Avram Grant's reign as Ghana coach ends

Avram Grant has ended his time as Ghana coach after more than two years in charge of the Black Stars. The Israeli's contract is shortly to expire and at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Ghana finished fourth, said there would be no renewal.

Grant said he had met with Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi and informed him "the time is right for me to move on to a new challenge". He led Ghana to the Nations Cup final in 2015 and the semi-finals this year. When he took the role in November 2014, Ghana was still reeling from a turbulent World Cup campaign in Brazil, where they failed to win a single match against a backdrop of off-field issues.

"I've hugely enjoyed my time in Ghana taking over after the disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign and rebuilding the squad to reach the final in the African Cup of Nations for only the second time in 23 years, and also the semi-final of this year's competition," he said. "And the passion and loyalty of the supporters is something I'll always remember." BBC