Sports
Golfers chase top prizes in MTN Invitational tourney
Over 100 golfers across the country will converge on the Achimota Golf Club today to compete in the first 2021 MTN Invitational Golf Tournament.
It would be held under the theme,”The Year of the Customer: The Digital Experience,” would be played over 18 holes.
Distinguished golfers including last year’s winners, Felix Kwame Akafo and Georgina Andoh will be competing in their quest to retain their title.
They would, however, face stiff competition from other golfers including Isaac Awuni and Christopher Mbii while female contenders, Flora Hurtubiase and Leticia Amponsah Mensah would also be fierce challengers for the ultimate prize.
Mrs Hurtubiase, the 2019 winner especially has indicated her readiness to challenge for this year’s ultimate prize in the female category.
“I am looking forward to the tournament and working very hard to win again after coming close last year,” she stated.
Meanwhile, organisers have urged players to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols as they would ensure the safety of golfers and guests on the day.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Business Segment Manager at MTN, Emmanuel Gyasi commended players for consistently showing up and making the tournament a success.
“We are certain today would not be any different as the tournament improves every year,” he stated.
The competition, he said, would provide the platform for golfers to interact and share ideas as they take feedback to improve customer service.
“It is also a platform to share ideas, interact and get feedback from customers after the first quarter of the year which is very important to us,” he stressed.
He added that, attractive prizes would be given to distinguished golfers as they look forward to another opportunity to cement their relationship with golfers across the country.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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
