The forward’s evening ended prematurely early in the second half, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial run-in.

In the 50th minute, Ache tried to accelerate during a dribble but got his footing caught in the turf and immediately clutched his right thigh. He quickly signalled to the bench that he could not continue and soon went to ground, needing support as he left the pitch. With no contact from an opponent involved, the incident strongly suggests a muscular problem rather than an impact injury.

Köln are expected to provide a more detailed update in the coming days once medical tests have been completed. For the remainder of the game, Marius Bülter came on to replace Ache in attack.

Given Ache’s importance to Koln’s forward line, any extended spell on the sidelines would be a significant setback for a team still fighting to secure their Bundesliga status.

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His sharp movement and vision immediately put the hosts in control in this Belgian Challenger Pro League clash.

With barely a minute played, Asante dropped into space between the lines before sliding a precise pass into the path of Stef Peeters, who coolly finished for 1–0. That early breakthrough allowed Patro Eisden to settle, and they never looked back. Milan Robberechts added a brace after the break, while Léandro Rousseau also found the net as the home side overwhelmed Francs Borains with their intensity and quality in the final third.

Asante’s all-round display underlined his growing importance to the team, combining work rate off the ball with composure in possession. In the 2025/26 Belgian Challenger Pro League season, he has built a solid campaign with his tally of nine appearances, one goal, and one assist, reflecting a steady influence in midfield.

Patro Eisden now turn their focus to their next league fixture against RFC Seraing, looking to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the season.

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In a tight game at TenCate Stadion De Herdgang, Appiah’s quality in the final third made the difference on a night when Ajax had to be disciplined without the ball.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute, when Appiah surged forward from right-back and picked out Don O’Niel, who finished clinically to put Jong Ajax ahead. It was a reward for Ajax’s growing control after the break, as they limited PSV’s chances despite the hosts enjoying more possession and firing 17 shots to Ajax’s 5. Appiah also impressed defensively, earning one of the highest ratings on the pitch as Jong Ajax held firm under late pressure.

In the 2025/26 Eerste Divisie season, Appiah has continued his development with Jong Ajax, contributing important minutes, defensive stability and creativity from the flank, reflected in his 32 appearances and 3 assists. Jong Ajax now turn their attention to their next league fixture at home to Jong FC Utrecht on Friday, April 24.

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Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed the emotional reaction of his family after he decided to represent Ghana instead of England, saying his father was overjoyed by the choice.

The 26-year-old, who has been in scintillating form for Manchester City this season, made his Ghana debut ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is poised to feature at the 2026 edition in North America.

Speaking on the AllOutFootball Podcast, the England-born striker explained that committing to the Black Stars was an easy decision, partly because he was never high in England's pecking order. But the family response made it even more special.

"My dad was so happy… everyone in my family was just happy that they support Ghana. I can't even tell; it was crazy," Semenyo said.

The 26-year-old, who is in red-hot form for Manchester City, made his Ghana debut at the 2022 World Cup and is expected to feature at the 2026 tournament in North America.

For Semenyo, the choice was clear: Ghana wanted him, and his family's joy confirmed it was the right one.

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Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed that committing his international future to Ghana rather than England was an incredibly simple decision, driven by both opportunity and family pride.

Speaking on the AllOutFootball Podcast, the England-born striker explained that he was never truly in contention for the Three Lions, making Ghana's approach in 2021 an obvious choice.

"I was never really in the England rankings like that anyway. Ghana came in 2021, and I can't turn down playing first team for Ghana, so it was such an easy decision," Semenyo said.

The 26-year-old, who has been in scintillating form for Manchester City this season, made his Ghana debut at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is poised to feature at the 2026 edition in North America.

Beyond the football reasons, Semenyo highlighted the emotional significance of representing his heritage, describing the joy it brought to his family.

"My dad was so happy… everyone in my family was just happy that they support Ghana. I can't even tell; it was crazy."

Semenyo's remarks offer a candid look at the often complex decision-making process for dual-nationality players. For him, the path was clear: Ghana wanted him, and the chance to play senior international football was impossible to refuse.

The forward will hope to translate his blistering club form into impactful performances for the Black Stars at the World Cup, where Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

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Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has admitted that the injury setback of national teammate Mohammed Kudus is a major concern for the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the AllOutFootball Podcast, Semenyo revealed that Kudus suffered a relapse during his recovery from a quad injury that had already kept him out for three months. The Tottenham midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit for the tournament.

"He relapsed during his comeback from his quad injury. It's frustrating because he is a pivotal factor in the team for sure – we just have to see how it goes," Semenyo said.

The Manchester City forward acknowledged that Kudus' potential absence would leave a significant void in Ghana's attack. The 25-year-old has been a key creative force for the Black Stars, and his ability to unlock defences will be sorely missed if he is unable to recover.

Ghana have been drawn in a tough Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. With less than two months until their opening match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, the Black Stars are hoping for positive news on Kudus' recovery.

For now, Semenyo and the rest of the squad are preparing to step up in his absence, but the uncertainty surrounding Kudus' fitness remains a frustrating reality for the team.

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Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has described the injury setback of national teammate Mohammed Kudus as frustrating, expressing concern over the Tottenham midfielder's availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the AllOutFootball Podcast, Semenyo revealed that Kudus suffered a relapse during his recovery from a quad injury that had already ruled him out for three months. The latest setback could potentially keep the influential playmaker out of Ghana's World Cup campaign.

"He relapsed during his comeback from his quad injury. It's frustrating because he is a pivotal factor in the team for sure – we just have to see how it goes," Semenyo said.

Kudus has endured an injury-hit first season at Tottenham, registering three goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

His absence would be a significant blow for Ghana, who are counting on his creativity and attacking drive in a challenging Group L that includes England, Croatia, and Panama.

Semenyo, who also discussed his own versatility and preference for playing on the wings during the interview, remains hopeful that Kudus could still recover in time for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11.

Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.

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Ghana and Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has opened up about his preferred position on the pitch, revealing that while he is comfortable playing anywhere across the frontline, he enjoys operating on the wings the most.

In an interview on the AllOutFootball Podcast, the 26-year-old discussed his versatility, his journey through different roles, and where he feels most effective.

"I can play everywhere to be fair. I started off as a nine, a midfielder, went back to nine and winger now, but I can play everywhere to be fair," Semenyo said.

When pressed by former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott on where he enjoys playing the most, Semenyo responded: "Right and left."

The Ghana international has been in scintillating form for City this season, scoring 15 Premier League goals and proving his value across the attacking line. His ability to drift between central and wide roles has made him a key asset for Pep Guardiola.

Semenyo also touched on Manchester City's title chances and expressed concern over Mohammed Kudus's likely absence from the 2026 World Cup due to injury. However, the focus remained on his own adaptability and preference for the flanks.

With the World Cup just weeks away, Ghana will rely on Semenyo's dynamism and versatility. Wherever he plays, he insists he is ready — but his heart lies on the wing.

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The 22-year-old attacker is emerging as a strong contender for inclusion after a string of encouraging performances for both club and country in recent months.

Having made his senior debut for the Black Stars during friendlies against Japan and South Korea in late 2025, Kwabena has continued his upward trajectory by earning starts in high-profile warm-up matches against Austria and Germany.

His growing influence at club level has further strengthened his case, with eight goals scored across all competitions this season for Viktoria Plzeň.

"It will be a great opportunity for me and I will be so excited,” he told JoySports.

"[World Cup] is not a small thing, not every player gets a chance to play [at the competition].

"It would be one of the biggest achievements in my career. I am going to focus on my club form and keep working hard to get on the list.”

Kwabena’s international breakthrough came under Otto Addo, although the Black Stars will head into the tournament under new leadership following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz.

The Portuguese tactician faces a crucial decision ahead of the June 1 deadline for final squad submissions.

Drawn in Group L, Ghana will face stern competition from England, Croatia and Panama as they aim to progress beyond the group stage.

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Member of Parliament for Mion, Misbahu Mahama Adams, has urged a deliberate increase in locally-based representation in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proposing that at least ten players from the domestic league be included.

With preparations entering the final stretch, Adams raised concern over the limited presence of Ghana Premier League players in recent call-ups, identifying Benjamin Asare as the only consistent home-based inclusion.

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper has featured regularly, but Adams believes broader representation is necessary.

He stressed that his proposal does not dismiss performance-based selection, but instead calls for a structured balance within the squad.

“I actually did a statement on the floor of Parliament… we have to be deliberate in including our local players in the national team, especially for the 2026 World Cup,” he said.

“I’m not saying we should stop selecting players based on merit… I’m just saying we should be deliberate. About 33.3% of the squad roughly 10 players should be local-based.

“You can imagine what this money will do to our local league,” he said.

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Zamalek SC underlined their march to the CAF Confederation Cup final with a commanding set of post-match numbers following their goalless draw against CR Belouizdad in Cairo.

The Egyptian side’s latest result not only secured progression but also reinforced their growing authority in the competition. Zamalek have now reached their third final, and a second in the last three seasons, reflecting consistency at the latter stages.

Their defensive record stands out as the defining feature of this campaign. The clean sheet against Belouizdad marked a seventh consecutive shutout in semi-final matches, the longest run at this stage in the competition’s history. Across a broader stretch, Zamalek have shown remarkable control, conceding either none or just one goal in each of their last 16 games in African competition. The last team to score more than once against them was Enyimba FC in December 2024.

In contrast, Belouizdad’s attack faltered at a critical point. After scoring in each of their opening seven matches, they have now gone three straight games without finding the net. Their only shot on target in Cairo arrived as late as the 81st minute.

Individually, Zamalek's Nasser Mansi delivered a standout performance, finishing with six shots while also leading his side in tackles and duels won. At the back, Hossam Abdelmaguid maintained his ever-present record, alongside Belouizdad’s Houcine Benayada, with both players starting all 10 matches in the campaign without being substituted.

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Ace journalist Jerome Okyere has criticised the Ghana Football Association over what he describes as a missed opportunity to appoint a long-term coach for the Black Stars, following the naming of Carlos Queiroz as head coach on a short-term deal.

The Portuguese tactician was appointed on April 13 as the 35th head coach of the senior national team, with the mandate to lead Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his contract is for only four months, with an option to extend depending on performance.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s World Cup Central show, Okyere questioned the federation’s decision, suggesting the move does not fully address the need for long-term stability.

“The fact that we have a new coach signals a new beginning, and I am a bit concerned that even with a new coach we are not too clear what he’s coming to do. I’ve been asking, how long would he stay?” Okyere said.

He argued that the GFA could have taken a more strategic approach by securing a permanent managerial solution, particularly at a time when the Black Stars are rebuilding and preparing for a major international tournament.

“That in itself is a problem because you see this is the short-term approach we have taken to handling the coaching issues of the Black Stars, which has led us to the mess we find ourselves now. Such that a couple of months to the World Cup, we were scratching our heads to find out who can coach this team.”

Okyere pointed to years of instability as evidence of poor planning.

“That is what I mean by the poor handling of the team. Because you see, we’ve not taken a serious long-term approach to dealing with what should be a very straightforward matter of who coaches the Black Stars. How does he do it? What do we want to do?”

His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the direction of the national team, as stakeholders continue to weigh in on Ghana’s readiness and structure ahead of the World Cup. The Black Stars are drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama and will open their campaign on June 17 in Toronto.

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Ghanaian football great Mohammed Ahmed Polo has endorsed FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, describing the move as a necessary correction to years of limited opportunities for African nations on football’s biggest stage.

The former Hearts of Oak star believes the new format will significantly enhance the continent’s representation and competitiveness.

The proposal, championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino during his 2016 campaign, was approved in 2017 and will take effect from the 2026 tournament.

It increases the number of participating teams from 32 to 48, creating additional six slots for Africa (now ten).

For Polo, the expansion marks a turning point in global football governance, offering African teams a fairer pathway to showcase their quality.

“I think it’s good because if you look at the opportunities that have been given to Africa, I think it’s a blessing,” he said. “Africans were marginalised.

“If you look at the teams that we played with, think about those days; these teams cannot stand us,” he added.

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Zamalek SC booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final after a disciplined 0-0 draw against CR Belouizdad in Cairo on Friday, advancing 1-0 on aggregate following their first-leg win in Algiers.

The Egyptian side reached their third final in the competition, and a second in three seasons, built on another solid defensive performance at the Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek started brightly, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but Belouizdad responded well, with Abdelrahman Meziane testing the hosts in the opening stages. Abdallah El-Said thought he had broken the deadlock midway through the first half, only for his header to be ruled out after a VAR review.

Belouizdad’s best chance before the break fell to Houcine Benayada, whose long-range effort drifted narrowly wide.

The visitors increased the tempo after the restart, knowing one goal would level the tie, but clear chances remained limited. Their only shot on target came late in the second half, underlining Zamalek’s defensive control.

Nasser Mansi led the attacking effort for Zamalek, forcing saves from goalkeeper Farid Chaal and finishing as the game’s most active forward.

Zamalek held firm through stoppage time to secure progression, while Belouizdad bowed out after failing to score in their last three matches.

They will face either Olympique Safi or USM Alger in the final.

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The former Hearts of Oak icon and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner believes the new format offers long-overdue opportunities for countries across the continent to compete more fairly.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Polo described the expansion as a major step forward for African football.

“I think it’s good because if you look at the opportunities that have been given to Africa, I think it’s a blessing,” he said.

The decision to expand the tournament was first proposed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his 2016 election campaign and officially approved in January 2017 for implementation starting with the 2026 edition.

Polo argued that the previous 32-team format limited Africa’s representation despite the continent’s growing talent pool and strong performances at the World Cup.

“Africans were marginalised,” he suggested, pointing to the struggles African teams faced in qualifying despite proving their capability against the world’s best.

Reflecting on his own playing era, the former winger expressed confidence that past African teams could have competed with anyone if given more slots.

“If you look at the teams that we played with, think about those days; these teams cannot stand us,” he added.

Polo also highlighted the benefits the expansion brings to younger players, who now have increased chances to showcase their talent on football’s biggest stage.

For Polo, the expanded tournament is not just about numbers but about fairness and recognition, offering African nations a stronger voice and presence in global football.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, his comments reflect a broader sentiment across the continent that the new format could mark the beginning of a more inclusive and competitive era for African teams.

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Atta Poku made his position clear in an interview with Joy Sports following Aduana’s 1-0 defeat to Nations FC in the MTN FA Cup semi-final at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

The result ended the club’s hopes of silverware and continental qualification, but attention quickly shifted to the coach’s situation off the pitch.

The Romanian, who has been in charge for over a year, has been the subject of speculation regarding a possible exit ahead of next season.

However, Atta Poku stressed that the club’s priority is to retain him, even as they navigate a sensitive personal situation affecting his availability.

"He's the right guy for the job. But he has some personal issues at home that we've been grappling with for some time now, and we are optimistic that the summer will clear this problem up for us,” he said.

“But if it doesn't, we'll be left with no option other than to look elsewhere. Genuinely, he's the one we want to continue with because he still has a contract running. But it's a family situation and we can't speak much about it.

“So we are hoping that the summer will clear up the issues and then he will return. But if the issue becomes as critical as it did in November, December, and the latter part of March, then we'll be left with no option other than to look elsewhere."

Aduana sit fourth on the Ghana Premier League table with 45 points, eight behind leaders Medeama with five games to go.

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