An injury update on Sunderland defender Omar Alderete
Sunderland will reportedly face the winners of the 2026 Democracy Cup in a friendly
Sunderland will play a friendly against the winners of Ghana’s Democracy Cup next year, according to reports.
The domestic competition was launched by the West African nation in 2024 to celebrate 30 years of parliamentary democracy, and is aimed at promoting peace through football. The inaugural trophy was won by Asante Kotoko SC, with Accra Hearts of Oak securing this year’s title with a 1-0 victory over Great Olympics at the University of Ghana Stadium back in early September.
And in an event acknowledging sponsors and partners of the 2025 Democracy Cup in Accra on Wednesday night, moderator Henry Asante Twum, with the approval of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, explained that an agreement had been struck to ensure that the winners of the 2026 tournament will travel to Wearside to face Sunderland, as per Ghana Soccer Net.
What has been said about Sunderland and the Democracy Cup 2026?
The host said: “Through the efforts of the organisers, Primeval Media Limited, and the Office of the Right Honourable Speaker, we have secured a partnership with Sunderland Football Club in England. So, the winner of the next edition will travel to England.”
During the event, a framed number three jersey, representing Bagbin’s rank in Ghana’s political hierarchy, was reportedly presented to the political figure as a gift from Sunderland. The Black Cats have had five Ghanian players on their books over the course of their history, including, most recently, promotion-winning loanee Salis Abdul Samed.
Delving further back into the past, the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah, and Asamoah Gyan have also donned the famous red and white jersey. Of that quintet, it was Gyan who made the most appearances and scored the most goals, netting 11 in 37 outings during a year-long stint between 2010 and 2011.
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The former striker, who cost Sunderland a then-club record £13 million, announced his retirement from the professional game in 2023, saying at the time: "I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career. A moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears, it is time. That voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time. It is time to hand the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.
"But then again, I am minded by views shared by great businessmen and sporting gurus, 'You do not leave your love', together with my management, we will continue encouraging and pushing young talents. I will put my experience and knowledge to use in the field of coaching, football business and scouting. I want to thank my beloved country Ghana, my family, my colleagues from school, those from colts and Blackstar from 2002 to date, club mates, coaches and everybody who has played a role in my career as a footballer, I say thank you."
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