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Fiorentina might be struggling in Serie A, but they are top of the Conference League with a perfect record after the first two match days.

Participants of the 2025 MTN Elite U-19 Boys Championship underwent a comprehensive orientation session on Thursday, October 23, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on Friday.The session brought together players, coaches, and officials, equipping them with the knowledge and discipline required for a smooth and successful competition.Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee, Enoch Agyare Addo, opened the programme with a call for discipline, fair play, and respect, describing the championship as a vital platform for grooming the next generation of national team players.Regional Football Association Coordinator, Daseebre Adu Asare, educated participants on the proper use of the facility, urging them to maintain high standards of conduct both on and off the pitch. Maxwell Caesar Kemeh from the Competitions Department also outlined the tournament’s rules and regulations.National U-19 Assistant Coach, Eric Bekoe, later led an interactive session focused on professionalism, teamwork, and mental preparation for elite youth football.The MTN Elite U-19 Boys Championship, proudly sponsored by MTN Ghana, is a flagship component of the GFA’s “Power to the Youth” initiative, designed to provide a structured pathway from grassroots development to the national level.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has made it clear that only players with genuine passion and commitment to Ghana will earn a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The GFA boss addressed ongoing discussions about potential call-ups for foreign-born players such as Eddie Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Francis Amuzu, stressing that Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup should not suddenly attract players who previously showed little interest.Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Okraku stated firmly: "I don’t want mercenaries coming to Ghana. I don’t want players jumping on board just because we’ve qualified for the Mundial. I want players who love Ghana, who play from the heart, with passion, and are proud to represent the nation in every competition."He emphasised that wearing the national colours is a privilege that comes with responsibility, insisting that players who once rejected invitations or showed a lack of respect for the country will not be reconsidered.

After the first three matchdays, Midtjylland are the unexpected leaders of the Europa League table, with both Bologna and Roma floundering in the bottom half.

Black Queens will host Egypt in the second leg of their 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier on Tuesday, October 28, at the Accra Sports Stadium.Ghana head into the decisive encounter with a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Ismailia, where goals from Doris Boaduwaa, Mary Amponsah, and Grace Asantewaa secured an emphatic win for the Queens. .@GraceAsantewaaa scored the third goal for the Black Queens in their 3-0 win over Egypt to take first leg advantage. #WAFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/PFEavpwIDp— Lawrence Degraft Baidoo (@kweku_lawrence) October 23, 2025The winner of the two-legged tie will earn a place at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco, as Ghana aim to better the third-place finish they achieved at the 2025 edition.Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren and his squad are expected to resume training on Saturday in Accra, focusing on maintaining momentum and ensuring a strong performance in front of their home supporters.With qualification all but sealed, the Black Queens will look to cap off an impressive campaign and build on their resurgence in African women’s football.

Asante Kotoko face a daunting task on Friday night when they take on Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.The Porcupine Warriors trail 1-0 from the first leg in Accra, where goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was sent off, leaving them with an uphill battle in North Africa.Kotoko will need a spirited performance to overturn the deficit against a Wydad side renowned for their dominance at home in continental competitions.Speaking after the first leg, Kotoko head coach Karim Zito remained optimistic despite the setback."Its not every day you get it the way you want, but that doesnt mean we are out," he said. "It is a first step. Nobody gave us a dogs chance against Kwara United, but we were able to do something. It is not over until it is over."Kotoko will be without Camara due to suspension, while Zito is expected to make tactical adjustments to strengthen both defence and attack. The Ghanaian side will also rely on their pace in transition and resilience to unsettle Wydad in front of their home fans.Kick-off at the Mohammed V Stadium is scheduled for 19:00 GMT, with Kotoko aiming to defy the odds and secure qualification to the group stage for the first time in six years.

Gian Piero Gasperini admits Roma strikers ‘need to look in the mirror and ask’ why they aren’t scoring after the Europa League loss to Viktoria Plzen. ‘We need to start worrying.’

Quick take: Big picture: the update fits broader trends across the league with schedule pressure and tight tables. Supporters will watch for clarity from training ground reports and official briefings. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Ghanaian youngster Prince Adu Kwabena was on target for Viktoria Plzen on Thursday night, leading the team to a 2-1 victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League.The former Bechem United teenager started for the Czech outfit on the night, leading the lines against the in-form Italian Serie A outfit.Putting up a top performance in the attack, Prince Adu Kwabena scored with a clever finish in the 20th minute to give Viktoria Plzen the lead after outmuscling his marker🚨GOAL: Prince Kwabena Adu 20'Europa League | 🏆 Roma 0-1 Viktoria Plzeňpic.twitter.com/QIbfAFpTZk— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 23, 2025Two minutes after Prince Adu Kwabena’s goal, Cheick Souaré also got his name on the scoresheet to double the lead for the visitors.With Viktoria Plzen leading at halftime, the team defended resolutely in the second half en route to securing the crucial win away from home.The only consolation goal for AS Roma was a penalty kick converted by Argentina forward Paulo Dybala in the 54th minute.On the matchday, Prince Adu Kwabena played 81 minutes for Viktoria Plzen before his place was taken by Nigerian forward James Bello.

Paulo Dybala confessed Roma were ‘sluggish’ in their Europa League defeat to Viktoria Plzen and were ‘lacking the right determination and aggression.’

Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the talented young Leeds United midfielder Sam Alker.

Roma suffered their second consecutive Europa League defeat, their third in four competitive games, as Paulo Dybala was not enough to recover from a nightmare start to Viktoria Plzen.

Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks.

Sunderland are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Andre Luiz in the coming months.

Roma invested €6.6m in Jan Ziolkowski, but Gian Piero Gasperini hauled the Poland international off just 30 minutes into his full debut after a nightmare Europa League start.