Sports
Eyes on the Prize as Black Stars Host Comoros
The Black Stars are on the brink of securing Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance as they face The Coelacanths of Comoros in the final game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
A single point from the game will confirm Ghana’s spot at next year’s global tournament—the first in history to feature 48 teams and jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Coach Otto Addo’s side currently top Group I with 22 points, three clear of second-placed Madagascar. Despite the advantageous position, Addo insists the team must remain focused.
“The job is not done yet, we have to finish off well tomorrow against Comoros,” Addo stated after Ghana’s victory over the Central African Republic on Wednesday.
Comoros, fourth in Group I, are already out of contention for a World Cup berth. However, they could play spoiler by attempting a shock defeat of the Black Stars at home. Even in such a scenario, second-placed Madagascar would need to score eight unanswered goals against Mali to surpass Ghana—a near-impossible task.
Since taking over his second stint as head coach, Otto Addo remains undefeated in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His record includes:
- Wins against Mali (away), Central African Republic (Kumasi), Chad (Accra), Madagascar, and Central African Republic (Morocco).
- The only draw came against Chad away in N’Djamena.
Meanwhile, Comoros has a competitive edge in recent encounters with the Black Stars, holding two wins, a draw, and one loss in their last four matches. This gives them motivation to finish the qualifiers on a high note and please their fans.
Tomorrow’s clash promises to be thrilling, with Ghana aiming to secure qualification and Comoros seeking to maintain their impressive record against the West Africans.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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After 16 years of not hosting this fixture, the Swedru Stadium will come alive today as Swedru All Blacks welcome Hearts of Oak in a Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match Day 10 clash.
Both sides enter the game on the back of 1-0 defeats in their previous outings, setting the stage for an intense encounter as they aim to bounce back.
While Hearts fans are backing their coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, to secure his fourth away win of the season, the Swedru faithful, known as the “Ozii Ozaa,” have issued a stern warning to their head coach, Egyptian tactician Ahmed Ibrahim Fathi: “Win the game or risk losing your job.”
On paper, it is a challenging task given the visitors’ recent form. Nonetheless, Coach Fathi remains confident that the three points will stay in Swedru, having prepared his side to meet supporters’ expectations.
Meanwhile, tomorrow at the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko will rekindle their rivalry with league leaders Aduana FC in a GPL blockbuster. The Fabulous Lads, the only unbeaten team in the league, aim to maintain their perfect record, while Aduana FC coach Cioaba Aristica believes his side can stretch their lead at the top of the table.
Other fixtures this weekend include:
- Medeama SC vs. Eleven Wonders – University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Legon
- Bechem United vs. Samartex FC – Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem
- Berekum Chelsea vs. Nations FC – Golden City Park
- Basake Holy Stars vs. Vision FC – Ampain AAK II Sports Arena
- Heart of Lions FC vs. Young Apostles FC – Kpando Stadium
- Bibiani Gold Stars vs. Karela United – Bibiani Dun’s Park
Fans can expect exciting football and crucial points on the line as teams fight for league supremacy and to turn around recent fortunes.
By Raymond Ackumey
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Call it a night of celebration, where sports and music converge on one stage. The 50th edition of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards will take place tonight at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), promising an evening of glamour, recognition, and entertainment.
The Golden Jubilee edition commemorates 50 years of excellence since the awards’ inception in 1975, honoring Ghana’s best sporting heroes and heroines. The event will not only celebrate the present generation of athletes but also veterans who excelled over the past five decades.
High-profile guests include President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and AIPS President Gianni Merlo.
SWAG has prepared an impressive entertainment lineup, headlined by Afropop star Stonebwoy, with appearances expected from Fameye.
Golden Jubilee Ambassadors
Personalities to be decorated as 50th Anniversary Ambassadors include:
- Margaret Simpson – Athletics
- Azumah Nelson – Boxing
- Abedi Ayew Pele – Football
- Michael Essien – Football
- Kwadwo Asamoah – Football
- Stephen Appiah – Football
- Samuel Osei Kuffour – Football
- Adwoa Bayor – Football
- Alberta Sackey – Football
Awards Highlights for 2024
Coach of the Year: Frimpong Manso (Gold Stars) vs. James Kwesi Appiah (Sudan)
Referee/Umpire of the Year: Daniel Laryea (Football), Francis Yeboah (Badminton), Clement Smith (Athletics)
National Team of the Year:
- Black Queens
- National Badminton Doubles Team
- Golden Arms (Armwrestling)
- Black Cranes (Weightlifting)
Club of the Year: Police Ladies, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Faith Ladies, Bibiani Gold Stars
Top 5 Federations: Ghana Athletics, Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), Ghana Badminton, Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), Ghana Cricket Association (GCA), Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)
Other Awards:
- Athlete of the Year: Abdul Rasheed Saminu
- Boxer of the Year: Gideon Pappoe, George Dowuona, Mathias Ashittey
- Weightlifter of the Year: Emmanuel Amo Boateng
- Footballer of the Year – Male (Foreign Based): Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Kudus Mohammed
- Footballer of the Year – Female (Foreign Based): Grace Asantewaa, Chantelle Boye Hlorkah
- Footballer of the Year – Male (Home Based): Stephen Amankona, Benjamin Asare, Razak Simpson
- Footballer of the Year – Female (Local Based): Comfort Yeboah
- Student Athlete of the Year: Phillip Tetteh Odjer (Male, Athletics), Moslina Adu (Female, Badminton)
- Discovery of the Year: Yayra Akos Agozi (Female, Weightlifting), Michael Agyapong Mensah (Male, Table Tennis)
- Swimmer of the Year: Josel Mensah
- Badminton Player of the Year: Obaponba Adu Minta
- Puller of the Year: Mabel Yeboah
- Para-Athlete of the Year: Zainabu Issah
- Meritorious Awards: Moses Adu (Badminton), Husseini Akueteh Addy (Armwrestling)
- Dedication and Valour: Portia Boakye (Football), Yaw Agyeman (Athletics)
- SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award: Brestford Amui (Horse Racing/Administrator), Asamoah Gyan (Football), Andre Dede Ayew (Football), Anthony Yeboah (Football)
- Sports Administrator of the Year: Evans Kojo Yeboah (Badminton)
- Table Tennis Player of the Year: Emmanuel Commey / James Marfo
- SWAG President’s Award: Henry Arko
This year’s awards promise glitter, excitement, and recognition of Ghana’s finest in sports, both past and present, making it a night to remember.
By Andrew Nortey
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