Ghana name 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft Antoine Semenyo

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Carlos Queiroz, with his extensive international experience managing Portugal, Iran, Egypt, and others, may prove harder to manage internally than his predecessors. But the structures that enabled interference have not been dismantled, they have simply received a new occupant at the top. The complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025) above shows that Ghana continues to invest in grassroots football, producing talents that shine locally and abroad. If you’re serious about developing your football career, choosing the right academy is a big step toward achieving your dream. WAFA has produced many players for the Ghanaian national team and European clubs.

  • Ghana have previously reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 — the best performance by an African team at the time — and will be hoping to make a renewed impact in 2026.
  • “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.
  • Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves.
  • And I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.
  • Paintsil, on the other hand, has consistently featured for LA Galaxy and remains one of the club’s key attacking outlets whenever available.
  • Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora.
  • After earning a bachelor’s degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism.
  • The comments are likely to generate fresh discussions among supporters, particularly because Paintsil has remained one of Ghana’s most productive attacking players abroad in recent years.
  • Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.

The Tottenham Hotspur star could’ve played an important role for the Ghana national football team, but has been left out due to an injury. The Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament. According to him, Paintsil’s influence and consistency at club level surpass that of several players currently in the national team setup especially Atalata’s Kamaldeen Sulemana. Kamaldeen has played for the Black Stars for close to six years and has only one goal,” Nimley stated.

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Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach. The problem is structural; when a football association retains local assistants, influences backroom composition, the question of who ultimately controls selection cannot be answered by citing a scouting database. For today’s football schedule and results visit our football live score page.

The Shadow Squad: Who really picks Ghana’s Black Stars?

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has explained his decision to call up Derrick Luckassen as a replacement for the injured Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North… Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…

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The GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team. There are also statistics for each player in all competitions with all total played and started matches, minutes played, number of goals scored, number of cards and much more. We may have video highlights with goals and news for some Ghana matches, but only if they play their match in one of the most popular football leagues. Ghana live scores, players, season schedule and today’s results are available on Sofascore. Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has encouraged Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as he and his charges dream of success at the tournament. While injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, the 28-year-old has continued to play a key role for LA Galaxy.

betPawa injects over $300,000 to support Black Stars, Black Queens

With a strong background in content writing, he blends clarity with creativity, always aiming to bring the beautiful game closer to readers. Another goalkeeper who has not been included in Ghana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Ajax man was present in the preliminary squad, but due to competition for the position, he might not have received a call-up from Carlos Queiroz. President Kurt Okraku took the media through the events leading up to Ghana’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and other relevant matters regarding the team’s early exit from the competition.

That consistency restored confidence after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings. Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football. Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.

Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies. With 119 national team appearances, Jordan Ayew is Ghana’s second most capped player, trailing only his brother Andre Ayew by just one. Pot 4 status highlights the scale of the task, but does not limit Ghana’s potential.

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Top stars like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are going to represent the Ghana national football team in FIFA’s flagship tournament. With a mixture of experience and youth, they will be looking for some positive outcomes. The team’s best World Cup run, the 2010 quarter-final came under Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac. Ghana’s worst https://ghanabettingacademy.org/selling-betting-tips/ performances have tended to come under coaches who operated in an environment where GFA influence was most visible.

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“The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” the statement added. Across those appearances, he has overseen 13 World Cup matches, recording three wins, four draws and six defeats. GFA Technical Director Prof. Mintah also expressed satisfaction with the quality displayed during the exercise. The Association’s commitment to transparency and accountability was evident throughout the session, and the media could ask questions and seek clarification on various matters. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our daily email alert of the top transfer stories.

  • The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a successful media engagement session on Monday, February 7, 2024, at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi.
  • Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme.
  • The 73-year-old Portuguese has substantial World Cup experience having previously overseen South Africa, Portugal and Iran on the global stage.
  • Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association.
  • The process that was supposedly designed to reduce uncertainty has instead created a fortnight of rolling debate where a single announcement on May 25 would have sufficed.
  • Latest news on the Ghana National Football Team, including team selections, fixtures, results and coverage of their progression within international tournaments.
  • However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings.
  • The winger was used sparingly throughout the campaign and made most of his appearances from the bench, struggling to establish himself as a regular starter.
  • Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.

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However, just as he edged closer to a return a year later, he suffered another setback that required a second operation. Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has admitted he came close to walking away from football during his prolonged recovery from injury, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of his career. Queiroz’s comments appear to support reports that a replacement has already been drafted into the squad, with Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen called up to fill the vacant spot.

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ghana football

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Queiroz tasked with leading the four-time African champions into the expanded global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Otto Addo earlier this month. Players aged between U15 and U20 from leading academies including Chelsea FC, Everton FC, Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC were assessed during the session held in Bromley. As a proud Real Madrid fan, we believe his work reflects the same ambition and precision. Since joining Khel Now in 2025, he has crafted stories beyond scores, diving into tactics, culture, and emotion.

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Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson praised the unity and enthusiasm shown throughout the event and reaffirmed the High Commission’s support for the initiative. The event was expertly moderated by respected BBC presenter and Communications Director of Coachhene Sports Club, George Addo Jnr, whose leadership helped guide meaningful conversations around talent development, identity, and opportunity. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day’s top stories from the UK and around the world. Latest Ghana football news, including the latest updates on the Ghana Premier League, Ghana FA Cup, Ghana Super Cup, the CAF Champions League and much more. Even though he is the oldest player in the current generation, he is still a dependable source of motivation. Antoine Semenyo, an attacker for Manchester City, will supply firepower up top.

  • His former £200,000 weekly Arsenal salary established him as Ghana’s highest-earning active player.
  • Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football.
  • The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.
  • The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad.
  • The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region.
  • Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.
  • His £200,000 weekly salary made him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid African players before his 2025 Villarreal move.
  • His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries.
  • Right to Dream focuses on academic excellence, character development, and world-class football training.
  • Wales, meanwhile, are using the game as an opportunity to continue building under coach Craig Bellamy despite missing out on qualification for the World Cup.
  • The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.
  • Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will face more pressure than any other Black Stars player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the expectations that come…

What do Black Stars players receive for national team duty?

  • Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide.
  • The team has produced world-class players like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan who have been instrumental in raising Ghana’s profile on the global stage.
  • “When the game was made, I was like, ‘this is it, I just want to do something for my national team’. It was even one of my best games for Ghana and I scored in the last minute. It was a great moment.
  • Governed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Black Stars are one of Africa’s most successful and celebrated teams.
  • The GFA’s two-stage squad announcement has manufactured controversy where none needed to exist and it is the latest symptom of an institution that has consistently failed the national team.
  • The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past.
  • For Ghana, the fixture comes at an important stage of their World Cup preparations.
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“Football has given me a lifetime of challenges, lessons, and unforgettable journeys, all over the world. Today, I accept this mission with the same passion and commitment that have guided me throughout my career. He also revisited the unforgettable 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Ghana stood on the brink of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Are there free football academies in Ghana?

  • Queiroz also criticised the scheduling of some domestic competitions, noting that certain countries continued to stage cup finals beyond FIFA’s recommended release period for international duty.
  • MTN FA Cup chairman Wilson Arthur says the growing commercial pressures in Ghana football have forced most GPL clubs into…
  • A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood.
  • Lizzy Sports combines football, fitness, and personal development in a supportive environment.
  • A major highlight of the competition was the participation of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through a collaboration between Coach Hakim and Madam Inusah.
  • Yet the numbers alone do not resolve the underlying concern, which is not about whether scouting was conducted, but about whether the final decisions are made freely by the coach.
  • The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport.
  • Take the time to research, attend trials, and commit fully — the next football star could be you.
  • There are also all Ghana scheduled matches that they are going to play in the future.
  • However, countries with stronger records in previous competitions and against tougher opposition have remained ahead of Ghana in the rankings.
  • The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition.
  • “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring.
  • Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive international coaching resumes in world football, particularly at the World Cup.

Being in the lowest pot guarantees that Ghana will face a top team from Pot 1, either a co-host nation or one of the world’s strongest sides. They will avoid another African opponent in the group due to confederation rules, but strong challengers from Europe, South America and Asia remain likely. The seeding increases the need for fast adaptation once the group is revealed. The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.

Founded by former Ghanaian football star Marcel Desailly, this academy emphasizes holistic training. Right to Dream is Ghana’s most renowned academy, known for producing players who succeed in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a parent supporting your child’s dream or a player aiming for greatness, this guide will help you make the right choice. If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know. You will discover the most reputable academies, their locations, fees, facilities, enrollment processes, and what sets each apart.

Partey exemplified smart wealth management by investing his Arsenal earnings into businesses across Africa and Europe. His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko’s top earners make $20,000-$40,000 yearly, forcing talented prospects to Europe by their late teens.

Carlos Queiroz wants Black Stars to play great football and make fans proud

Many of Africa’s finest footballers, such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey, began their journeys in football academies that helped them develop their skills and discipline. According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities. The competition forms part of the Union’s broader efforts to make rugby accessible to all, while supporting athlete development, safety and equal opportunities in sport. The Ghana Rugby Football Union said it intends to work with national and international partners to expand programmes for deaf athletes and promote greater inclusion in rugby across the country. The event began with a coaching session led by World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Rafatu Inusah.

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The public would have had the information it deserved without being strung along through a two-stage announcement that serves the administration more than it serves the supporters, the players, or the coach. To ensure full participation, organisers adopted visual communication methods during matches. In addition to the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key decisions. An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA stated.

  • Dreams FC regularly promotes academy graduates to its senior team competing in the Ghana Premier League.
  • “People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes.
  • An interpreter was also present throughout the event to facilitate communication among players, coaches and officials.
  • According to Queiroz, more than half of the squad were unavailable when preparations began because they were still involved in league and cup competitions with their clubs.
  • Ghana’s midfield is powered by Thomas Partey of Villareal and Caleb Yirenkyi, a promising player from Nordsjaelland.
  • The Ghana coach explained that managing player fitness and mental freshness had become a key part of international football, particularly ahead of a major tournament.
  • But the squad did ‌see a return after a three-year absence for 31-year-old Baba Abdul Rahman.
  • Sofascore tracks live football scores and Ghana Premier League table, results, statistics and top scorers.
  • Ghana are due to announce their official 26-man squad on June 1, a day before the friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2.
  • The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, with Queiroz tasked with leading the four-time African champions into the expanded global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The one-day event, held on May 30, 2026, formed part of efforts to expand participation in rugby and create opportunities for athletes with hearing impairments to compete alongside their hearing counterparts. Let’s see Ghanaian football stars’ career trajectories and see how they compare with other soccer players net worth worldwide. The appointment signals a shift towards experience and pragmatism, with the GFA turning to a coach known for his structured approach and ability to organise teams against stronger opposition. Forty players of Ghanaian descent, born in the UK and currently playing in Category One academies, took part in the inaugural talent identification programme organised by the Ghana Football Association. The 36-year-old has not been included in Ghana’s final squad despite making 120 appearances in the past. The GFA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote football development in Ghana and engage with stakeholders through initiatives like the MEET THE PRESS series.

Asamoah Gyan: Everything will depend on Antoine Semenyo at the World Cup

AFCON and World Cup campaigns offer substantial bonus structures, with qualification and progression bonuses reaching six figures for deep tournament runs. “The level of talent and professionalism we witnessed here was very encouraging. These young players are developing in some of the best academies in the world, and initiatives like this allow us to engage them early and monitor their progress closely,” Prof. Mintah noted. Founder of Coach Hene Sporting Club, Emmanuel Afranie, described the programme as an important step in reconnecting talented young players of Ghanaian heritage with the national setup. Latest news on the Ghana National Football Team, including team selections, fixtures, results and coverage of their progression within international tournaments.

Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation. The 73-year-old Portuguese has substantial World Cup experience having previously overseen South Africa, Portugal and Iran on the global stage. The event was also attended by British-Ghanaian rugby player and advocate, Zainab Alema. Match officials, coaches and medical personnel received briefings on the communication needs of deaf athletes before the competition commenced.

Which team is the current titleholder in Ghana Premier League?

On the field, the athletes displayed impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. The Deaf Rugby Team earned praise for its resilience and competitiveness despite limited access to some of the specialised equipment commonly used in deaf rugby competitions. A major highlight of the competition was the participation of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through a collaboration between Coach Hakim and Madam Inusah. The initiative began four years ago in Kumasi to introduce deaf athletes to rugby and provide a pathway for their development in the sport. Ghanaian players earn $8,000-$15,000 per match depending on competition importance.

ghana football

He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football. Established players in their late 20s often maximize earnings through lucrative Asian or Middle Eastern contracts. These leagues pay 2-3 times European salaries, allowing players to secure financial futures before retirement. AFCON campaigns provide the most lucrative national team opportunities for financial bonuses. The Black Stars had also lost their previous four games and failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite a squad featuring Premier League-based players such as Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.

“Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer. That will not let up this summer either with the Manchester City forward expected to be a key player Ghana at the World Cup. “Today, the day before the game, is the first time we have the team together. That’s an innovation for my football book.” The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.

Black Stars legend Michael Essien also encouraged young players and their families to embrace the opportunities available through the programme. Founder of Coachhene Sports Club, Emmanuel Afranie Jnr, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening pathways for young Ghanaian players in the diaspora. With more than 200 attendees present, the programme brought together parents, young footballers, academy representatives, and key stakeholders connected to Ghana football in what proved to be an inspiring and forward-looking session. In 2010, Ghana narrowly missed making it to the FIFA World Cup semifinals before losing to Uruguay in one of the most thrilling games in the competition’s history.

ghana football

Ghanaian defender Aaron Opoku scores unfortunate own goal in Kayserispor’s loss to Galatasaray

  • His diversified portfolio generates passive income beyond football salaries.
  • The Black Stars lost only once in qualifying, sealing their fifth World Cup appearance.
  • Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.
  • The initiative reflects the Ghana Football Association’s broader ambition to strengthen the Black Stars pipeline by connecting with talented young Ghanaian players across the diaspora much earlier in their development journey.
  • This academy is run by Accra Hearts of Oak SC, one of Ghana’s oldest football clubs.
  • If you’re looking for the complete list of top football academies in Ghana and their fees (2025), this detailed guide explains everything you need to know.
  • Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season.
  • Kudus’ £150,000 weekly Tottenham contract represents the new benchmark for Ghanaian player salaries in Europe’s elite leagues.
  • Addressing the gathering, Kurt Okraku highlighted the importance of creating stronger bonds between Ghana and its emerging talents abroad.
  • Ghana find themselves in Pot 4 ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, a position that reflects their current standing in global football.
  • The winger has spent the last two seasons in the United States and would have arrived at the tournament already acclimatized to the region.
  • Djiku’s absence is a major blow given that Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable after sustaining an ACL injury during the season.
  • The Portuguese coach said player welfare had been prioritised after many squad members arrived in camp following the conclusion of their club commitments across Europe.
  • Ghana have previously reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 — the best performance by an African team at the time — and will be hoping to make a renewed impact in 2026.

Domestic football in Ghana cannot compete financially with even mid-tier European opportunities. With less than three months to the start of the tournament, Queiroz faces an immediate challenge to prepare Ghana for a demanding group campaign. The team with the largest stadium is Asante Kotoko with the capacity of 40528. The top scorers in the last season of Ghana Premier League Premier League 25/26 season were Kumi Attah.Last season top scorer is Kumi Attah with 18 goals. Sofascore tracks live football scores and Ghana Premier League table, results, statistics and top scorers.

ghana football

Asante Kotoko in advanced talks with UK-based Ghanaian coach Chris Baffour-Akoto

ghana football

The development has effectively ended Paintsil’s hopes of making the tournament and has sparked debate among Ghanaian football followers, especially considering the winger’s performances at club level over the last two seasons. The youth arm of Accra Great Olympics FC, nurturing young players to join the club’s senior squad. Football is more than just a sport in Ghana — it is a passion, a culture, and a pathway to global opportunities.

‘We were more determined to beat Kotoko to stay in the league – Swedru All Blacks Coach

The initiative, delivered in partnership with Coach Hene Sporting Club, Ghanaians in the UK and Prince Lamona Consult, is aimed at identifying and engaging elite young talents to strengthen Ghana’s national teams for the future. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Jeffrey Schlupp was left out of the final squad and his agent went public with accusations of corruption within the GFA. Had Queiroz simply named a 26-man squad on May 25, the squad he was always going to take to the World Cup, the debate would have been sharper, clearer, and concluded in a single day. The GFA would have been obliged to defend a final decision rather than a provisional one.

His Shanghai SIPG contract paid £227,000 weekly, making him one of Africa’s highest-paid players during Asia’s football investment boom. Ghana’s football export business thrives as European clubs compete for Black Stars talent. Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million transfer to Tottenham demonstrates the financial opportunities available to Ghana’s elite prospects through strategic European moves. With preparations now underway, attention will quickly turn to squad selection, tactical identity and readiness for the global stage. His appointment is likely to raise expectations among Ghanaian fans, who will hope his experience can translate into a strong showing at the tournament. Queiroz arrives in Accra with one of the most extensive international coaching resumes in world football, particularly at the World Cup.

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