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3 clusters · 46 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Ronald Donkor and Ghana's AFCON 2027 qualifying start

Overview

Ronald Donkor, a midfielder for the New York Red Bulls, experienced a significant rise in professional recognition in September 2026. Following a decisive 89th-minute goal that secured a 1-0 victory for the Red Bulls against the Columbus Crew, Donkor was named to the MLS Team of the Week. This performance ended a six-game winless streak for his club and drew attention toward his potential for international play. Shortly after, Donkor received his first official call-up to the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Black Stars’ qualifying campaign began with a 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C match at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring for the hosts in the 44th minute, and Franck Kessié doubled the lead in the second half via a penalty following a foul on Yalcouyé by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. Ghana entered the fixture facing significant squad disruption, missing key players including Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew. Following the loss, which leaves the Black Stars at the bottom of Group C, head coach Carlos Queiroz criticized the penalty decision, labeling it ‘a joke’ and calling for the introduction of VAR in African football to ensure fairness. Queiroz noted that while Ghana created several opportunities, the team lacked clinical finishing.

Pressure on Ghana has intensified following The Gambia’s 2-1 victory over Somalia. With both Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia holding three points, Ghana remains at the bottom of the standings. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia on September 30.

Entities

Ghana national football team · New York Red Bulls · Ghana · Ronald Donkor · Carlos Queiroz

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [SPORTS] 21 sources
    AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ivory Coast defeats Ghana as Gambia wins

    The AFCON 2027 qualifiers began with Ivory Coast defeating Ghana 2-0, while The Gambia secured a 2-1 win over Somalia to take second in Group C.

  2. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 30 sources
    Côte d'Ivoire defeats Ghana 2-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifier

    Côte d'Ivoire defeated Ghana 2-0 in the 2027 AFCON qualifying opener in Bouaké, with goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié, leaving Ghana at the bottom of Group C.

  3. 17 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    New York Red Bulls defeat Columbus Crew via Ronald Donkor goal

    Ronald Donkor's 89th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for the New York Red Bulls against Columbus Crew, earning him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week.

Sources

3news.com · abidjan4all.info · adomonline.com · afrik-foot.com · aip.ci · alkambatimes.com · amp.sportsmole.co.uk · archynewsy.com · asaaseradio.com · chale.news · completesports.com · completesportsnigeria.com · dailytrust.com.ng · echoriental.com · football.fr · futbolcentroamerica.com · gambiaj.com · ghanaguardian.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · ghananewspage.com · ghananewss.com · ghanasoccernet.com · guineematin.com · heavy.com · intellivoire.net · ivoireactu.net · kick442.com · lattaquant.com · mightytips.com · myjoyonline.com · mynewsgh.com · newscenta.com · norvanreports.com · nouvelle-afrique.net · onuaonline.com · premiumtimesng.com · pressafrik.com · pulse.com.gh · sport-ivoire.ci · sportskeeda.com · sportsworldghana.com · sunugox.info · thechronicle.com.gh · theghanareport.com · thevaultznews.com · yeclo.com

This summary has been updated 12 times: see revision history