The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, maritime security, climate change, and agriculture.

President Mahama arrived in South Korea on Tuesday, March 10, for a five-day working visit, becoming the first African leader to visit South Korea, since President Lee took office in June 2025.

President Mahama lauded the historic relations between Ghana and Korea, stating that they were proud of the shared values that binded the two countries, adding that, on bilateral relations, the countries focused strongly on agriculture and agribusiness to help achieve food security.

He noted that the two countries had deep respect for democracy, and a strong commitment to human rights, explianing that their relationship was not defined by the distance, but by the similarity of the values they shared.

He said the cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was important, particularly in increasing rice production through the K-Rice Belt Project.

“We look forward to the availability of high-yielding rice varieties that will help us expand production. Rice has now become a staple food in Ghana, and we want to reduce the amount of rice we import,” he added.

President Mahama said Africa had also established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the secretariat based in Accra, a historic agreement that opened up a market of about 1.4 billion people.

“Our goal is to position Ghana as a hub for production and exports to the rest of Africa, ” the President noted.

President Mahama said Ghana had abundant natural and human resources, while Korea had technology and innovation, and “I believe we can bring these strengths together in a win-win partnership. We are also committed to adding value to our products.”

“I would like to thank you for the chocolates you gave me. We enjoyed them yesterday, and I am pleased that I also brought you Ghanaian chocolates. So, we can both enjoy the sweetness of our chocolates.”

President Mahama said due to climate change, cocoa production had experienced some challenges; declaring that a few years ago, production declined, while this year they were experiencing overproduction, which had led to price fluctuations.

He explained that Ghana wanted to create more value by processing cocoa into products such as cocoa liquor and cocoa butter for export, allowing other industries to turn them into finished products.

He said, they were currently exploiting resources such as bauxite, manganese, and gold, and had discovered large reserves of lithium, nickel, and other rare minerals.

“Korea has the technology, and we believe we can explore these resources together — not exporting them in their raw form but adding value before exporting them to Korea and other markets.”

The President said Korea had long been a strong seafaring nation, and issues of maritime security were important to both countries.

“Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a major concern, and we are pleased that one of the memoranda we will sign today focuses on maritime safety and cooperation.”

He said Ghana had also emerged from a recent financial crisis; saying “We have successfully restructured our debt, and our economy is now back on track. Inflation is declining, our currency has strengthened, and we are meeting our debt obligations”

He said he look forward to accessing the Economic Development Cooperation Fund once again, was looking forward to signing a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, which would make exchanges between their two countries much easier.

On his part, President Lee said there were growing trade and investment ties between the two countries and expressed the hope to further expand cooperation in various areas, describing Ghana as a major gateway to the African market.

“Ghana is a country we are grateful to, as it has actively cooperated in ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy threats persist,” he added.

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According to a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President will depart Accra on Sunday for the trip.

During the visit, President Mahama is expected to hold bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation.

He will also meet the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly, Woo Won-shik.

As part of his engagements, the Ghanaian leader will attend a ship-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan and deliver an address at a ceremony at Yonsei University.

President Mahama will further engage with members of the Ghanaian community in South Korea and hold a dinner meeting with business leaders to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two countries.

After a goalless first half, Ghana fell 1-0 to the Asian side, following an earlier defeat to Japan in the November international window.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Addo pointed to Ghana’s missed opportunities and tactical challenges as key factors in the loss. He noted that South Korea’s defensive setup made it difficult for his team to press effectively.

“Except for the Brazil game, where South Korea lost 5-0, I think they don’t concede so many goals anymore, and they are very compact,” he said.

“You can see the change since the last time we met them in the 2022 World Cup. The main tactical element is that they play with three at the back and always try to overload one side, which makes it sometimes difficult to press if you don’t have the right timing and positioning.”

Addo added that coordination was an issue for the Black Stars.

“We had problems sometimes, especially in the first half, deciding when to press and who should press. But it’s not easy for the guys because they haven’t played together for a long time. The timing was off, and that’s why, especially in the first half, South Korea had more ball possession and created more chances,” he said.

The Black Stars are set to regroup in March next year as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

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The defeat follows last Friday’s narrow loss to Japan, leaving Otto Addo’s men winless in the November window.

Addo handed starts to Benjamin Asare, Alidu Seidu, Gideon Mensah, Kojo Pepprah Oppong, Prince Owusu, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Prince Kwabena Adu, hoping to spark a strong finish to the two-game series.

Ghana created half-chances through Kamaldeen Sulemana and Caleb Yirenkyi in the opening period, but neither player managed to test the Korean back line.

The first half ended goalless, but South Korea broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Lee Tae-Seok headed in at the far post after a pinpoint delivery from PSG’s Lee Kang-In.

Ghana came close to levelling the score through substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante, whose powerful strike rattled the post. Asare later kept the Black Stars within reach by saving Hwang Hee-Chang’s penalty.

Two Ghana goals, finished by Kwabena Adu and Jonas Adjei Adjetey, were correctly disallowed for offside.

Despite a late push, the Black Stars couldn’t turn the game around, closing their Asian friendlies with back-to-back defeats.

The team will reconvene in March for the next international window as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Nineteen players are currently in camp, with Francis Abu, Mohammed Salisu, and Antoine Semenyo all ruled out due to injury. Abu is recovering from a broken ankle, while Salisu and Semenyo have been sidelined with knocks.

Ghana fell 2-0 to Japan in the Kirin Cup last week, but Asante Twum believes the setback has only strengthened the players’ determination to impress.

“Aside from the national interest, there is also a personal interest. The players currently in camp know they cannot take this opportunity for granted,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“Not all of them will make it to the World Cup, so this is the time for them to showcase what they can do. Representing your country is always a great privilege. While our numbers are light at the moment, every player has taken the game seriously and is ready to make an impact,” he added.

Kick-off at Seoul World Cup Stadium is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., with the match forming a key part of Ghana’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The Black Stars will face the Asian side on Tuesday, November 18, at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11:00 am. Ghana last met South Korea at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, winning 3-2.

Ahead of the clash, the Atalanta forward acknowledged the challenge posed by South Korea’s revamped squad.

“It’s a different team than we played against a few years ago. I know they also have different players. It’s going to be a tough game for us, but I also think we can beat them,” Sulemana said.

He added: “I think we’ve got the quality to beat them. We are going to try to do that. We are very excited to be here.”

The Black Stars began this international window with a 2-0 defeat to Japan on Friday, using these matches to fine-tune preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Salisu leave Black Stars camp ahead of South Korea game

Injured Francis Abu could make Black Stars squad for 2026 World Cup

Only 19 players are available for the match following the absences of Francis Abu, Antoine Semenyo, and Mohammed Salisu.

Abu underwent successful ankle surgery after fracturing two bones during Ghana’s Kirin Cup clash with Japan last Friday. Salisu and Semenyo have also returned to their clubs to recover from ligament sprains.

Speaking ahead of the game, Addo admitted the difficulties posed by the reduced squad.

“We were facing some difficulties due to injured players. It’s also, to be honest, not so easy for us to get replacements because of visa issues. It’s always not possible to get fast replacements. But we prepared very well,” he said.

The Ghana coach remained optimistic, recalling their narrow World Cup victory over South Korea.

“We are looking forward to the match on Tuesday. The last time we met them was at the World Cup, where we won, but it was a very close match. We are happy to be here and happy to have this opportunity to play against South Korea,” Addo added.

Ghana will face South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, as they conclude preparations for the 2025 season ahead of next year’s World Cup.

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Coach Otto Addo faces a challenging task, navigating a squad affected by multiple injuries. Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Salisu have both returned to their clubs due to fitness concerns, joining Francis Abu, who remains sidelined with a fractured ankle.

Semenyo, who started in last Friday’s friendly against Japan, was substituted in the 55th minute after aggravating a left anterior talo-fibular ligament sprain.

Salisu, unused against Japan, is recovering from bilateral medial collateral ligament sprains.

These developments leave Addo with 19 players to finalize his lineup. The team will continue preparations with a session at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday ahead of the 10:00 a.m. kickoff on November 18, 2025.

Despite the disruptions, the Black Stars are determined to respond positively and close the international window on a strong note.

Friday’s 2-0 loss to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup was a tough blow for Ghana, compounded by the serious injury suffered by midfielder Francis Abu.

Head coach Otto Addo will travel with a 21-man squad, reduced due to Abu’s absence.

In Seoul, the team is scheduled for three training sessions ahead of the November 18 clash, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. local time.

The friendly is a crucial step in Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Having secured qualification earlier this year, the Black Stars are determined to bounce back from the defeat in Japan and build momentum ahead of next year’s tournament.

The matches form part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 10:20 a.m., before travelling to Seoul to take on South Korea on Tuesday, November 18.

Despite the absence of several key players, Asante Twum emphasized that the team remains fully focused.

“The games against Japan and South Korea will be tough, and we’re not taking them lightly at all,” he told Sporty FM. “We want to see players who are hungry and will fight for the Black Stars.”

All invited players are currently in camp and are scheduled for their final training session today ahead of Friday’s clash.

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The senior national team is currently in Asia as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for next summer. Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before travelling to Seoul to take on South Korea four days later.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum explained that while the GFA informed the Ministry of Sports and Recreation about the matches, no funds were allocated for the trip.
“The games will be funded by the two teams that invited the Black Stars; we didn’t take any money from the ministry,” he said.

“Even though I know the GFA President [Kurt Okraku] has informed the sector minister of these two matches, there is no funding from their end. They gave us their blessing to go ahead with the games, but with no funding,” he added.

Regarding player compensation, Asante Twum clarified that there would be no winning bonuses for the matches.
“Yes, there will be no winning bonuses; it will just be the per diem agreed between the GFA and the players,” he said.

Nineteen players took part in the team’s first training session on Wednesday, with the remaining call-ups now joining the camp. Kick-off for Friday’s encounter against Japan is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. GMT.

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Eighteen players were present when the team opened camp on Tuesday, with the remaining invitees expected to join the group later today.

Head coach Otto Addo supervised the session in Nagoya, where Ghana will face Japan on Friday, November 14.

The squad will hold their final training on Thursday, with a full complement of players expected to participate.

Kick-off for Friday’s encounter is set for 10:00 a.m.

Following the Japan fixture, the Black Stars will shift focus to their second friendly against South Korea in Seoul on November 18, which will also kick off at 10:00 a.m.

Both matches form part of Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum explained that the players will receive only their per diems, noting that the matches are not competitive fixtures.

“There will be no winning bonuses for the Black Stars players for the Japan and South Korea friendly games — only per diems,” he stated.

He further revealed that the host nations are bearing the full cost of the friendlies.

“These games for the Black Stars are funded by the host countries — Japan and South Korea,” he added.

The national team is currently in Asia as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghana will face Japan on Friday, November 14, before playing South Korea on November 18.

Head coach Otto Addo has named a 22-man squad for the tour, with 18 players already in camp in Nagoya, while the remaining invitees are expected to join later today.

The Black Stars are also set to hold their first training session today, November 12, ahead of their Kirin Cup clash against Japan.

Head coach Otto Addo left out notable names such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, opting instead to give opportunities to emerging talents including Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Kwabena Adu, and Prince Osei Owusu.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum explained that the decision was based on legitimate considerations rather than the long travel distance to Asia.

“Absentees from the Black Stars squad for the Japan and South Korea friendly games are due to legitimate reasons and not the travelling distance,” he said.

“We all came to an agreement that some players will need to rest while others are nursing injuries, so we had to let them stay behind. The new faces in the squad have been on the radar of the technical team for some time now, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth in these games.”

He further noted that the friendlies form part of a broader development plan aimed at building a strong team for future competitions.

“These friendly games are aimed at working on something within the Black Stars setup and among the players. We just want to make use of the best talents for the future,” he added.

The Black Stars opened camp on Tuesday, November 11, and are expected to hold their first training session today.

Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before taking on South Korea on November 18. The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Head coach Otto Addo has named a 22-man squad for the encounters. Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium, before travelling to Seoul to take on South Korea on November 18.

Key players, including Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Alexander Djiku, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, will miss the trip due to various reasons.

In their absence, Addo has assembled a blend of youth and experience, offering opportunities to several emerging talents eager to impress on the international stage.

The players reported to camp on Tuesday ahead of the two fixtures, which are expected to provide a strong test of Ghana’s progress as the team continues to build cohesion and assess squad depth in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Below is the full schedule for Ghana’s participation in the 2025 Kirin Cup.

The matches form part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the team set to face Japan on November 14 before taking on South Korea on November 18.

New faces in the squad include Czech Republic-based forward Prince Kwabena Adu, Medeama SC winger Kelvin Nkrumah, and FC Montreal attacker Prince Osei Owusu.

Their inclusion follows the decision to rest some senior players, while others have been ruled out due to injuries.

The Black Stars are expected to hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, ahead of the Kirin Cup clash with Japan on Friday, November 14.

Squad below:

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The German-born defender is expected to make his debut as Ghana embarks on an Asian tour, taking on Japan and South Korea.

Kohn had previously been called up by coach Otto Addo but was unable to feature in competitive matches due to delays in completing his nationality switch. With that now resolved, he is set to play in the Black Stars’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to release the official squad list for the matches.

Ghana will face Japan on Friday, November 14, in the Kirin Challenge Cup, before clashing with South Korea four days later.

These friendlies form part of the team’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup, following their absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Otto Addo will keep core players for Asia tour – Henry Asante Twum

The Black Stars are scheduled to play Japan and South Korea on November 14 and 18, respectively, in international friendlies forming part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Asante Twum indicated that while a few new faces could be called up, but insisted that Addo is unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team.

“As we speak, I haven’t seen who is in the team and who is not in the team, but I think that, as much as possible, the coach would like to continue his rebuilding exercise by keeping the core of the team. It helps in team bonding, team building, and consistency,” he said.

He also noted the limited opportunities available to test the side before next year’s tournament.

“From now to June, it’s quite a long time in football, but unfortunately, we do not have too many games, you know, to test ourselves. Because after this window, the only official or formal international window will be next year in March. That’s quite a long time.

“Then, after that, we may not play again until the two weeks leading up to the tournament. So, as much as possible, you would like to keep the core of the team together,” he added.

Ghana will face Japan on 14 November before travelling to take on South Korea four days later, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Tentatively, we are looking at the end of this week or the weekend to confirm the squad and the full complement of the team,” Twum said.

He added, “The plan is for the advanced team to depart Accra on Friday for Japan, followed by the rest of the technical team. I don’t yet know if there will be local players. Depending on their number, they will hopefully travel on Sunday to Japan. We will then receive the players after their respective matches on Tuesday.”

The Black Stars’ Asia tour comes as anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup draw, scheduled for 5 December in Washington, where Ghana will learn its group-stage opponents.

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The Black Stars are hoping to make a strong impression at the World Cup after securing qualification on Sunday, following a 1-0 win over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This match forms part of a strategic plan to give the team top-level opposition as they prepare for the tournament in June next year.

Ghana secured a dramatic 3-2 victory the last time the two sides met at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with a brace from Mohammed Kudus and a goal from Mohammed Salisu putting the Stars ahead of their Asian rival.

The Asian tour is meant to prepare the team and keep them competitive ahead of the World Cup.

The law, which comes into effect from the next school year in March 2026, is the result of a bi-partisan effort to curb smartphone addiction, as more research points to its harmful effects.

Lawmakers, parents and teachers argue that smartphone use is affecting students’ academic performance and takes away time they could have spent studying.

The ban has its sceptics, including students, who question how it would work, its wider implications and whether it is addressing the root cause of addiction.

There are fears the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue, with 12 people reported missing.

Footage showed people wading through thick mud in the landslide-hit resort town of Gapyeong on Sunday as they made their way across a damaged bridge to evacuation shelters.

Further south, an entire village was covered with earth and debris following a landslide in the central Chungcheon region, according to video taken in the area on Saturday.

Nearly 10,000 people have evacuated their homes since the downpour began on Wednesday, while more than 41,000 households have temporarily lost power, as reported by local media.

The rain has largely subsided in the worst-hit southern and central areas, but more downpours are expected in capital Seoul and the country’s northern regions on Sunday.

Thousands of roads and buildings have been damaged and submerged by raging floodwaters, with reports of damage to farmland and the widespread death of livestock.

Much of the destruction has been in the country’s south, with six people killed and seven missing in Sancheong county.

Casualties have also occurred in a northern mountainous region near Seoul, as well as other western and northern areas.

Two people were killed and four were reported missing in Gapyeong on Sunday after a landslide engulfed properties.

Sixty-three people have been rescued while 285 others evacuated the area, Gyeonggi Province Fire Department said.

Serious landslide warnings have been issued in several regions nationwide.

The government launched a multi-agency recovery effort on Sunday.

SOURCE: BBC

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The initiative, originally arranged prior to Dr. Pelpuo assuming office, aims to provide valuable employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth in the international shipping industry.

As Minister, Dr. Pelpuo managed the final stages of the deployment process, overseeing the issuance of necessary licenses and authorizations to ensure the successful travel and employment of the beneficiaries.

In his address to the departing recruits, Dr. Pelpuo reassured them of the Government of Ghana’s ongoing support throughout their employment journey in South Korea.

He encouraged the youth to make the most of this opportunity, not only to advance their careers and earn competitive salaries but also to plan for future investments in Ghana, including housing and small businesses.

The departing recruits expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Pelpuo and the government for turning their dreams into reality.

There was an atmosphere of excitement and optimism as they prepared to embark on a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

This initiative aligns with the broader vision of President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, which continues to prioritize youth empowerment, job creation, and international labour partnerships.

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As he read the verdict in court on Friday morning, acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae dismissed each of Yoon’s reasons for declaring martial law and said the president had overstepped his authority by deploying troops on the streets of the capital in December.

“The defendant mobilised military and police forces to dismantle the authority of constitutional institutions and infringed upon the fundamental rights of the people. In doing so, he abandoned his constitutional duty to uphold the Constitution and gravely betrayed the trust of the Korean people,” Moon said.

“Such unlawful and unconstitutional conduct constitutes an act that cannot be tolerated under the Constitution,” the justice continued.

“The negative consequences and ripple effects of these actions are substantial, and the benefit of restoring constitutional order through removal from office outweighs the national costs associated with the dismissal of a sitting president,” he said.

Yoon briefly declared martial law late on the evening of December 3 , claiming that anti-State and North Korean forces had infiltrated the government.

But senior military and police officials who were sent to shut down the country’s National Assembly have testified that Yoon ordered them to detain rival politicians and prevent the assembly from voting to lift his military rule order.

South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14 , but they needed the approval of the Constitutional Court to formally expel him.

The government now has 60 days to hold a presidential election. Acting President Han Duck-soo will remain in his position until then.

Outside the courthouse, the verdict was met with cheers by critics of Yoon. The pro-Yoon crowd of mostly older protesters, by contrast, was relatively quiet, with a few grumbles of “rigged election” and “corruption” rippling through the crowd.

The case has been a political lightning rod in South Korea, which has seen protests both for and against Yoon in the weeks since he was impeached.

The Constitutional Court allotted 20 seats for the public to observe the trial proceedings, but a staggering 96,370 people applied for the slots.

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The hearing ended within four minutes because of Yoon’s absence – his lawyers had earlier said he would not attend for his own safety, as there is a warrant out for his arrest on separate charges of insurrection.

In December, Yoon was suspended after members of his own party voted with the opposition to impeach him.

However he will only be formally removed from office if at least six of the eight-member Constitutional Court bench votes to uphold the impeachment.

According to South Korean law, the court must set a new date for a hearing before they can proceed without his participation.

The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Yoon’s lawyers have indicated that he will show up for a hearing at an “appropriate time”, but they have challenged the court’s “unilateral decision” on trial dates.

The court on Tuesday rejected the lawyers’ request for one of the eight justices to be recused from the proceedings.

Yoon has not commented publicly since parliament voted to impeach him on 14 December and has been speaking primarily through his lawyers.

Investigators are also separately preparing for another attempt to arrest Yoon for alleged insurrection, after an earlier attempt on 3 January ended following an hours-long standoff with his security team.

Yoon is South Korea’s first sitting president to face arrest. The second attempt to take him into custody could happen as early as this week, according to local media.

The suspended leader has not commented publicly since parliament voted to impeach him on 14 December and has been speaking primarily through his lawyers.

Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration on 3 December has thrown South Korea into political turmoil. He had tried to justify the attempt by saying he was protecting the country from “anti-state” forces, but it soon became clear it was spurred by his own political troubles.

What followed was an unprecedented few weeks which saw the opposition-dominated parliament vote to impeach Yoon and then Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who succeeded him briefly as acting president.

The crisis has hit the country’s economy, with the won weakening and global credit rating agencies warning of weakening consumer and business sentiment.

Former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye did not attend their impeachment trials in 2004 and 2017 respectively.

In Park’s case, the first hearing ended after nine minutes in her absence.

Roh was reinstated after a two-month review, while Park’s impeachment was upheld.

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A total of 179 of the 181 people travelling on the Boeing 737-800 were killed, with just two survivors – both cabin staff – pulled from the burning wreckage.

The plane landed at Muan International Airport in the country’s south, skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall in a fiery explosion.

Flight 2216 had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand with six crew and 175 passengers, many of them holiday makers.

An investigation into the cause is under way – with experts and officials pointing to a number of possible factors.

Distraught families gathered in the airport’s arrival hall in tears, as they waited for bodies to be identified.

Some of those killed have been identified only by their fingerprints.

Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC his nephew and his nephew’s two sons had been on the plane.

It was the family’s first trip abroad, to mark the youngest son finishing his college entrance exams.

“I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared,” he said. “My heart aches so much.”

The passengers included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. They were aged between three and 78, although most were in their 40s, 50s and 60s, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.

Jongluk Doungmanee, 49, had been returning to South Korea from visiting family in Thailand. The mother-of-two lived in South Korea with her husband and worked in agriculture.

In an interview with BBC Thai, her cousin Pornphichaya Chalermsin said she had “only ever seen such news from other countries and never thought it would involve Thai people”, adding: “Watching the video footage made me feel even more distressed.”

Footage of the crash – which happened shortly after 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT) – showed the aircraft landing without wheels, overshooting the runway and crashing into the airport’s perimeter wall, before it exploded into flames.

South Korean transport officials said the plane ran into difficulties approaching landing – with the pilot, who had more than 6,800 hours of flight experience, pulling out of the first attempt due to bird interference.

Soon after, the pilot issued a mayday call and was allowed to land in the opposite direction to usual.

Officials have suggested a bird strike and bad weather may have played a role but aviation experts have questioned whether these were enough to cause such a deadly crash.

One passenger sent a relative a message saying a bird was stuck in the wing, according to the South Korean News1 agency – but officials have not yet confirmed whether the plane was hit by birds.

Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, told the BBC “a lot of things about this tragedy don’t make sense”.

He said South Korea and its airlines were considered “industry best practice” and that both the aircraft and the airline have an “excellent safety record”.

“At this point there are a lot more questions than we have answers,” Gregory Alegi, an aviation journalist and former teacher at Italy’s air force academy, told the Reuters news agency.

“Why was the plane going so fast? Why were the flaps not open? Why was the landing gear not down?”

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This comes after Han refused to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP).

“Han has revealed himself to be an acting insurrectionist, not an acting president”, DP’s floor leader Park Chan-dae said on Thursday.

The opposition has also accused Han of aiding Yoon’s martial law attempt on 3 Dec. Han earlier apologised for failing to block it.

Han also vetoed several opposition-led bills, including one that proposed a special investigation into Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration.

The impeachment motion is expected to be put to a vote in the next 24 to 72 hours.

For it to succeed, 151 out of 300 MPs must vote for it.

The DP currently holds 170 of the 300 seats in parliament. The opposition bloc together holds 192 seats.

Opposition parties had been hoping Han would not stand in their way while acting as the country’s caretaker president, and that he would allow bills to pass.

But instead, he has held firm, deepening the political strife.

On Tuesday, Han concluded a cabinet meeting without reviewing the two opposition-sponsored bills that called for special counsel investigations into the martial law declaration and corruption allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

He said he did not put them on the agenda so as to give the ruling and opposition parties more time to reach a compromise.

But DP’s floor leader Park Chan-dae slammed him for “buying time and prolonging the insurrection”.

“We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure, as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol, or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public,” Park said in a televised party meeting.

And on Thursday, Han said he would not appoint the three judges the opposition-dominated National Assembly had nominated to the constitutional court – which is deliberating whether Yoon should be impeached – unless the rival parties reach a consensus.

To this, Park said “it has become clear that Han Duck-soo is neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution”, adding that the opposition would “immediately” table the impeachment bill.

Han’s ruling People Power Party said the opposition’s threats have interfered with Han’s “legitimate exercise of authority”, while a senior official at the prime minister’s office criticised the threats as “extremely regrettable”.

Han stepped in as caretaker president after Yoon was ousted from office earlier this month. If lawmakers vote for Han to be impeached, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will be next in line.

This latest development in the country’s political turmoil comes as the Seoul Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether Yoon should be permanently barred from office.

The court is expected to hold its first public hearing later this week.

It is unclear if Yoon himself will take the stand during the hearings, but protesters have vowed to keep up their calls for Yoon’s removal during court proceedings.

Yoon is also under investigation for alleged insurrection over his failed attempt to put the country under martial law.

He has refused to accept several summonses delivered to him, and investigators have warned that they may issue an arrest warrant if he continues to be unresponsive.

Several senior officials – including former defence minister Kim Yong-Hyun, former interior minister Lee Sang-min and army chief Park An-su – are also being investigated.

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This makes him the highest-ranking defector among the thousands who have resettled in the South – and the first to be given a vice-ministerial job.

Tae, 62, was Pyongyang’s deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom before he fled to South Korea in 2016.

Pyongyang has denounced him as “human scum” and accused him of embezzling state funds and other crimes.

Mr Tae became the first former North Korean to win a seat in South Korea’s 2020 National Assembly.

He failed to secure a second term in parliamentary elections in April, but in his new role, he will be advising South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on peaceful Korean unification.

“He is the right person to help establish a peaceful unification policy based on liberal democracy and garner support from home and abroad,” the presidential office said on Thursday.

Born in Pyongyang in 1962, Mr Tae entered the foreign service at the age of 27 and spent almost 30 years working under three generations of the ruling Kim dynasty.

He said in earlier statements that he left North Korea because he did not want his children to have “miserable lives”. He also cited disgust with Kim Jong Un’s regime and expressed admiration for South Korea’s democracy.

In a memoir published this year, Mr Tae wrote about the excesses of the North Korean elite and the depths of the personality cult built around the Kims.

Since his defection, he has advocated for the use of “soft power” to weaken the Kim regime and called for prisoner swaps between the North and the South.

Tensions between the Koreas have risen over the past few months, with Seoul resuming propaganda broadcasts towards the North on Friday, in response to Pyongyang floating thousands of trash-carrying balloons into the South.

Reports based on satellite imagery also suggest that North Korea may be strengthening its military presence and building walls along its border with the South.

As of December last year, some 34,000 individuals have defected from the North to the South, according to estimates from Seoul’s Unification Ministry.

Many do so by crossing into China and then to South Korea. In South Korea, they automatically receive citizenship and are given some resettlement money.

Earlier this week, Seoul’s spy agency confirmed another high-profile defection of a former diplomat most recently stationed in Cuba.

Local reports identified the man as 52-year-old Ri Il Kyu and quoted him as saying that he fled because of “disillusionment with the North Korean regime and a bleak future”.

“Every North Korean thinks at least once about living in South Korea,” the Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted him as saying.

Last Sunday, South Korea marked its very first North Korean Defectors’ Day, during which Mr Yoon Suk Yeol promised better financial support for defectors and tax incentives for companies that hire them.

According to him, South Korea has advanced technology in renewable energies such as solar and wind power, which could be advantageous for the continent.

Dr. Agyepong mentioned that, South Korea’s capacity can benefit African businesses, and called for them to tap into this potential to benefit the continent and Ghana.

He also emphasized the readiness of the private sector to partner with Korea, urging for the removal of restrictions and bureaucracy in supporting 48 African nations.

“Opportunity is crucial in business. South Korea has a capacity that can benefit African businesses and they need to unleash that to benefit the continent and Ghana. The Private sector is ready to partner with Korea which must remove restrictions and bureaucracy as it seeks to support 48 African nations,” he said during a television interview after the Korean-African Summit in Kintex, Korea.

Dr. Agyepong commended South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol for his commitment to boosting support for Africa, including enhanced trade and investment pledges.

He also highlighted Jospong Group’s efforts in Ghana to address waste management through various initiatives.

“The whole world is about climate change. In Ghana, Jospong Group has tackled waste management as a serious issue, from collection, haulage, composting, recycling and other forms of treatments.”

The Summit focused on key initiatives such as Economic Partnership Agreements, Trade and Investment Promotion Frameworks, and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

During the Summit, South Korea announced plans to increase official development assistance to $10 billion by 2030 and provide $14 billion in export financing.

Dr. Agyepong emphasized the need for collaboration in critical areas such as minerals, digital transformation, climate change, food security, and public health.

The Korea-Africa Summit, held on June 4-5, 2024, in Ilsan and Seoul, aimed to boost cooperation, address global challenges, and promote collective strength for sustainable development.

The outcome is expected to lead to new agreements and investments in energy access, agricultural transformation, and capacity building across Africa.

This summit was the first of its kind since the founding of the Republic of Korea. However, there have been other summits and conferences between Korea and Africa, such as the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference in September 2023.

The Korea-Africa Energy Investment Framework (KAEIF) was also established in 2021.

Ghana and South Korea have maintained diplomatic relations since 1977.

These relations have spanned various areas including political, economic, trade, investment, technology, security, and culture.

The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has implemented various projects in Ghana, including the Dawhenya Integrated Rural Development Project, a maternal and child healthcare project, a water and sanitation project, and a capacity-building project focused on the power transmission system.

Dr. Agyepong expressed his optimism about the future of Korea-Africa relations, stating, “The future looks bright, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative journey.”

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According to him, it forms part of efforts to retain a leading global position in cutting-edge semiconductor chips.

The announcement, which also includes a separate 1.4 trillion won fund to foster AI semiconductor firms, comes as South Korea tries to keep abreast with countries like the United States, China and Japan that are also giving massive policy support to strengthen semiconductor supply chains on their own turf.

Semiconductors are a key foundation of South Korea’s export-driven economy. In March, chip exports reached their highest in 21 months at $11.7 billion, or nearly a fifth of total exports shipped by Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

“Current competition in semiconductors is an industrial war and an all-out war between nations,” Yoon told a meeting of policymakers and chip industry executives on Tuesday.

By earmarking investments and a fund, South Korea plans to significantly expand research and development in AI chips such as artificial neural processing units (NPUs) and next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips, the government said in a statement.

South Korean authorities will also promote the development of next-generation artificial general intelligence (AGI) and safety technologies that go beyond existing models.

Yoon has set a target for South Korea to become one of the top three countries in AI technology including chips, and take a 10% or more share of the global system semiconductor market by 2030.

“Just as we have dominated the world with memory chips for the past 30 years, we will write a new semiconductor myth with AI chips in the next 30 years,” Yoon said.

Yoon also noted that the impact of the recent earthquake in Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductors, on South Korean companies was limited as of now, but ordered thorough preparation in the event of uncertainties.

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This follows raids in at least two US army bases in May, including Camp Humphreys, its largest overseas base.

A Filipino and a South Korean have been arrested, while prosecutors review the cases against all 22 suspects.

A tip from the US Army’s enforcement arm had sparked a four-month investigation by Korean authorities.

It was one of the largest in recent years involving American soldiers, US media reported citing Cha Min-seok, a senior detective in South Korea.

Joint raids by South Korean police and the US Army’s Criminal Investigation Division found 77g (2.7oz) of synthetic cannabis, more than 4kg of “mixed liquids” used for vaping and a total of $12,850 (£10,440) in cash at the 22 suspects’ homes.

They are accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana – known by the street names K2 and Spice – into the country through the US military’s postal service.

Seven of them, including five soldiers, are thought to have been involved in the sale of the drugs, 12 were users and three acted as middlemen. A soldier’s spouse and another soldier’s fiancée are also involved, the police told the BBC.

The 17 soldiers are currently stationed at Camp Humphreys, about 48km (30 miles) south of the capital Seoul, and at Camp Casey, an army outpost about 40km north of Seoul, according to the police.

They allegedly distributed the drugs on the bases while communicating via Snapchat.

United States Forces Korea said on Wednesday that it was aware of the investigation. No soldiers are currently in confinement or being detained in relation to it, it said in a statement.

Synthetic marijuana is made to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

While it has similar effects to cannabis, it is typically more potent and has been reported to produce adverse health effects, including acute psychotic episodes, paranoid delusions and severe agitation.

It is difficult to detect because it is often used in liquid form in legal e-cigarette devices, the police said.

In South Korea, those convicted of trafficking marijuana face from five years to life in prison. Drug possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison or a fine of about 50m won ($37,200; £30,300).

Ibtissam Jraidi scored Morocco’s first World Cup goal with a sixth-minute header as the north Africans, ranked 72nd in the world, stunned their 17th-ranked opponents.

Sixteen-year-old substitute Casey Phair fired wide for South Korea late on.

Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.

“We are just so pleased our efforts have paid off. This victory is for Morocco and Arabs, it’s the fruit of our hard work,” said Jraidi.

South Korea have now lost both matches and will be eliminated if Germany avoid defeat against Colombia on Sunday.

Morocco lost 6-0 to Germany in their first match in Group H, but were much better against South Korea.

There was only one shot on target in the first half, with Jraidi scoring with a diving header following Hanane Ait Elhaj’s cross for Morocco’s first-ever goal at the tournament.

South Korea, managed by Englishman Colin Bell, performed better in the second half, but could not find an equaliser.

Ji So-yun had a good chance with a central free-kick just outside the penalty area in the 82nd minute, but her effort did not clear the Morocco defensive wall.

Phair, who became the youngest player to ever play in a Fifa Women’s World Cup match when she came on in the 2-0 loss to Colombia, failed to hit the target with a late chance.

Morocco coach Reynald Pedros said: “There’s a sense of pride for us to pull this first World Cup win out of the bag.

“We didn’t change our philosophy. The Korean team is not like the German team and we got off to a blinding start.

“We were efficient in the box, that was missing against Germany.”

Catalina Usme put the South Americans ahead from the penalty spot, before teenager Linda Caicedo, 18, doubled the lead thanks to an error from Korean keeper Yoon Young-geul.

That was enough to give Colombia their second-ever win at the tournament.

For South Korea, history was made as Casey Phair became the youngest-ever player at a Women’s World Cup.

The forward, aged just 16 years and 26 days, was introduced as a 77th-minute substitute.

The Asian nation, who have now lost all four of their Women’s World Cup opening matches, next face Morocco on 30 July in a must-win Group H match, before Colombia play Germany.

​​​​​​​

Casey Phair broke the record for the youngest Fifa World Cup player – women’s or men’s – by eight days

Colourful Colombia make their mark

This could have been Colombia’s World Cup – they bid to host the 2023 tournament and were only narrowly beaten by Australia and New Zealand.

While they might not be at home, a very loud army of fans made up the majority of the 24,323 crowd at Sydney Football Stadium – and were rewarded.

South Korea did their best to make the Colombians feel comfortable, handing them a two-goal first-half lead through a duo of defensive errors.

On 28 minutes, a frantic passage of play with several deflections and mis-hit shots ended when Shim Seo-yeon blocked a goalbound effort with her arm.

Usme calmly rolled home the result spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations among the yellow-shirted fans.

The worst was yet to come for South Korea, as Caicedo doubled the Colombian lead in a horrible moment for keeper Yoon.

Real Madrid winger Caicedo was allowed too much time and space to run at the defence down the left, she cut inside and her tame curled effort should have been saved but Yoon mistimed her jump and the ball slipped through her gloves and into the net.

Yet Caicedo’s drive, skill and foresight demonstrated why, at only 18, she is one of the most hotly-tipped young stars of the tournament.

Her goal made her the second-youngest player to score at a Women’s World Cup, after Brazil’s Marta, who did so aged 17 in 2003.

Colombia came close to extending their lead after half-time when Mayra Ramirez headed just wide.

The victory boosts their chances of qualifying from Group H, moving them level on points with favourites Germany.

Kim, 26, was an integral member of the Napoli squad that ended a 33-year wait for a Serie A title last season.

He was named the best defender in Serie A after making 35 league appearances in his debut campaign in Italy.

“Bayern is a dream for every footballer,” said Kim, who has 49 international caps. ” I’m really looking forward to what’s to come”

“It’s a new beginning for me. I’ll continue to develop here. In discussions with the club, it was made clear to me from the start how interested they are in me.”

Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern won the Bundesliga on goal difference last season and the former Chelsea boss has been keen to make improvements to his squad with the club linked with Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Bayern reportedly paid a release clause of 50m euros (£43m) to sign Kim.

Kim started his career in the third tier of South Korean football, reaching the top-flight and played in the Chinese Super League before making the switch to Europe.

He joined Napoli from Turkish side Fenerbahce in the summer of 2022.

That was when the Koreans had scored twice in three minutes to make it 2-2 after Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus gave the Black Stars a two-goal lead.

According to the striker, the tension was too much for his mum, with his two sons, Andre and Jordan, playing for Ghana.

The 31-year-old added that Maha was too stressed and could not watch on, hence the decision to leave the stadium.

“My Mum, after 65 or 70 minutes, she couldn’t watch the game anymore,” Jordan Ayew told Crystal Palace’s website. “She had to leave the stadium! We like [the tension] like that, we enjoy it.”

“It was very stressful for her. She is very passionate about the game as well, so she just couldn’t watch. With her two sons playing it was not easy for her,” he added.

Kudus then scored the winner for Ghana in the 68th minute – seven minutes after South Korea equalised – to give Ghana a 3-2 win.

That was Ghana’s only win at the tournament after losing 3-2 to Portugal in the group opener before missing out on the round when they lost 2-0 against Uruguay in the final group game.

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Bento’s side were knocked out of the tournament after a 4-1 defeat by Brazil.

The 53-year-old from Portugal was appointed as South Korea boss in August 2018.

“We just have to think about the future and it will not be with the national team of South Korea,” said Bento.

“I have just announced to the players and to the president of the South Korean federation and this was a decision I had already taken since September that was set in stone.

“Today I have confirmed it and I have to thank them for everything they have done.

“They have given their very best and I have been very pleased and proud to have been their manager.”

Bento’s side beat his native Portugal 2-1 in their final group game to finish second in Group H and progress to the last 16.

On the brink of half time, Brazil had banged in four goals, as fans on Twitter believed Black Stars, who would have been playing Brazil would had received the same fate or even worse.

Shockingly, they were grateful that the team was out of the tournament as the country escaped an alarming misfortune.

Following Ghana’s early exit from the tournament, Black Stars skipper was heavily criticized after missing from the spot. Many blamed him for Ghana’s defeat as the team concedes two goals in six minutes on Friday at the Al Janoub Stadium.

South Koreans who ceded the second spot in Group H faced a very difficult opponent and eventually lost 4-1 in favour of the Seleçãos of Brazil.

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Neymar made a goalscoring return to action after injury at Stadium 974, but Brazil’s superstar was only one element of a devastating performance that ripped South Korea to shreds and settled this last-16 game well before half-time.

Vinicius Junior set the tone with a composed penalty-area finish from Raphinha’s cross after seven minutes, and Neymar doubled Brazil’s advantage from the spot six minutes later after Richarlison had been fouled.

It was Neymar’s 76th goal for Brazil, leaving him just one behind the legendary Pele’s all-time record.

Richarlison then produced the highlight and another entry into his personal showreel of great goals at this World Cup when he followed up his spectacular volley against Serbia with a real work of art, controlling the ball three times with his head and foot before moving into position take Thiago Silva’s pass in his stride and score.

Brazil went four up with another gem after 36 minutes, Vinicius picking out Lucas Paqueta for West Ham’s expensive acquisition to score with a well-placed volley.

South Korea, to their great credit, continued to compete and forced several fine saves from Brazil keeper Alisson, before substitute Paik Seung-ho pulled one back with a glorious 30-yard strike to add to the night’s collection of special goals.

Paolo Bento’s side did it the hard way as they were forced to come from behind, but in the end the Wolves striker’s goal in second half injury time saw his side beat Uruguay to secure second place in Group H on goals scored.

Fernando Santos made six changes as, with their passage to the round-of-16 already confirmed, he rested some of his senior players, including Bruno Fernandes. They still made an electric start though, netting after just five minutes as Ricardo Horta converted from Diogo Dalot’s low cross.

A superb stop from Diogo Costa, diving full stretch to his right to keep out Cho Gue-Sung’s header, prevented South Korea from equalising, but they got their goal just before the half hour mark as Kim Young-Gwon acrobatically slid home from close range.

Chances were more sparse in the second half, although Costa made one excellent reaction save from a thumping Hwang In-Beom effort. There was the feeling that Bento’s side needed to take the handbrake off though as they searched for the goal they needed to go through.

Time appeared to be running out, as did South Korea’s chances as they struggled to get hold of the ball, but a rapid counter-attack from a Portugal corner led to Son Heung-Min feeding Hwang, who slotted home a dramatic winner, leading to jubilant scenes at the Education City Stadium.

South Korea look set to exit Qatar at the group stage after their 3-2 loss.

They fought back from 2-0 down to draw level, but Mohammed Kudus’ 68th-minute goal gave Ghana victory.

The result means South Korea will have to beat Portugal in their final Group H match to have a chance of qualifying.

Tottenham’s Son – who is playing at the tournament with a protective mask after fracturing his eye socket – went through a range of emotions after the full-time whistle.

Son, along with some of his team-mates, reacted angrily after referee Antony Taylor blew his whistle for full-time and didn’t allow South Korea to take a corner.

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Coach Paulo Bento was shown a red card for his protests and then had his hand swatted away when he tried to put an arm around a clearly frustrated Son afterwards.

Perhaps as the realisation of the result sunk in, Son broke down in tears.

He was crouched on the floor and was consoled by some Ghana players and coaches, including assistant George Boateng.

As Boateng spoke to Son, another member of the Ghana coaching team saw the opportunity for a selfie, putting his arm around the Tottenham star and taking a snap.

Boateng did not look impressed and ushered him away as Son walked off.

While South Korea’s hopes of qualifying look slim, Ghana are in with a chance after their first win.

Ajax’s Kudus was the hero with two goals and he told the BBC: “It’s a good feeling. We wanted the three points and we got them. Everyone was absolutely on top of their game today. They came back to 2-2, we had to come up with more energy and it happened.

“I want to thank all my team-mates, it’s a team game and they all played a part in my performance. The cross in from Jordan [Ayew] and the cut-back from Inaki [Williams]. Big up to everyone because everyone played a part.”

The Crystal Palace forward orchestrated Ghana’s two goals against the Asian side in their second Group H game staged at the Education City Stadium.

Jordan assisted Ghana’s first goal scored by Mohammed Salisu on the 24th minute before assisting Mohammed Kudus’ goal in the 34th minute. 

Speaking on the performance of the 29-year-old, the former English forward lauded the former Swansea City forward, saying he performed like David Beckham.

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“Jordan Ayew played like Beckham. That cross and performance from him is simply perfect,” he said on SuperSport.

The Black Stars have three points following the impressive win.

Ghana will take on Uruguay in their final group game on Friday at the Al Janoub Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 15:00GMT.

The West African country is seeking to make it to the next round after exiting the group phase in the 2014 edition hosted in Brazil.

Despite recent backlash against him after Ghana lost 3-2, the Crystal Palace forward’s performance has silenced Ghanaians.

Jordan has recorded two assists after 45 minutes.

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The Asian side started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay and will hope for a positive results against the West African side.

Tottenham Hotspur star, Son is leading the side for this much anticipated game.

Line up below: 

S. Kim 

M.H. Kim 

M. KIM

Y. Kim

J. Kim 

I. HWANG

W. Jung

C. Kwon

W.Y. Jeong

H. Son 

G. Cho

The Black Stars, who are in search of their first win, head into the game with a 4-3-3 formation.

Lamptey, Mensah, and Jordan all start for the game.

Baba Rahman, who started the game at left back against Portugal, has been left out of the squad.

The game has been scheduled to kick off at 13:00GMT.

Full lineup below:

Ati Zigi 

Gideon Mensah 

Mohammed Salisu 

Daniel Amartey 

Tariq Lamptey 

Kudus Mohammed 

Salis Samed 

Thomas Partey 

Jordan Ayew 

Inaki Williams 

Andre Ayew

Coming in as the lowest ranked team of the tournament, little was expected of the West African side. But they pushed Portugal to last minute and were unfortunate not to come away with atleast a point.

However, he told fans to expect a more passionate Black Stars against the Asian side as Ghanaians maintain their hope of making the last 16 stage at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

““We will see a passionate team against South Korea. We will see this same passion they showed the last game. Everybody is hungry to play and training [well], making it difficult for me to make decisions”, Otto Addo said during the pre-match press conference.

The game is scheduled to play at the Education City Stadium in Doha at 13:00 GMT.

After suffering a defeat against Portugal in their opener at the 974 Stadium last week, the West African country will be hoping to pick up their first win of the competition later today.

The Black Stars will take on South Korea at the Education City Stadium.

Kick-off has been scheduled at 13:00GMT.

In Group G, Cameroon take on Serbia at the Al Janoub Stadium. Match ongoing.

Brazil, who opened their campaign in grand style, will take on Switzerland at 16:00GMT at the 974 Stadium.

Portugal will take on Uruguay in Group H at the Lusail Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 19:00GMT.

Full fixtures: 

Cameroon v Serbia

South Korea v Ghana 

Brazil v Switzerland 

Portugal v Uruguay

The game will be played at the Education City Stadium in Doha.

What time is South Korea vs Ghana?

The match kicks off at 13:00 GMT.

Team news

There was worry that Son Heung-min might not be at his best for South Korea as he came into the tournament with an injury that threatened his involvement in Qatar.

But, sporting a Batman-like mask, he looked as sharp as ever in his side’s opening game against Uruguay which will be a real relief to his manager Paulo Bento.

Ghana came through their defeat to Portugal without any injury worries so they too will have a full squad to choose from for the clash with South Korea.

Given the way they battled against one of the stronger teams at the World Cup, it is hard to anticipate any changes in their starting XI.

Squad guides

Predicted line-ups

South Korea (4-2-3-1): Kim (Seung-gyu), Kim (Moon-hwan), Kim (Min-jae), Kim (Young-gwon), Kim (Jin-su); Hwang (In-Beom), Jung; Na, Jae-Sung Lee, Son; Hwang (Ui-jo).

Ghana (5-3-2): Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Amartey, Djiku, Salisu, Baba; Partey, Abdul Samed, Kudus; Williams, Ayew

Last time out

South Korea were impressive in their first game of the tournament. They were largely expected to struggle against Uruguay but, for much of the game, they were the better team.

They kept the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez extremely quiet and had chances themselves to win the game but had to settle for a goalless draw.

Ghana were equally resolute in the way they fought against Portugal in their first game. They came from behind to draw level after Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty and nearly did the same in the dying seconds after a couple of quickfire goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.

Substitute Osman Bukari pulled one back in the 89th minute before Inaki Williams slipped at the vital moment after stealing the ball from Diogo Costa. It wasn’t to be for the Ghanaians but they will take great confidence from the defeat.

Players carrying yellow cards

South Korea: Gue-Sung Cho.

Ghana: Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Alidu Seidu, Inaki Williams.

What’s at stake?

South Korea could take a big step towards progression to the last 16 with a win against Ghana while the Africans get their World Cup back on track with three points.

A defeat for Ghana would potentially send them out of the tournament, depending on the result in Portugal’s meeting with Uruguay.

A share of the points wouldn’t be too beneficial for either team so, hopefully, there will be plenty of front-foot, attacking football to enjoy.

The game that will be played at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan has been scheduled to kick off at 13:00 GMT.

Taylor will be joined by his regular assistants Gary Beswick (Line 1) and Adam Nunn (Line 2).

Beswick and Nunn have been part of Taylor’s refereeing team for the past five years, with the trio officiating the 2020 FA Cup Final and several matches at last summer’s European Championships.

The English trio have been teaming up for several matches over five years

Kevin Ortega from Peru will be the Fourth Official.

Ghana will hope to secure their first win of the tournament after a 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their Group H opener last week Thursday.

Below is the full list of appointed match officials for South Korea vs Ghana:

Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)

Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick (ENG)

Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn (ENG)

Fourth Official: Kevin Ortega (PER)

Reserve Assistant Referee: Michael Orue (PER)

Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)

Offside Video Assistant Referee: Kyle Atkins (USA)

Support Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo De Burgos (ESP)

Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Corey Parker (USA)

In front of a vibrant crowd at the Education City Stadium, the South Koreans frustrated Uruguay but did not create many clear-cut opportunities.

Their best fell to Hwang Ui-jo, who fired over the bar in the first half, before Uruguay captain Diego Godin headed a corner against the post.

Hwang stood with his head in hands afterwards, while team-mates fell to their knees in disbelief, all in front of a group of South Korean fans behind the goal, who were in fine voice throughout.

South Korea had controlled most of the first half but Uruguay began to dominate as the game wore on and they almost won it in the final minute of normal time when Federico Valverde’s long-range effort crashed off the post.

There was one last chance for Tottenham striker Son Heung-min – South Korea’s star man – but he dragged his shot wide, much to the relief of the Uruguayan supporters.

The draw leaves Group H wide open, with many seeing it as a three-way battle for qualification to the knockout stages between Uruguay, South Korea and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

The 30-year-old fractured his eye socket in Tottenham’s Champions League victory over Marseille earlier this month, which sparked fears that he could be ruled out of the tournament.

However, he has since declared himself fit to play and will board the plane to Qatar ahead of his nation’s group stage fixtures against Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal.

“I won’t miss this for the world,” Son said.

“I can’t wait to represent our beautiful country. If there’s even one per cent of a chance, I will go for it.”

Head coach Paulo Bento remains cautious when quizzed about when the Tottenham star could begin training, casting doubts on his involvement ahead of their group opener against Uruguay on November 24.

“We don’t have that information yet,” said Bento.

“We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department. We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.

“We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”

Son explained he would be happy to wear a protective mask at the tournament if needed, as he desperately seeks to play on the world’s greatest stage.

The 30-year-old has amassed 105 caps for his country and scored 35 goals, three of which have come at the World Cup finals in 2014 and 2018.

Among the other stand-out names included in the squad is Hwang Hee-chan of Wolves and Napoli’s Kim Min-jae.

South Korea head to Qatar hoping to progress to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010, following disappointing group stage exits in 2014 and 2018.

After facing Uruguay, Bento’s side play Ghana on November 28 before concluding the group stage with a match against Portugal on December 2.

• Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Jo Hyeon-woo, Song Bum-keun
• Defenders: Kim Min-jae, Kim Jin-su, Hong Chul, Kim Moon-hwan, Yoon Jong-gyu, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Tae-hwan, Kwon Kyung-won, Cho Yu-min
• Midfielders: Jung Woo-young, Na Sang-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Son Jun-ho, Song Min-kyu, Kwon Chang-hoon, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Hwang In-beom, Jeong Woo-yeong , Lee Kang-in
• Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo, Cho Gue-sung, Son Heung-min