added.

GoldStars, making their maiden appearance in Africa’s premier club competition, will be aiming for a positive result in Accra to strengthen their chances ahead of the return leg in Algeria.

The result marked a second consecutive win for the Yellow and Mauves, who now sit at the summit of the Ghana Premier League table with six points from two matches.

“Today we did everything right and we have our three points,” Tanko said after the match.

“But we have to concentrate throughout the 90 minutes. At some point, we dropped energy, and it’s not good.”

While delighted with their perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign, the Medeama boss emphasized the need for consistency as the season progresses.

“We have to continue working hard because the season is still young,” he noted. “I said it at the beginning of the season: we are one of the teams that can win the league, but we have a lot of work to do.”

Medeama will be aiming to extend their fine form when they face Karela United in their Matchday 3 fixture at the Aliu Mahama Stadium next weekend.

The coach unveiled his final 23-man list for the competition on Friday, September 19, expressing faith in the players’ ability to deliver.

“We are confident in the players we have selected,” Narteh Ogum told the Ghana FA website.

“They’ve worked hard over the past weeks, and we believe they have what it takes to compete and bring glory to Ghana,” he added.

Ghana will begin their campaign this afternoon against Togo at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.

The Starlets are aiming for a strong start in their quest to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations through the regional tournament.

Arne Slot’s side established early control when Ryan Gravenberch’s clever lofted finish from Mohamed Salah’s pass put Liverpool ahead after 10 minutes.

Gravenberch turned provider just before the half-hour mark when he played on Hugo Ekitike to beat Everton keeper Jordan Pickford with a low shot.

Liverpool illustrated the strength of their squad by leaving Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, two summer signings worth a combined total of £241m, on the bench until the second half.

Everton improved as the game went on, pulling a goal back after 58 minutes when Jack Grealish’s cross found Iliman Ndiaye at the far post and he set up Idrissa Gueye for a powerful rising drive that left Liverpool keeper Alisson helpless.

The Group A clash kicks off later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, with the Starlets aiming for a winning start in their bid to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having worked with a full squad of 23 players in camp, Narteh Ogum believes the level of competition for starting spots reflects the team’s readiness for the tournament.

“It’s a headache, yes. But for me, it’s a positive headache to have all my players available for selection. It shows the work we’ve put in and the quality we have in camp,” he told the Ghana FA website.

“Everyone is ready to play, and that level of competition is exactly what we need to perform at the highest level,” Narteh Ogum added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Black Starlets face Togo later today at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, with kick-off set for 15:00 GMT.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, the former Asante Kotoko boss commended his players for their dedication and sharpness in training sessions.

“The boys have responded very well to our training programs and look focused,” Narteh Ogum said.

“We’re confident about our chances against Togo,” he added.

The tournament serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the Black Starlets are determined to secure a spot on the continental stage.

Born just outside Marseille, the 27-year-old goalkeeper had appeared for France at various youth levels.

The move, which was approved by Fifa, may enable Zidane to follow in his father’s footsteps by appearing at a World Cup, with Algeria expected to secure a place at the 2026 finals in North America in their qualifier against Somalia next month.

Zidane, who is the second of four brothers, all of whom came through the Real Madrid academy, currently plays for Spanish second tier side Granada.

He played two matches for Madrid and has La Liga experience at Rayo Vallecano, but dropped a level in 2022 to play for Eibar before heading to Andalusia in 2024.

Zidane qualifies for the North African country through his father, whose parents hailed from the Kabylie region of Algeria.

Zinedine Zidane, who is regarded as one of the games greatest players scored twice for France in their 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil, but was famously sent-off in the 2006 final, which was won by Italy after a penalty shootout.

The irrepressible American held off a stellar field in the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Friday to win his fourth successive world title in the discipline.

It forms a stark contrast to his Olympic results in the discipline – bronze in Tokyo in 2021, the same last year in Paris amid struggles with Covid.

But back in the Japanese capital, Lyles banished the painful memories Tokyo previously held to equal Usain Bolt’s title record.

“I can’t wait for 2027 to become the only man to win five 200 metres titles,” said Lyles.

“I don’t have good memories from Tokyo in 2021. At that time I was depressed, but this time I am energised. I love what I do and I am happy.

“My face is blasted everywhere over Tokyo. This is a joyous moment I am going to keep with me forever.”

Lyles, dethroned as world 100m champion on Sunday as he took bronze, captured gold in his favoured discipline five days later to secure his eighth global title.

He had produced a statement performance in Thursday’s semi-finals, setting the fastest time of 2025 in 19.51 seconds.

After a final where he was just 0.01 seconds slower, he celebrated by raising four fingers to the crowd.

It was at the World Championships two years ago that Lyles asserted himself as the dominant male sprinter on the sport’s biggest stages with three golds in Budapest, before claiming the Olympic 100m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Prior to the championships, Lyles told reporters that he would take bronze in the 100m if it meant he would get 200m gold by breaking Bolt’s world-record time.

He got the gold – but Bolt’s record remains elusive for now.

Lyles’ American team-mate Kenny Bednarek had to settle for silver – his fourth in a row across the last four Olympic and world championships.

Bednarek and Lyles have a tempestuous relationship, and almost came to blows at the US trials when Lyles stared down his opponent in beating him to the 200m title, to which Bednarek responded with a shove.

Bronze went to 21-year-old Jamaican Bryan Levell, with Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo fourth. Britain’s Zharnel Hughes ran a season-best 19.78 for fifth.

Bol celebrates gold – and her upcoming wedding

With Olympic women’s 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opting to focus – with remarkable success – on the flat event, Femke Bol lived up to her favourite tag to retain her world title.

The Dutchwoman won in 51.54 seconds, while American Jasmine Jones took silver in a personal best of 52.03. Emma Zapletalova set a Slovakian national record of 53.00 to claim bronze.

Bol said taking a break after the Paris Olympics had helped her prepare for her successful season – as did planning her wedding.

She announced her engagement to Belgian pole vaulter Ben Broeders in July and said their upcoming nuptials were “a great distraction”.

“As a track and field athlete you work really hard, but you also have a lot of time to rest, and it’s also a nice thing to think about,” she said.

Bol did, however, admit she could have competed against McLaughlin-Levrone, who beat her into third place on the way to gold in Paris.

“I most likely wouldn’t be here with the gold medal but I really love to race her,” said the 25-year-old of McLaughlin-Levrone.

“She’s the best athlete to ever do it in my event so I would have loved to do it, but I also love to see her do so well in the 400 metres.”

‘Who’s the best?’ – Triple jump reaches incredible conclusion

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Pedro Pichardo previously represented Cuba on the world stage

Arguably, the most dramatic event of Friday was the men’s triple jump, in which Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo emulated the gold he won at the Tokyo Olympics in phenomenal style.

Pichardo led going into the final jumps with a distance of 17.55 metres – but this was spectacularly overtaken by Italy’s Andrea Dallavalle.

Dallavalle, only fifth in the standings up to that point, leaped a massive personal best of 17.64m to take the lead.

With the women’s 200m final delayed to allow the triple jump to conclude and the whole arena watching, Pichardo then jumped 17.91 metres with his final effort – the best of anyone this year.

“Who’s the best?” he roared down the camera in celebration. There could be no argument.

Cuba’s Lazaro Martinez, who pulled up with a muscle injury during his run up for his final jump, took bronze.

The Italian’s comments followed Chelsea’s talks with the Professional Footballers’ Association about the ongoing exclusion of Sterling and Disasi from Maresca’s first-team squad.

When asked about the pair training separately from his team, Maresca said: “I’ve been in Raheem’s and Axel’s situation as a player.

“For sure, I know it is not the best feeling for a player. For different reasons, the situation is the situation at the moment, but I know the club is giving them the situation to work in the right way.”

Asked if the situation is mentally challenging for the duo, the 45-year-old added: “My father is 75 years old and for 50 years he’s been a fisherman, working from two o’clock in the morning till 10 o’clock in the morning.

“This is a hard life – not the way a player works.”

The PFA is in contact with the Blues to ensure that Sterling and Disasi have the platform to train to an optimum level despite not being involved with the senior team.

World football’s governing body Fifa has strict regulations over players who are isolated from squads in circumstances that could constitute ‘abusive conduct’ by the club, which may entitle an individual to terminate his contract citing ‘just cause’.

Maresca added: “When no solution is found, you give the player all the tools to train and do anything, but if you are not in the squad, you are not in the squad.

“It’s not about Chelsea, it is about any club in the world.”

Sterling, 30, who was expected to leave Chelsea this summer, has just under two years left on his £325,000-per-week deal.

Several overseas clubs, including Juventus, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen, showed interest in Sterling, but he preferred to stay in London to remain close to his family.

Arsenal opted against signing their loanee from last season, while Fulham signed alternative options for their wide positions.

Meanwhile, Disasi, whose contract expires in 2029, sought a loan move to his former club Monaco, but they did not make a formal offer.

In the meantime, loan moves to Bournemouth, Sunderland and West Ham were rejected by the France international and collapsed by the transfer deadline earlier this month.

Garnacho ‘ready to start’ at Old Trafford

Maresca says winger Alejandro Garnacho is “ready to start” when the Blues play his former club Manchester United on Saturday.

The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances since joining Chelsea in a £40m transfer in August.

Before leaving, Garnacho was told to find a new club by United head coach Ruben Amorim at the end of last season and ordered to train at different times to the rest of the squad.

He had questioned Amorim’s decision not to start him in the 1-0 Europa League final defeat by Tottenham.

Asked about the prospect of the Argentine attacker being booed at Old Trafford, Maresca said: “I don’t know. The same happened to Marc Cucurella against Bayern Munich, which is not easy, but as a player you have to learn to endure these kinds of things.”

Cucurella was targeted by Bayern supporters on Wednesday, with that thought to have stemmed from a handball against Germany by the Spain defender at Euro 2024 that went unpunished.