Sports
ERFA/RAG to engage Premier, DOL refs
The Eastern Regional Football Association (ERFA) and the Eastern Regional branch of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), have agreed to use the services of experienced referees from the Premier and Division One League (s) to assist in officiating in the upcoming football season.
The motive behind the agreement is to enhance officiating in the league, promote fair play and upgrade the standard of football in the region.
The ERFA believes that with fair officiating coupled with other measures, the second division league will be attractive for sponsorship from corporate bodies.
This decision came to light, after the Executive Council of the Regional Football Association (RFA) engaged leaders of the Eastern regional branch of the RAG to deliberate on measures to promote fair officiating in football in the region.
Out of the deliberations, the two bodies further agreed on a 25 percent increase of the Gh¢ 160.00 officiating fees paid to referees previously.
At the meeting, the leadership of the referees argued that, since 2016, they have maintained the same officiating fee of Gh¢160.00 and therefore needed an increment of 100 per cent of which the Executive Council rejected and rather proposed a 12 per cent increment due to the financial strength of clubs in the region.
However, upon further discussions, both parties concluded on a 25 per cent increment of the officiating fee.
The RFA also discussed how to ensure that promotion and demotion would be done so that the number of clubs participating in the division two league would be cut down from 74 clubs to 32 as directed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). –GNA
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
