Ghanaian referee Julian Nunoo has been appointed to officiate at the 2026 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship in Ivory Coast.

The highly-rated referee is the country's only centre referee selected for the regional competition.

The tournament, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 10, will bring together the best young footballers from across West Africa as they compete for regional honours and qualification to the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Nunoo's appointment is another major step in his officiating career and reflects the confidence football authorities have in his ability to handle high-profile matches.

The experienced official, who was named Ghana's Best Referee in 2023, has built a strong reputation through his decision-making, match management and fitness, earning continued recognition from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and WAFU Zone B.

His selection for the tournament reinforces Ghana's growing influence in football officiating across the continent.

This year's WAFU Zone B U20 Championship carries added importance as it doubles as the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which Ghana will host.

Nunoo will have the opportunity to officiate some of the region's brightest emerging talents while adding to the long-standing reputation of Ghanaian referees on the continental stage.

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Osman Bukari marked his Champions League return with a sharp attacking display, capping it with a key assist in Red Star Belgrade’s comfortable win away to Larne.

Osman Bukari made a telling impact on his return to European action, registering a fine assist in Red Star Belgrade’s comfortable win over Larne in Champions League qualifying.

Introduced to add fresh energy on the right, the Ghanaian winger needed only a few minutes to leave his mark, dancing past his marker and delivering a precise low cross that Vasilije Kostov lashed home to double Red Star’s lead.

Earlier, Bruno Duarte had put the Serbian champions in front, converting from the spot after a contentious penalty award. Once Bukari helped make it 2–0, Red Star took full control. Duarte grabbed his second of the night with a composed finish into the bottom corner, before substitute Muhammed Cham capped the performance with a stunning strike into the top‑right corner late on.

Larne, who had come into the tie on a strong run of form, simply could not live with Red Star’s attacking quality and now face an uphill battle in the second leg. Dejan Stankovic’s side, meanwhile, will look to carry this momentum into domestic action, with a Super Liga clash against Vojvodina awaiting them on July 26.

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Ghanaian assistant referee Theophilus Akugre has been appointed to officiate at the 2026 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship in Ivory Coast.

The tournament will be held from July 26 to August 10 and will feature some of West Africa's top young footballers competing for places at the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Theophilus Akugre's selection is another milestone in his refereeing career, following a series of consistent performances in both domestic and international competitions.

His appointment underlines the confidence the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B has in his ability to officiate at major regional tournaments.

The WAFU Zone B U20 Championship serves as the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, making it one of the most important youth tournaments in the region.

Akugre will join a select group of officials tasked with overseeing matches involving some of West Africa's brightest emerging talents as they compete for continental qualification.

His appointment is also seen as another encouraging development for Ghanaian refereeing and highlights the growing recognition of the country's match officials on the international stage.

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"Abdul is a young player who has already gained good experience in the game, and we're excited to have him with us," O'Neil said.

"He has strong physical and technical attributes, is comfortable on the ball and can test the opposition in one-on-one situations, so will provide us with good options within the squad."

Fatawu joins Ipswich from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year contract until the summer of 2031. He arrives fresh from an impressive World Cup campaign with Ghana, where he featured in all four of the Black Stars' matches, including the historic goalless draw against England.

O'Neil highlighted the winger's international pedigree as a key factor in the move.

"Having represented his country at the World Cup this summer, I know he is now looking forward to getting to work ahead of the Premier League season."

The 22-year-old winger, who has won 32 caps for Ghana and scored three international goals, is known for his pace, technical ability, and direct running at defenders. He has played in the Champions League during his time at Sporting Lisbon and has experience in the Premier League with Leicester.

"He has strong physical and technical attributes, is comfortable on the ball and can test the opposition in one-on-one situations,"*O'Neil added.

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"Having represented his country at the World Cup this summer, I know he is now looking forward to getting to work ahead of the Premier League season," O'Neil said.

Fatawu featured in all four of Ghana's matches at the 2026 World Cup, including the historic goalless draw against England in the group stage. The 22-year-old has won 32 caps for his country, scoring three goals.

The winger joined Ipswich Town from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year contract until the summer of 2031. He arrives at a club preparing for life in the Premier League after securing promotion.

Fatawu's arrival at Ipswich represents a significant signing for the club. His experience in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon and his promotion-winning campaign with Leicester in the 2023/24 season demonstrate his ability to perform at a high level.

At international level, Fatawu was named Player of the Tournament as he helped Ghana win the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in March 2021, with a senior debut following later that year. He was also part of the Ghana squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

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Fatawu, who featured in all four of Ghana's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – including the group-stage clash against England – brings proven international pedigree to Gary O'Neil's squad.

He has won 32 caps for the Black Stars, scoring three goals.

The winger expressed his pride at joining the Tractor Boys, citing the club's ambition as a key factor in his decision.

"I am proud to have signed for Ipswich Town," Fatawu said. "The ambition the club has is very exciting, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that as we prepare for the Premier League season."

Fatawu also revealed that conversations with manager Gary O'Neil helped clarify the expectations placed upon him.

"After speaking to the manager, I know what the expectation is and I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates and starting work," he added. "I have played against Ipswich a few times during my time in England and I know how passionate the supporters are for the club, so I'm excited to play for them and show them what I can do."

Fatawu's journey to Portman Road began in his hometown of Tamale, Ghana, with Steadfast, before a loan move to Dreams FC in October 2021. His form earned him a move to Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, where he gained European experience and featured in the Champions League.

He joined Leicester on loan for the 2023/24 season, playing a pivotal role in the Foxes' Championship-winning campaign and earning the club's Young Player of the Year award. After making the move permanent, he netted nine goals in 44 appearances during the 2025/26 season.

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Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has highlighted the qualities that convinced the club to sign Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu, praising the 22-year-old's physical and technical attributes ahead of the Premier League season.

"He has strong physical and technical attributes, is comfortable on the ball and can test the opposition in one-on-one situations, so will provide us with good options within the squad," O'Neil said.

Physical and Technical Edge

Fatawu, who joined Ipswich from Leicester City on a five-year deal, brings a blend of pace, power, and technical ability that O'Neil believes will be crucial in the Premier League. His direct running and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat on the flanks.

The winger's physical attributes, combined with his comfort on the ball, allow him to operate effectively in tight spaces and against well-organised defences – a key requirement in England's top flight.

Fatawu has already gained valuable experience in English football during his time with Leicester, where he played a central role in their Championship-winning campaign and featured in the Premier League. His performances in the 2025/26 season, where he scored nine goals in 44 appearances, demonstrated his ability to deliver consistently.

At international level, Fatawu featured in all four of Ghana's matches at the 2026 World Cup, including the goalless draw against England. His performances on the biggest stage showcased his ability to compete against top-level opposition.

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New Ipswich Town signing Fatawu Issahaku has expressed his eagerness to meet his new teammates and begin work with the Tractor Boys ahead of the Premier League season.

The Black Stars winger, who joined the newly promoted side from Leicester City on a five-year contract, is currently on his way to join the squad at their Spanish training camp in La Manga.

"I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates and starting work," Fatawu said.

The 22-year-old, who featured in all four of Ghana's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has already had conversations with manager Gary O'Neil and understands the expectations placed upon him.

"After speaking to the manager, I know what the expectation is,"** he added.

Fatawu arrives at Portman Road with impressive international experience, having won 32 caps for Ghana and scoring three goals. His performances at the World Cup, including the historic goalless draw against England, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.

Fatawu's career has taken him from his hometown of Tamale to Sporting Lisbon, Leicester City, and now Ipswich Town. He played a key role in Leicester's Championship-winning campaign and has experience in the Champions League.

With the Premier League season fast approaching, Fatawu is eager to get started and show Ipswich supporters what he can do.

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Highly-rated England U19 international Samuel Amissah has signed a new three-year contract with Fulham, extending his stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029, with a club option to extend by a further 12 months.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper, who joined Fulham at the age of nine, has been rewarded for his continued development within the club's academy system.

"I'm really happy to continue my journey here at Fulham," Amissah said. "I'd like to thank everyone at the club – the owners, the coaches, and my teammates – for all the support they've given me to help me reach this point. Most importantly, I'd also like to thank my family, who have always been there for me every step of the way. I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started."

Amissah has represented England at every level from U16 to U19, earning 26 youth caps for the Three Lions. While still yet to make his first-team debut, he was first named in a senior squad for an away fixture at Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024 and has since been named in seven further matchday squads for first-team fixtures.

The Ghanaian-eligible goalkeeper has been with Fulham since the age of nine, rising through the ranks of the club's academy system. His development has been carefully managed, with the club viewing him as a promising prospect for the future.

With the Ghana Football Association continuing to monitor eligible dual-nationality players, Amissah's progress will be of interest to both Fulham supporters and Ghanaian football fans who may harbour hopes of seeing him represent the Black Stars in the future.

For now, the young goalkeeper will focus on continuing his development and pushing for a first-team breakthrough at Craven Cottage.

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Four talented young footballers from the King Des Foundation have made an immediate impact on the first day of their summer camp with Italian Serie A side FC Como, marking a promising start to their European experience.

Daniel, Jacob, Ntiamoah and Kwame, who are part of the foundation's U12 squad, caught the eye of the coaching staff during their opening training session with Como's academy lads. The youngsters showcased their technical ability and adaptability, impressing in the club's renowned youth development environment.

The opportunity was made possible through the partnership between the King Des Foundation and Sports Creates Memories, an initiative led by former Danish footballer Laura Juul Hansen. The collaboration aims to provide young Ghanaian talents with international exposure and development opportunities.

"The boys really impressed on their first day. It's great to see them adapt so quickly to a new environment and showcase their abilities," said a representative from the King Des Foundation.

The summer camp programme is part of a broader effort to push the Ghanaian football agenda on the international stage. FC Como, who have invested heavily in their youth academy in recent years, provide the perfect environment for the youngsters to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

The initiative highlights the growing connections between Ghanaian football foundations and European clubs, with the aim of creating pathways for young talents to access professional opportunities abroad.

The four youngsters will continue their camp with FC Como over the coming weeks, with the hope of further impressing the coaching staff and potentially securing longer-term opportunities with the Italian club.

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Experienced Ghanaian defender Samuel Sarfo has begun a new chapter in his career after completing a move to Bahrain club Al Hala Football Club.

The 34-year-old centre-back has signed a one-year contract with Al Hala, who are hoping his leadership and knowledge of Gulf football can help them achieve their ambition of returning to the Bahrain Premier League.

Sarfo arrives at the club following a successful spell with Malkiya, where he played an important role in helping the team finish among the top four in the league and qualify for the Gulf Cup tournament.

The move represents another opportunity for the former Liberty Professionals captain to continue his long-standing career in the Middle East, a region where he has established himself through years of consistent performances. The defender has previously played in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, gaining significant experience in different football environments outside Ghana.

Sarfo's reputation for reliability and defensive discipline has made him a sought-after player in the region. At Malkiya, he was part of a side that enjoyed a strong campaign, helping the club secure a place in the Gulf Cup competition while maintaining a competitive position in the domestic league.

His experience and knowledge of Gulf football are expected to be invaluable assets for Al Hala as they pursue their objective of returning to Bahrain's top flight.

The 34-year-old continues a career path that has seen him become one of Ghana's experienced representatives in Gulf football. Al Hala will be hoping he can reproduce the level of performance he showed at Malkiya as they aim for promotion.

For Sarfo, the move represents another opportunity to showcase his abilities and contribute to a club's success in the region he now calls home.

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Terry Yegbe capped a dominant Lech Poznan display with a spectacular goal as the Polish champions crushed AGF 4-1 away in their Champions League qualifying tie.

The Ghanaian centre-back struck in the 61st minute, picking up the ball more than 25 metres from goal and unleashing a thunderous left‑footed drive that crashed off the post and into the net to restore Lech’s two‑goal cushion.

Lech had seized early control through Mikael Ishak’s opener before Patrik Walemark doubled the advantage with a precise finish from the centre of the box.

AGF briefly threatened a comeback after the break, pulling a goal back through Kristian Malt Arnstad, but Yegbe’s long‑range rocket silenced the home crowd and swung momentum firmly back to the visitors. Just four minutes later, Walemark completed his brace, finishing off a move launched down the right by Luis Palma to make it 4-1 and leave Lech with one foot in the next round.

Yegbe’s first goal for the club crowned an assured defensive performance and underlined his growing influence in the side. Lech now return to domestic duty, where they face Cracovia in the Ekstraklasa on July 25 as they look to carry their European momentum into the league campaign.

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Former Ghana U23 defender Terry Yegbe scored his first goal for Lech Poznan as the Polish champions recorded a commanding 4-1 away victory over Danish Superliga side AGF Aarhus in the first leg of their European qualifying tie on Tuesday.

Poznan took control of the contest at Cepheus Park in Randers with Swedish striker Mikael Ishak opening the scoring in the 29th minute.

Fellow Swede Patrik Walemark doubled the visitors' advantage three minutes before halftime to give the Polish side a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

AGF responded 10 minutes into the second half when Norwegian attacker Kristian Arnstad reduced the deficit.

However, Lech quickly restored their two-goal cushion through Yegbe, who unleashed a spectacular strike from around 40 yards to beat the goalkeeper and make it 3-1.

Walemark then completed his brace in the 65th minute to wrap up an emphatic 4-1 first-leg victory for the Polish champions.

The goal was Yegbe's first since joining Poznan from French Ligue 1 club FC Metz.

The Ghanaian defender has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Poland, having already helped the club lift the Polish Super Cup before opening his scoring account with a memorable long-range effort.

Poznan will carry a healthy three-goal advantage into the return leg as they look to secure progression to the next round of the competition.

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Swedru All Blacks have successfully completed the permanent signing of midfielder Kelvin Ampoful from Nations FC, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.

The deal, which had been under discussion in recent weeks, has now been finalised with all parties reaching a full agreement. Ampoful officially becomes a Black Magicians player as the club continues its recruitment drive aimed at strengthening the team for the challenges of top-flight football.

The 24-year-old midfielder joins Swedru All Blacks after an impressive spell with Nations FC, where he developed a reputation as a hard-working and technically gifted midfielder.

For Nations FC, Ampoful's departure marks the end of an important chapter, with the midfielder having contributed to the club's progress in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Swedru All Blacks supporters will be eager to see their new signing in action as preparations for the new campaign gather momentum.

With the deal now officially completed, Kelvin Ampoful is expected to join his new teammates immediately and begin preparations for the season as Swedru All Blacks continue to build a squad capable of making a strong impact in the Ghana Premier League.

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