Author: Ghana News
The World Bank Board has approved a US$300 million financing package to support Ghana’s plan to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027, the Ministry of Education has announced. The funding will support the implementation of the Transforming Secondary Education for Results and Jobs (STARR-J) Project, according to a Ministry of Education statement issued on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, Hashmin Mohammed. The approval comes after President John Dramani Mahama announced the government’s intention to end the double-track system by 2027 through the expansion of infrastructure…
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced nomination fees for its upcoming constituency executive elections, with aspiring constituency chairmen required to pay GH¢1,500 to contest.The opposition party also fixed nomination fees for first and second vice chairman positions at GH¢1,000, while aspirants seeking all other executive positions will pay GH¢500.The announcement forms part of an update issued by the party’s National Secretariat on the conduct of the constituency executive elections scheduled to begin later this month.”Nomination Forms shall be acquired from the Constituency Elections Committee or at the Constituency Office at the following costs: Constituency Chairman — GH¢1,500; First and…
World Bank approves US$300 million STARR-J project to help Ghana end Double-Track system by 2027 3News
The rising digital fraud is eroding public trust in the country’s financial system, posing a growing threat to the stability of the sector, the Chief Executive (CE) of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, has stated and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing menace. The stakeholders include banks, financial technology (FinTech) companies, telecommunication companies, regulators and law enforcement agencies. Speaking at the second quarter Graphic Business/Stanbic Breakfast Meeting in Accra Tuesday [June 16, 2026], Mr Asomaning explained that fraudsters were increasingly deploying sophisticated tactics such as phishing attacks, SIM-swap fraud, account takeovers and social engineering schemes to…
Panellists at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting have stressed that public vigilance and awareness remain the most effective tools to combat digital fraud in the country. They said while institutions continued to invest heavily in technology and security systems, fraudsters were increasingly exploiting human vulnerabilities to perpetrate crimes. The experts nonetheless gave an assurance that the country was fully prepared to confront cyber threats due to significant investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, legal reforms and law enforcement capacity. Consequently, the panellists warned that public awareness remains the biggest challenge despite ongoing education campaigns by banks, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)…
Development Bank Ghana (DBG) yesterday launched activities to mark its fifth anniversary with the pledge to help transform Ghana’s oil palm industry from smallholder farms into processing giants.The bank said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that a crop cultivated in the country for generations became a major driver of industrial growth, job creation and exports, while increasing the production and consumption of locally grown and processed palm oil.The two-day anniversary celebration, scheduled for November 16 and 17, 2026, will highlight DBG’s journey and impact over the past five years and reaffirm its commitment to supporting the growth of Ghana’s…
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has delivered an emotional message of encouragement to the Black Stars ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama. Addressing the players before their tournament opener, the Vice President urged the team to carry the hopes of the nation with pride and determination as they prepare to represent Ghana on football’s biggest stage. “Every mother wants her child to be the best, so we are here to encourage you. All 30 million Ghanaians believe you will succeed. Don’t let us down.” Her heartfelt words underscored the immense support behind…
Nigeria’s military says it has rescued the widow of a retired general who himself had died at the weekend while being held by kidnappers.Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar and his wife Amina were abducted in the north-western state of Katsina at the end of last month.The military said the kidnappers shot Mrs Abubakar during the rescue operation before fleeing as troops advanced. She is now being treated in a military hospital, a statement added.One of the couple’s daughters, Bilkisu, confirmed the rescue on WhatsApp, posting: “We are deeply grateful to Allah for His mercy and protection. Our mummy has been rescued…
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament has denied claims by the government that a total of US$85 million remained outstanding to the contractor working on the Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region.According to the caucus, the outstanding amount owed the contractor working on the project was US$ 500,000, and not US$85million as stated by the government.Addressing a press conference in Parliament yesterday, the Deputy Ranking member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Mr Kofi Amankwa-Manu, said records of both the Ministries of Finance and Defence did not support the claim.He explained that the overall completion rate…
Nollywood actor Kunle Afod has slammed Nigerians over their love for gossip. On his Instagram page, he said that Nigerians are fond of ignoring important issues the moment they find something or someone to gossip about. He explained that they often give more attention to distractions than to matters that truly deserve their focus. Afod said it is time for us to change. “Nigerians have a way of ignoring important issues the moment they find something or someone to gossip about. We often give more attention to distractions than to matters that truly deserve our focus. It’s time to change…
Ghana begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign Wednesday night with a Group L fixture against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto.The group opener is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 GMT exactly.The Black Stars who are aiming to redeem their image and make a big case for their return to the Mundial seeks a brilliant start to the campaign with Panama also eager to set a fine tone to the tournament. It’s already considered a blockbuster for both nations, as a win for either side offers them a better edge.The Black Stars are without a competitive win in their…
GN Savings and Loans has cleared another major legal hurdle in its quest to resume operations after the Court of Appeal struck out a Motion for Stay of Execution filed by the Receiver.The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, removes a significant legal obstacle that had threatened to delay the implementation of an earlier Court of Appeal decision ordering the restoration of the company’s licence and the return of its assets and management control.The latest development strengthens the position of the financial institution as it seeks to revive operations nearly seven years after its licence was revoked.Speaking shortly after…
Ghana is hosting a conference to advance the continent’s push for reparatory justice after the adoption of the landmark United Nations (UN) resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.Heads of state and government, ministers, civil society representatives, historians, researchers and legal experts representing more than 80 countries are converging in the capital, Accra, for the three-day event, billed Next Steps, which starts on Wednesday. It is the first major gathering on the issue since the resolution was adopted.The conference will feature an event on 19 June at Osu Castle – a 17th-century fortress in…
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have renewed calls for greater local processing of cocoa, arguing that African producers must capture a larger share of the profits generated by the global chocolate industry.The call emerged from the 7th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), whose conclusions were presented by Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, at the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana High-Level Summit on the Future of the Cocoa Economy.“Africa produces 80% of the world’s cocoa but captures a negligible share of the sector’s profits,” the committee said.The committee described the situation as unsustainable and reaffirmed…
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have agreed to harmonise cocoa producer pricing policies in a move aimed at improving farmers’ incomes, stabilising the market, and strengthening cooperation between the world’s two largest cocoa-producing countries.The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the decision on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after the 7th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), held in Abidjan ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana High-Level Summit on the Future of the Cocoa Economy.“The two countries agreed to harmonise farm gate prices through some measures,” Dr Forson said while presenting the committee’s conclusions.According to…
Chris Hughton shakes his head.“Football is the most popular sport in Ghana by a mile, and expectations are enormous,” he says. “But the country hasn’t won a trophy since my own football career started, which is a very long time ago…”Hughton knows all too well about the maddening mystery of the sport in Ghana, and how one of Africa’s most historically significant and successful footballing nations seems inexorably drawn to chaos.He is one of six men to have been the Ghanaian national team’s head coach since 2020 — one, Otto Atto, has had two spells in charge during that time,…
That it took Ghana until 2006 to qualify for the World Cup, despite being African football’s dominant team of the 1960s, 70s and the early 80s, winning the Africa Cup of Nations four times during this period, reflects the topsy-turvy nature of their football odyssey.“The journey of the Black Stars over the last four decades has been marked by long periods of disappointment,” says Gary Al-Smith, one of the country’s most respected football journalists. “We had a surge between 2006 and 2017, when we qualified for eight straight semi-finals at Afcon but never won anything. Yes, we had a quarter-final…
Over the years, Ghana’s hype man culture has experienced tremendous growth and gained widespread recognition. Among the names that consistently stand out whenever there is a major event or concert is OgeeTheMC, the official hype man for Ghanaian reggae-dancehall superstar, Stonebwoy. The moment OgeeTheMC steps onto a stage, fans know something special is about to happen. Renowned for his energetic delivery and creative introductions, he has become an integral part of Stonebwoy’s live performances. Audiences always look forward to hearing the unique style and powerful introduction he brings before ushering the award-winning artist onto the stage. From delivering unforgettable live…
What NPP Faithful Should Expect From Leadership Peacefmonline.com
Paul Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the ongoing prosecutions against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi). During an interview shared by Prime Rakon via X on June 15, 2026, Paul Yandoh went on his knees and begged President Mahama to intervene in the matter. He asserted that if President Mahama does not intervene in the matter, Wontumi, who is running for the NPP national chairmanship position, is destined to be jailed over the crimes he has…
Mobile technologies are forecast to contribute $290 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030 as digital adoption deepens, although the region’s main challenge has shifted from expanding infrastructure to ensuring people fully use existing connectivity, industry organisation GSMA said on Tuesday. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Eric Addo is a researcher and data analyst Researcher and data analyst Eric Addo has waded into the ongoing public discourse surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, urging Ghanaians and state institutions to prioritise fairness over political expediency.In a press statement, Eric Addo reflected on the contrasting treatment meted out to public officials in recent high-profile cases. He argued that while political fortunes rise and fall, the integrity of Ghana’s justice system must remain constant.“The silence around the repatriation of Madam Sedinam Tamakloe and the spectacle around Ken Ofori-Atta raise serious questions about consistency,” Mr Addo wrote. “Ghanaians are watching…
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah DailyGuide Network
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has stated that former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, remains subject to extradition proceedings despite reports that he has been granted permanent residency in the United States.In a statement, the OSP said it had taken note of media reports and a publication attributed to a Ghanaian law firm claiming that a United States immigration court granted Mr. Ofori-Atta permanent residency after finding that criminal charges filed against him in Ghana were not credible.However, the OSP clarified that it is not involved in any immigration proceedings concerning Mr. Ofori-Atta in the United States.According to the…
Ghana and Panama lock horns for the very first time on Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup group stage, with the pair meeting in Toronto on Wednesday. Neither team is fancied in Group L, which is expected to be topped by either England or Croatia. Panama is competing at just its second World Cup, having benefitted from the absence of the three co-hosts in Concacaf qualifying. The Central American nation failed to register a single point on its first appearance in 2018, but the team has significantly improved over the past eight years. Former Barcelona striker Thomas Christiansen has…
Watch Live: Argentina vr. Algeria-2026 FIFA WORLD CUP – Ghana Sports Page
Ghana will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Canadian federal court upheld a decision denying him entry into the country.Justice Roger Lafreniere rejected Partey’s appeal on Tuesday, ending the midfielder’s hopes of joining the Black Stars in Toronto for their Group L opener against Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday.The ruling came after Partey’s legal team sought emergency relief from a visa refusal that had prevented the former Arsenal player from traveling to Canada with the rest of the Ghana squad. Lafreniere ruled that Partey had failed to demonstrate…
The Embassy of Peru in Ghana has launched the second edition of the Ghana-Peru Arts Contest, a cultural initiative aimed at deepening friendship and artistic exchange between the two countries.The contest, officially launched on June 10, invites young Ghanaian artists aged between 15 and 25 to create original works that illustrate the friendship between Ghana and Peru.Participants will compete in three categories: painting, drawing and pencil work, and sculpture and other visual art forms.Speaking at the launch, Peru’s Ambassador to Ghana, Rosa Liliana Gómez Cárdenas de Weston, described cultural diplomacy as an important tool for promoting understanding, friendship and appreciation…
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton for Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The 26-year-old started in his country’s 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup on Sunday. Van Hecke has a year left on his current Brighton contract and showed no inclination to extend the deal. Brighton had already turned down one offer for a player who joined them from NAC Breda in 2020. However, they have now accepted Tottenham’s offer, which should clear the way for Van Hecke to rejoin former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi in north London. The deal also includes a…
A judge in Canada has rejected Thomas Partey’s appeal to enter the country after the Ghana midfielder was denied entry for the World Cup.On Tuesday, Justice Roger Lafrenière, who heard the emergency application in Ottawa, rejected Partey’s request to override temporarily a decision by immigration officials. The Black Stars are due to in Toronto for the team’s opening match against Panama on Wednesday.In his judgement, Lafrenière sided with Canada’s immigration rules and said Partey failed to show grounds for emergency relief.At issue are the seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault Parey faces in the United Kingdom.…
Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images A judge in Canada has rejected Thomas Partey’s appeal to enter the country after the Ghana midfielder was denied entry for the World Cup. On Tuesday, Justice Roger Lafrenière, who heard the emergency application in Ottawa, rejected Partey’s request to override temporarily a decision by immigration officials. The Black Stars are due to in Toronto for the team’s opening match against Panama on Wednesday. In his judgement, Lafrenière sided with Canada’s immigration rules and said Partey failed to show grounds…
You have probably heard the words Bitcoin, crypto, or blockchain thrown around and perhaps had a negative reaction or negative emotion to these words. Today, we want to cut through the noise and explain clearly what these terms mean, why they matter, and how they are already reshaping the financial lives of ordinary Ghanaians.Let us break it down simply.Money in the Digital AgeCryptocurrency is digital money. Unlike the Ghanaian Cedi (fiat currency) in your pocket or your mobile money wallet, cryptocurrency exists purely on the internet, secured not by a bank or government but by mathematics and computer networks spread…
A two-hour flight from Accra to Dakar costs nearly the same as flying to London. A Ghanaian trader crossing into Burkina Faso spends more time at the border than she does on the road. A Cameroonian shop owner who has built his business in Durban for twenty years can have it dismantled in an afternoon by a mob, while the state watches.These are not isolated inconveniences. They are symptoms of the same structural failure. And from June 24 to 27, 2026, when African heads of state convene the African Union’s (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El Alamein, Egypt, they will…
A delegation from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has visited the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on a knowledge sharing and local content benchmarking study, with a view to deepen their understanding of the Board’s local content development practices in the areas of policy frameworks and implementation strategies, among other things. The delegation, led by the Director of Corporate Affairs at GNPC, Mr. Eric Pwadura, is on week tour of the NCDMB corporate headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and was received on Monday by the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe. Welcoming the delegation, the Executive Secretary…
The Finance Ministry was processing arrears due to political appointees who served at the Presidency between 2021 and 2024, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said. Speaking at a press briefing under the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, June 15, 2026, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said claims that the Mahama administration had increased the salaries of political appointees at the Presidency despite reducing their numbers was not true. He said former ministers, deputy ministers, and Members of Parliament who served in the previous administration had already received their ex…
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain, lost a court challenge on Tuesday that would have allowed him to enter Canada for his side’s World Cup opener in Toronto.Ottawa denied the Villarreal player a visa over the British charges, blocking him from playing for Ghana against Panama on Wednesday.Accra filed a request for an injunction in federal court on Tuesday seeking to set aside Ottawa’s decision.But broadcaster CBC said Judge Roger Lafreniere had dismissed the challenge.Shortly before the decision was handed down, Ghana’s veteran coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters in Toronto that his side…
By granting residency to Ken Ofori-Atta, US authorities have exposed international doubts regarding the legitimacy of high-profile corruption trials in Accra. By The Africa Report Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister. © Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images Published on June 16, 2026 at 14:29 pm (GMT +1) The United States has granted permanent residency to Ghana’s Ken Ofori-Atta, his lawyer said Tuesday, capping a saga that saw the fugitive ex-finance minister arrested by immigration authorities.Ofori-Atta, 66, has been in the United States since January last year to receive medical treatment including prostate cancer surgery.In January, however, he was arrested by…
Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras MubarakFormer Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has called on President John Mahama to take a tougher stance against the United States over the ongoing efforts to secure the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to face criminal charges in Ghana.In a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Ras Mubarak urged the government to halt all pending and future extradition requests from the United States and suspend defence cooperation with Washington until Mr Ofori-Atta is returned to Ghana.His comments follow reports that an immigration court in the United States has…
Thomas Partey will not be able to enter Canada for Ghana’s first World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday.Published On 16 Jun 202616 Jun 2026A Canadian court has dismissed an appeal by Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey after he was denied entry into the country for his team’s game against Panama at the World Cup.The Canadian government last week refused a visa for Partey, 33, after which his lawyers launched a last-minute appeal to the Federal Court in Ottawa, but the appeal was lost on Tuesday.The Black Stars will play Panama in their Group L match in Toronto on Wednesday.In dismissing…
The Ghana-South Africa Business Chamber has condemned recent xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and inconsistent with the principles of African unity and solidarity. In a statement signed by its President, Tony Sekyere, the Chamber said it had noted “with deep concern and disappointment” reports and disturbing images emerging from parts of South Africa involving acts of violence, intimidation, and attacks against foreign nationals, including members of the Ghanaian community. According to the Chamber, the incidents have generated widespread anxiety, anger, and distress among Ghanaians both at…
The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has called for the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) to provide accessible, transparent and equitable funding opportunities for graduate researchers following the official launch of the initiative.President John Dramani Mahama launched the Ghana National Research Fund on Tuesday, June 16, describing it as a major intervention aimed at addressing long-standing financing challenges in research and supporting Ghana’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.According to the President, the Fund forms part of the government’s broader “resetting agenda” and is intended to provide sustainable and predictable financing for research and innovation. He stressed that strengthening local…
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Ghana officials on Tuesday appealed Canada’s decision to refuse midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country for the team’s first World Cup match while he awaits trial on rape charges.A Canadian federal court heard the appeal Tuesday, just one day before Ghana faces Panama in Toronto.Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had criticized the visa denial for Partey, who awaits trial in Britain, as a “high-handed and extremely unfair decision.”Partey faces allegations from several women dating to his time playing for English club Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who played in Spain for Villarreal this past season, has pleaded not guilty.Partey’s lawyer…
By Ewoenam Kpodo Ho, June 16, GNA- The Volta Region’s reputation for peace has earned it the spotlight as a case study for national cohesion, with researchers saying its stability offers lessons for Ghana and Africa. The research team from the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS), Burma Camp, Accra, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Volta Regional Minister in his office, kicking off field research on the theme “National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development” for the College’s third cohort. The NCDS, the highest professional military education institute in the country, established in 2023, runs a course on a selected theme annually, leading to the award of a…
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has predicted that any attempt by Ghanaian authorities to extradite former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta from the United States would be a complicated and protracted process, particularly in light of his reported permanent residency status and legal representation. Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, June 16, Mr Kpebu said Ghana should not expect an easy path if it seeks to bring Ofori-Atta back to face any legal proceedings. “Obviously, it will be a lengthy and very complex legal battle,” he stated. According to him, the process could only be…
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Ghana, has donated two giant LED screens to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to enhance the institution’s worship services, further strengthening the ministry’s relationship with the university.In addition, the ministry presented 600 copies of Daily Manna, the church’s widely circulated devotional authored by William Folorunso Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the DCLM.The devotional books were handed over to the university’s management for onward distribution to staff as a resource for personal reflection, spiritual growth, and character development.According to Pastor Yaw Osei Owusu, Coordinator for the Western‑Central Zone of DCLM Ghana, the presentation fulfilled a…
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as the alleged encroachment and improper use of lands belonging to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).The issue was brought to the attention of the House on Tuesday, June 16, when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the status and utilisation of prime properties owned by the state broadcaster, particularly its lands at Kanda in Accra.According to him, there are growing concerns that portions of GBC’s lands may have been encroached upon or repurposed without sufficient public accountability or explanation.Addressing Parliament, Afenyo-Markin warned that any failure to safeguard the broadcaster’s…
The world’s attention is currently fixed on one event: the FIFA World Cup being hosted in North America. Across continents, conversations in homes, offices, restaurants, and social media platforms are dominated by discussions about matches, players, tactics, and predictions. For media houses, it is a period of intense coverage; for betting companies, heightened activity; and for football fans, an emotional rollercoaster.In Ghana, large screens are being mounted in communities, restaurants, and public spaces, drawing hundreds of supporters eager to cheer on the Black Stars. Yet, even though they are watching the same match, they will not necessarily experience it in…
Black Stars winger, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, says the team is fit, focused, and ready to make Ghana proud.He made the remark after one of the team’s training session as they prepare for tomorrow’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto.He said every member of the team was ready when called upon to represent the nation at where he believes was the biggest football platform.The Leicester forward told Ghanafa.com after Sunday’s training session at the Bryant University that the mood in camp was positive and the squad was determined to start the tournament strongly.“For training and preparation, it has…
FIFA has cautioned football fans and stakeholders to purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, hospitality packages, and travel products only through its official and authorised channels.The warning follows concerns by the world football governing body over the activities of a company operating under the name Match Experience Hospitality (MEH), in Accra, which is allegedly promoting and selling World Cup-related ticketing, hospitality, and travel packages without FIFA’s approval.In a disclaimer issued through FIFA lawyers on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, FIFA stressed that the company has no official relationship with the organisation and is not authorised to market or sell any World…
Egypt walked into their World Cup Group G opener against Belgium in Seattle carrying a curious psychological balance. Three wins in their previous four meetings against the Red Devils suggested a side that knew how to trouble European opposition, yet their own World Cup history remained stubbornly barren of victories. Belgium, meanwhile, came armed with pedigree and momentum, unbeaten in their last 13 group-stage matches at the tournament. On paper, it looked like a mismatch of experience and expectation. On grass, it became a lesson in control without penetration, largely defined by how effectively Egypt contained Jeremy Doku. Doku’s threat…