Sports
Coach Ofei, one for present or future?
• Desmond Ofei
The 13th African Games Accra 2023 will go into Ghana’s rich sports history as the most successful games event for the number of medals won.
It was not a single-sport event like a football, athletics, boxing or cycling championships for one to boldly declare that Ghana hosted and won.
This is because Ghana’s 68 medal haul was the best by her standards but was not enough to even place her among the top five countries.
Those slots were occupied by Egypt with 101 gold medals, 46 silver and 42 bronze totaling 189 medals; followed by Nigeria with 47 gold, 33 silver and 20 bronze totaling 120 medals; South Africa with 32 gold, 32 silver and 42 bronze totaling 106 medals; Algeria with 29 gold, 38 silver and 47 bronze totaling 114 medals and Tunisia in fifth 21 gold, 27 silver and 39 bronze totaling 87 medals.
Ghana followed in a respectable sixth position with 19 gold, 29 silver and 20 bronze to bag a total of 68 medals.
The hosting was Ghana’s first and the construction of multi-purpose state-of-the-art sports facilities would surely leave a long lasting memories with fans.
Apart from the facilities, the performance of certain teams and individuals would
is the Head Coach of the victorious national U-20 football team, the Black Satellites, Desmond Sakyi Ofei.
Ofei had come to the limelight following his appointment as the Head Coach of the Black Satellites; a team that had struggled to emerge from the wilderness for some time, having failed to make any serious impact on the football scene after their giant-killing feat in 2003 when they conquered all to become world champions.
That appointment may have appeared unattractive to other coaches as a result of the Satellites poor run but perhaps, with little or no recognition for local coaches, Ofei, assisted by Ghana’s U-17 legend Nii Odartey Lamptey grabbed the opportunity.
Together with other technical hands, they made the most of it by guiding the Black Satellites to Ghana’s second African Games male football gold with a late Jerry Afriyie strike over Uganda.
Ofei has since been credited for the good work with the Satellites team which he inherited from his former boss, Samuel Boadu whose last assignment was the WAFU Zone B U-20 Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Under his watch, the team underwent some rebuilding, a process that saw the scouting of talents like Remember Boateng, Frederick Kesse, Michael Ephson, Mohaison Mahmoud and others to beef the squad.
In a few months’ time, he managed to turn the side into a winning one and showed promise in the games he played both in the tournament and preparatory ones towards it.
Within that period, every close follower of the team realises what the 36-year old Ofei, a UEFA Licence A holder brings to the table for the young, dynamic and upcoming local coaches. He was on point with his tactics which he changes based on what the opposition throws at him.
His relationship and communication with his charges is excellent. His connection with people working around him is also superb.
Ofei’s performance would surely reignite the debate about the need to involve the local coaches in building the national teams because they have something the foreign breed lacks.
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
Sports
Black Stars face Mali test in FIFA World Cup qualifier – Preview
With only two rounds left, the Black Stars lead the table but can’t afford slip-ups against a Mali side still firmly in contention for a top two finish.
Ghana entered the September window with momentum, but a late setback against Chad pegged the team back in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars looked in control for large parts of the match, with Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike seemingly setting the team on course for a routine win. However, missed opportunities left the door open for Chad, who snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute.
The 1-1 draw cost Ghana the chance to extend their cushion at the top, though results elsewhere kept them three points clear of Madagascar and four above Mali.
For Mali, after a stop-start campaign that included too many draws, the Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros last time out – putting them firmly in contention.
Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all scored in a display that showcased both cutting-edge and balance, qualities Tom Saintfiet’s men have often lacked in recent games.
The visitors have proven difficult to beat, losing just once in seven outings, but their three draws have left them playing catch-up. Their defensive stability is impressive, with only four goals conceded so far, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the group.
What Saintfiet now demands is greater ruthlessness in attack, where Doumbia and El Bilal Touré have often flattered to deceive despite flashes of brilliance.
With the gap to second-placed Madagascar now three points, Mali knows victory in Accra would put them firmly back in the race for automatic qualification. Otto Addo’s side are still well-placed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but sharper finishing and greater control in midfield will be needed to avoid more late frustrations.
Home form has been a strong foundation for Ghana’s campaign, with the Black Stars unbeaten in Accra so far in the qualifying series following wins against Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Defensively, Ghana have conceded just six goals in seven games. With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew supporting Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams in attack, this Ghana side has plenty of quality to punish any opponent.
Both teams arrive with plenty to play for – Ghana aiming to consolidate their lead and Mali looking to force their way back into contention.
Ghana’s firepower, especially in Accra, makes them favorites, but Mali’s defensive organization and recent attacking revival mean this could be a far tighter contest than the standings suggest.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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