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Can Kotoko halt Karela’s run?

League leaders Karela United’s attempt to extend their lead at the top of the league will face fierce opposition today when they contend with Asante Kotoko in a match-day 13 Ghana Premier league clash.

Karela have taken the league by storm shocking many pundits with their early climb to the summit and their sterling performance that has seen them lose just two out of 12 games.

Impressively, the ‘Passion and Pride’ boys have won all six games at their dreaded CAM Park at Anyinase, dispatching off opponents with ease.

Despite this impressive run, Coach Evans Adotey’s boys may face the biggest threat to entrench their home invincibility against a Kotoko side who are yet to lose on the road in six outings and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the homeside in a similar fixture at the CAM Park last year in the truncated league.

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Both sides boast clinical arrowheads as Karela have in their fold the league’s top-scorer Diawiase Taylor whilst Kotoko striker Kwame Opoku would be eager to score after failing to hit the back of the net in three games.

At the Accra Sports Stadium, Hearts of Oak would pitch their strength against a resurgent Legon Cities in a local derby. Cities would be eager to continue their fine form that has seen them climb drastically out of the claws of relegation into 11th on the league log. This aim would be a long-shot with the ‘Phobians’ losing two Accra derbies against Allies and Olympics, they would be eager to reclaim some pride in the capital against Cities.

In other games, high-flying Olympics will be eager to maintain their momentum against Bechem United but would be required to produce double of their scintillating displays as Bechem United are undefeated at the Nana Gyeambour Park whilst WAFA’s quest to overcome their 3-0 loss in Dawu against Dreams would be a herculean ordeal against Aduana at Dormaa.

At the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi, Ashantigold who are suffering a loss of form after going winless in three games face Liberty Professionals who like the ‘Miners’ have lost their way and must carve a winning plan as they battle with the threat of relegation.

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Dreams FC, who are on the ascendancy, will face a difficult task trekking to Bechem to face XI Wonders, who despite a promising start have stuttered with a run of bad results with Elmina Sharks confronting Berekum Chelsea at the Nduom Park.

King Faisal would be hoping to repeat their splendid displays that saw them bounce back from 3-0 down to win 4-3 against Berekum Chelsea on Matchweek 11 against Medeama, despite losing to Olympics 3-1 in Accra on Wednesday, ‘Alhaji Gruzah’ boys have shown a determination to avoid the relegation drop with top marksman Kwame Peprah leading the charge.

Bottom-placed Inter Allies’ hopes to revive their season would have to pass the litmus test against stubborn Ebusua Dwarfs who have proven to be good travelers this season when the two sides clash in Accra.

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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.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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