Sports
Golf: AGolf: Akafo rides high in kafo rides high in MTN Invitational tourney
Felix Kwame Akafo emerged the new winner of the 2020 MTN Invitation Golf Tournament held at the Celebrity Golf Club in Accra on Saturday.
In a very strong field of golfers, Akafo produced a remarkable 41 points score to win the Men’s Group A division.
Ellias K. finished in second position after recording 39 points to place ahead of Christopher Mbii who came third with 38 points.
There was excitement in the Ladies event where Georgina Andoh won with 43 points ahead of Leticia Amponsah Mensah and Helen Appah in second and third positions.
The Closest to the Pin (Men) award was won by Isaac Awuni with Christopher Mbii winning the prize for the Longest Drive (Men).
Flora Hurtubise snatched the Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive prizes for the Ladies.
The event was held under the theme “Around the World in 18 Holes,” with over 100 golfers in attendance.
Board Chairman for MTN Ghana, Mr Ishmael Yamson, congratulated all players and winners for their efforts and urged them to train harder to better their fortunes in next year’s edition.
He was full of praise for the late Dr Plange Rhule in whose memory the tournament was played, saying “he was an inspiration to all.”
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
