Ghana international goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been voted Player of the Month for April by FC St. Gallen following a series of outstanding performances for the Swiss side.

The Black Stars shot-stopper enjoyed an exceptional month between the posts, producing crucial saves and commanding displays that played a key role in St. Gallen’s positive run of results in the Swiss Super League.

Ati-Zigi’s award comes on the back of his remarkable consistency and leadership, qualities that have made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Swiss top flight since joining the club in 2020.

The Ghanaian international further underlined his importance to the team over the weekend when he marked his 250th appearance for St. Gallen in dramatic fashion during their 2-1 away victory over Lugano.

Ati-Zigi delivered a heroic performance in the clash, including a stunning stoppage-time penalty save that preserved all three points for his side at the Stadio di Cornaredo.

His impressive displays throughout April earned him overwhelming recognition from the club’s supporters, who voted him as the standout performer for the month.

The 29-year-old has once again proven his value this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions while recording eight clean sheets for St. Gallen.

Since arriving in Switzerland, Ati-Zigi has established himself as a fan favourite and a key pillar of the team, amassing 251 appearances with 49 clean sheets for the club.

The former Sochaux goalkeeper remains one of Ghana’s most dependable players ahead of the upcoming international assignments with the Black Stars.

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Ghana’s Black Starlets will face Senegal in a crucial Group D encounter at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday at 16:00 GMT.

The Black Starlets head into the fixture looking for their first win of the tournament after settling for a 2-2 draw against Algeria in their opening game.

Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side showed attacking quality during the Algeria clash after racing into a two-goal lead before being pegged back in the second half.

Sunday’s match against Senegal is expected to play a major role in shaping Ghana’s qualification hopes for the knockout stage.

The Black Starlets are also aiming to secure one of the qualification places for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.

Preparations for the game are already underway, with the players returning to training on Friday for a recovery session in Rabat.

Ghana will be hoping to produce a strong performance against their West African rivals as the tournament enters a decisive stage in Group D.

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Ghana’s Black Starlets returned to training on Friday with a recovery session following their 2-2 draw against Algeria in their opening Group D match at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.

The session was supervised by coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his technical staff as preparations began for the team’s next group fixture.

Players who featured heavily against Algeria took part in light jogging, stretching routines and recovery drills, while the rest of the squad engaged in possession-based exercises and movement sessions.

Despite dropping points in their opening match, the mood in camp remained positive, with the players showing focus and determination ahead of the next stage of the competition.

The technical team also used the session to work on tactical adjustments following the entertaining draw against Algeria.

The Black Starlets impressed in spells during the match, creating several scoring opportunities while also showing good attacking movement and defensive organisation.

Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is expected to step up preparations over the coming days as Ghana continue their quest for qualification to the knockout stage and the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.

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Speaking to Hearts TV ahead of the trip to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Dramani acknowledged the challenge posed by the home side.

"They are very compact, they are very aggressive, and they are a good side, so we need to be strong in our second actions. We need to be decisive, and we need to be very quick in closing the gaps," he said.

The Hearts boss stressed that winning second balls and making better decisions in key moments will be crucial if his side are to come away with a vital result in the closing stages of the season.

"We acknowledge their strength, but we are going to try our best to come back with a very important result," he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, as both sides push for a strong finish to the 2025/26 campaign.

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Samartex and Hearts of Oak will clash at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Sunday with both sides aiming to finish the Ghana Premier League season strongly and keep their top-four hopes alive.

Samartex will be eager to end the campaign on a positive note in their final home game of the season, while Hearts of Oak are also targeting a strong finish after falling out of the title race.

The hosts head into the fixture in difficult form after suffering consecutive defeats against Hearts of Lions and Bibiani Gold Stars. Samartex have also struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding in each of their last three matches.

Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last three league matches but have dropped points in back-to-back draws against Aduana and Karela United.

One positive for coach Didi Dramani’s side has been their defensive organisation, with the Phobians keeping three consecutive clean sheets ahead of the trip to Samreboi.

Recent meetings between the two clubs have been closely contested. Since May 2023, Samartex and Hearts of Oak have each recorded two victories, while two games have ended in draws. Hearts claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in December 2025.

Speaking ahead of the game, Hearts coach Didi Dramani praised Samartex’s aggressive approach and organisation.

“They are very compact, they are very aggressive, and they are a good side, so we need to be strong in our second actions. We need to be decisive, and we need to be very quick in closing the gaps,” Dramani told Hearts TV.

The Hearts coach also stressed the importance of taking chances when they come.

“We acknowledge their strength, but we are going to try our best to come back with a very important result,” he added.

With both teams still battling for a strong league finish, Sunday’s encounter is expected to be fiercely contested at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.

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According to reports, negotiations are still at an early stage, with no final agreement reached between both parties. However, Amadu has emerged as a leading candidate for the role.

The club is believed to be considering a significant restructuring of its coaching setup, with current head coach Karim Zito expected to be reassigned to the role of technical director should the proposed changes be completed.

Amadu's potential appointment is seen as part of a broader plan to rebuild the team's competitiveness, with emphasis on tactical stability and long-term development. His work with Karela FC has earned him recognition for discipline, organisation, and a structured playing approach, making him an attractive option for the role.

While discussions are ongoing, both clubs are yet to officially confirm any agreement or transition. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations progress.

If completed, the move would mark a notable coaching reshuffle in the Ghana football scene, with AshantiGold SC aiming to re-establish themselves strongly in domestic competition under a refreshed technical leadership structure.

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Asante Kotoko are reportedly preparing to part ways with forward Morifing Donzo when the current season comes to an end, as the club continues to assess its squad ahead of future campaigns.

Donzo has made 27 appearances for the Porcupine Warriors since joining the side, scoring five goals. While he has had moments of contribution, his overall output has fallen short of the expectations typically placed on attackers at a club of Kotoko's stature.

Throughout the season, the forward has struggled to consistently cement a starting role, often rotating in and out of the matchday squad depending on tactical setups and competition for places in attack. This inconsistency has reportedly influenced the club's decision as they consider reshaping their forward line.

Kotoko, one of Ghana's most successful and demanding clubs, are believed to be planning a broader squad review aimed at improving efficiency in front of goal and increasing competitiveness in key attacking positions. The expected departure of Donzo is seen as part of that restructuring process.

Despite his limited goal return, Donzo has at times shown work rate and physical presence in attack, offering the team an option in different match situations. However, the technical direction of the club appears to be shifting toward more consistent goal output from its strikers.

With the season nearing its conclusion, discussions around player retention and exits are expected to intensify, and Donzo's situation is likely to be finalised alongside other squad decisions. If confirmed, his departure will bring an end to a short spell with the Porcupine Warriors, with both player and club expected to move in different directions as preparations begin for the next season.

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Ghanaian attacker Joel Fameyeh stepped off the bench to score a crucial equaliser as Puskas FC Academy drew 2-2 at home with MTK Budapest in NB I on Friday.

The hosts fell behind just before the hour when Ádin Molnár netted after earlier seeing a penalty saved, putting MTK 1-0 up.

Introduced in the 69th minute, Fameyeh made an instant impact in the final stages. He brought Puskas level in the 79th minute, finishing from close range after good work by Daniel Lukacs down the flank. The game then swung again three minutes later as Zalán Kerezsi struck to restore MTK’s lead at 2-1, punishing the hosts on the counter.

Puskas refused to fold and threw bodies forward deep into stoppage time. Their pressure paid off in the 96th minute when Lukács converted from the penalty spot to snatch a dramatic draw and ensure the points were shared.

Fameyeh’s late goal underlined his value in a stop-start campaign, with the Ghanaian now on three goals in 22 NB I appearances this season, totalling 816 minutes of league action for Puskas Academy.

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Bechem United will host Asante Kotoko at the Nana Gyeabour Park on Sunday in a crucial Ghana Premier League clash with major implications at both ends of the table.

The hosts are fighting to secure their league status and could officially confirm survival with a victory in the penultimate match of the season. Bechem United currently sit three points above the relegation zone with only two games remaining.

Kotoko, meanwhile, are targeting a strong finish to the campaign as they continue their push for a top-four place. The Porcupine Warriors occupy fourth position and a win could either keep them there or move them up to third depending on other results.

Bechem head into the fixture after a draw against Swedru All Blacks last weekend, but concerns remain over their defensive form after conceding in each of their last seven league matches.

Despite their struggles, Bechem will take confidence from their strong home record against Kotoko, having often made life difficult for the visitors at the Nana Gyeabour Park.

Kotoko revived their campaign with victory over Eleven Wonders in their previous outing and will hope to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

However, away form remains a concern for the Kumasi-based side, who have failed to score in their last four away league matches.

The fixture also carries extra tension following Kotoko’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Bechem United in the reverse fixture in December 2025.

Since March 2023, the two clubs have met six times in the league, with Kotoko winning twice, Bechem once and three matches ending in draws. Kotoko have scored nine goals across those meetings compared to Bechem’s three.

With survival and top-four ambitions both on the line, Sunday’s encounter is expected to be fiercely contested in Bechem.

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Medeama SC boss Ibrahim Tanko has set his sights on securing a win that would put his side on the brink of the Ghana Premier League title, as the league leaders prepare to face Heart of Lions in a crucial Week 33 encounter.

Speaking ahead of the Sunday clash at the TnA Stadium, Tanko emphasized the importance of all three points. With only two matches remaining, a victory would significantly strengthen Medeama's grip on the championship.

"We want to win this game so that our chances will be almost 90% before the last game. So definitely we are going to work hard for this game," Tanko told Medi TV.

The Medeama coach also warned against complacency, insisting that his players must treat every match with the same seriousness regardless of the opponent or venue.

"We have to have a lot of conversations with the players. We are still leading the table, but I don't think we should feel comfortable because we are playing at home. We have to prepare well, like any other game", he added.

Medeama currently hold a two-point lead over second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars. A win on Sunday would edge them closer to their second Premier League title, with the finish line now in sight. Kick-off is set for 3:00 pm.

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Ghanaian forward Mohammed Fuseini has set his sights on winning the Belgian league title after playing the hero in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's dramatic Croky Cup triumph over Anderlecht on Thursday night.

Fuseini came off the bench to score the decisive extra-time goal as Union SG defeated their city rivals 3-1 in a thrilling Brussels derby final at the Lotto Park, securing the club's fourth Belgian Cup title.

The final was tightly contested, with Union breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute before Anderlecht equalised seven minutes later.

With the match heading to extra time, Fuseini was introduced with five minutes remaining in normal time and made an immediate impact, calmly finishing in the 95th minute before Kevin Rodriguez added a third.

"It was an amazing feeling. I was a bit disappointed for the time I came in. But then I just had to give my best to the team. And then I was able to have a goal to help the team win the Croky Cup," Fuseini said.

The goal marked another important moment in a difficult season for the attacker, who missed much of the first half due to injury. "I had a rough season. The beginning, I was injured for half of the season. And then I really worked hard to be back. These are some of the moments I really worked hard to be back with", he explained.

With cup success secured, attention now shifts to the Jupiler Pro League title race. Fuseini, who has now scored in back-to-back matches, will hope to continue his form as Union SG prepare for a crucial showdown against Club Brugge.

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Medeama SC coach Ibrahim Tanko has cautioned his players against complacency as they close in on the Ghana Premier League title, insisting that nothing has been won yet despite sitting at the top of the table.

Speaking ahead of their crucial Week 33 clash against Heart of Lions, Tanko warned that home advantage should not lead to overconfidence.

"We have to have a lot of conversations with the players. We are still leading the table, but I don't think we should feel comfortable because we are playing at home. We have to prepare well, like any other game," he told Medi TV.

With only two matches remaining, Medeama are on the brink of securing the championship. However, Tanko stressed that maximum concentration is required until the final whistle of the season. He believes a victory on Sunday would push his side almost to the finish line.

"We want to win this game so that our chances will be almost 90% before the last game. So definitely we are going to work hard for this game", he added.

Medeama face Heart of Lions on Sunday at the TnA Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm. A win would edge them closer to their second Premier League title.

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MTN FA Cup chairman Wilson Arthur has stated that commercial pressures have forced most Ghana Premier League clubs into operating primarily as player-selling institutions rather than long-term competitive projects.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Arthur explained that the economic realities of running clubs in Ghana have changed significantly. "Lately, it is very commercial, extremely expensive to manage.

Almost all the clubs are breeding players for sale. That is why Ghana football is also suffering. The model is train players, sell them as fast as you can, and look for replacements," he said.

His comments come as player turnover remains a defining characteristic of the domestic game. Recent data suggests clubs collectively record between 200 and 250 player departures during a typical season, reflecting a highly transitional league where transfer income is a main source of financial survival.

Arthur indicated that unless clubs receive stronger financial backing, the cycle of rapidly developing and selling players is unlikely to change. "The challenge is, if the model has changed, it requires serious funding," he added.

Critics argue that constant player turnover weakens club identity, reduces league quality, and makes it difficult to build stable, competitive squads. However, many clubs view player sales as essential to survival amid rising operational costs.

With only two games remaining in the current season, Arthur suggested the situation could become an important discussion point as stakeholders debate the future direction of Ghana football.

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The 21-year-old opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing calmly to cap a bright start from the hosts and give them a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Valenciennes looked in control for long spells, but the game turned chaotic in the closing stages. Ronaldo Freitas levelled for Chateauroux on 80 minutes, punishing the home side after they failed to clear their lines.

Veteran forward Gaetan Courtet appeared to have won it for Valenciennes with a 90th-minute strike, only for Yannis Verdier to hit back in the fifth minute of stoppage time, rescuing a point for the visitors in dramatic fashion.

Despite the late frustration, Appuah’s performance was a reminder of his growing influence this season. The French-born Ghanaian ends the 2025/26 National League campaign with 28 appearances, four goals, and 1,814 minutes played, underlining his status as one of Valenciennes’ most used attacking players.

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Ghanaian youngster Douglas Owusu is on the verge of sealing a big-money move to FC Viktoria Plzen after an agreement was reached with Red Star Belgrade for his transfer, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

The deal is understood to be worth 3.3 million Euros, with an additional 1 million Euros in performance-related add-ons, making it the highest transfer fee ever paid by Plzen for a player.

Sources close to the negotiations have revealed that personal terms between the player and the Czech champions were agreed several days ago with his Ghana-based representatives, Do It Soccer Agency.

Owusu is now expected to travel for medical examinations next Tuesday before officially completing the transfer and signing a long-term contract with the Czech side.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year, emerging as one of the most exciting Ghanaian prospects in Eastern Europe.

After impressing at FK Radnik Surdulica, he secured a move to Red Star during the January transfer window and quickly established himself in Dejan Stankovic's squad.

Owusu played an important role in Red Star’s Serbian league triumph, contributing crucial goals and assists during the second half of the campaign.

Across the season, the winger registered nine goals and one assist in the Serbian top flight for both Radnik and Red Star.

His performances attracted strong interest from several clubs across Europe, but Plzen moved decisively to secure the signature of the highly-rated attacker.

The transfer represents another significant milestone in Owusu’s rapidly developing career and further highlights the growing reputation of Ghanaian talents making waves in European football.

By: Nuhu Adams

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Ghanaian defender David Acquah capped a standout display with a goal as Aarau were held to a 2-2 home draw against Yverdon in the Swiss Challenge League on Friday.

The centre-back opened the scoring after just four minutes at Stadion Brügglifeld, timing his run perfectly to put the hosts in front.

Aarau dominated the early stages and were rewarded again when Leon Frokaj doubled the lead three minutes before the break to make it 2-0. Yverdon, however, struck a crucial lifeline in first-half stoppage time through Helios Sessolo, who pulled one back to change the momentum heading into the interval.

The visitors grew stronger after the restart and eventually levelled in the 63rd minute when Antonio Marchesano finished off another incisive move to make it 2-2.

Acquah’s performance underlined his importance to Aarau’s campaign, with the 25-year-old now on three goals and one assist in 34 league appearances this season. In-form Aarau, who have scored 15 goals across their last five matches, will look to build on this point when they travel to face FC Vaduz in their next Challenge League outing.

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Qingdao West Coast finally snapped a frustrating streak of seven consecutive draws on Friday, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Dalian Yingbo.

The match, held on May 15, 2026, was headlined by a composed performance from Ghanaian forward Aziz Yakubu, who set the tone early for the visitors.

Yakubu opened the scoring in the 22nd minute by calmly converting a penalty, marking his third goal of the 2026 campaign.

His clinical finish provided a vital psychological boost for a Qingdao side that had struggled to turn competitive performances into maximum points throughout the early stages of the season.

The contest intensified in the second half as Dalian Yingbo fought back, with Nicolae Stanciu leveling the score in the 51st minute.

However, Qingdao regained control through Davidson, who netted in the 68th minute to restore the lead.

The drama peaked in stoppage time when Nelson da Luz converted a 94th-minute penalty to make it 3-1, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

A late 99th-minute strike by Frank Acheampong for Dalian created a tense finale, but Qingdao held on to secure the three points.

For Yakubu, who joined from Wuhan Three Towns earlier this year, the goal adds to a steady season tally that includes previous strikes against Chengdu Rongcheng and Chongqing Tonglianglong.

This result provides Qingdao West Coast with much-needed momentum as they look to climb the Chinese Super League table following their lengthy stalemate period.

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