Sports
Ghana and South Korea share spoils in four-goal thriller
Ghana drew 2:2 with South Korea in their second high profile international friendly ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The Black Princesses conceded a penalty in the 15th minute after Comfort Yeboah committed a foul in the 18 yard box.
The Princesses pushed hard for the equaliser and found the back of the net minutes later through Stella Nyamekye who got on the end of a cross from Wasiima Mohammed to slot home.
Ghana pushed for the lead but couldn’t make their efforts count as the first half ended 1:1. After recess, Coach Yussif Basigi brought on Mafia Nyame in place of Asana Alhassan in midfield.
The partnership between Mafia Nyame and Stella Nyamekye was a delight as the former laid a pass to Jennifer Owusuwaa to put the Black Princesses ahead.
Ghana conceded another penalty in the 71st minute after Alexandra Emefa Tay had brought down a South Korean in the box for a penalty that was expertly converted to make it 2:2.
This match forms part of preparations for Coach Yussif Basigi and his team as they prepare for the first Group E game against Austria on September 2, 2024. The Princesses will later take on New Zealand and Japan in the other Group matches
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will kick off in Colombia from Saturday, August 31 – Sunday, September 22, 2024.
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
