Sports
Bashir Hayford looks up to ‘heaven’ … for GFA technical director job
Former Somalia coach Bashir Hayford remains upbeat about his chances of landing Ghana’s technical director position.
The erstwhile Ghana women’s trainer is reportedly among three indigenous men listed for the job by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Three expatriates are also in contention, with all six candidates having already gone through interviews.
“I’m praying to God the Ghana Football Association will give me a chance to serve as a technical director,” Hayford told West FM.
“If I get the job, I will be able to meet all the coaches in Ghana as well as the national teams and also our clubs on how to turn things around to develop our football in the country.”
While the GFA is yet to release the identity of the six candidates, media reports say University of Cape Coast associate professor of physical education and sports psychology Joseph Kwame Mintah is among the leading contenders.
Former Asante Kotoko and Kano Pillars coach Abdul Malik Jabir, who applied for the job, is however out of the running, having revealed his inability to make the list for the interview stage.
Hayford’s last job in Ghana was leading the national women’s team to the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil.
It was not a good experience as the Black Queens disappointingly failed to make it past the group stage.
The coach also worked with Ghana Premier League sides Medeama, AshantiGold and Ebusua Dwarfs as well as the national men’s U-17 side.
According to a recent publication by the GFA, “the technical director role is a prerequisite of FIFA and Ghana intends to appoint his successor as soon as possible.
“The new technical director will be responsible for the technical development and progress of the GFA.
“His responsibilities also include planning and executing a long-term view of how to continually raise standards and innovations both on and off the pitch and to ensure that the path from development teams, (junior national teams) to Ghana men’s senior team (Black Stars) and women’s senior team (Black Queens) are always integrated, learning is shared and the basic principles of how we play are integrated.
“The select committee is expected to submit their report to the Executive Council and once approval is given, the new Technical Director will be announced.”
Ghana is on the search for a new technical director following the exit of long-serving Francis Oti Akenteng. – Goal.com
Sports
Benjamin Asare’s call-up inspires local players – Osei Asibey
Hearts of Oak defender, Osei Asibey, has acknowledged that the call-up of Benjamin Asare, the current number one goalkeeper of the Ghana Black Stars, has given confidence to many local players to work hard.
Asibey explained that playing for the senior national team is time-based, and at the right time, every local player will get their chance.
“The Black Stars belong to Ghanaians, and everybody will get the chance to play for the Black Stars when the time is right. Benjamin Asare is a local player, and he has gotten the chance. I’m sure when it is our time, the country would call us to serve,” he asserted
Osei Asibey added that Asare’s achievement shows that with hard work, local players can also receive Black Stars call-ups.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
