Sports
Hearts, Dreams in cliffhanger
Will it be a moment of revenge for Dreams FC when they welcome Hearts of Oak to the Theatre of Dreams, at Dawu in a thrilling match day 22 fixture of the Ghana Premier League tomorrow? Can Dreams make this possible after their leading scorer left few weeks ago to join Algerian outfit MC Algier.
These are some of the questions being asked as Joseph Esso’s absence will be greatly felt after he chalked 10 goals in 16 games for the ‘Still Believe’ lads before leaving the shores of Ghana.
Dreams fell prey to a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the hands of the Phobians in December and will be eager to avenge the disappointing first round result. Heartily, gaffer Vladislav Viric could count on the individual prowess of the dangerous trio of Agyemang Boateng, Emmanuel Ocran and Percious Boah to pull the strings for the side. The second round have seen the home team record just a single win in four games with two draws, conceding one defeat which have seen them drop from the top-four slot now to sixth position.
The Phobians, on the other hand, will be seeking to patch things up after the frustrating draw against Karela United last weekend. Not the best of starts from the visiting team, Hearts have managed only two victories with one defeat and a stalemate in their last four outings – and could use this daunting test to keep them in the title race should they pick all three points. Looking to close the two point difference on leaders Medeama SC, skipper Fatawu Mohammed and his charges would leave no stone unturned in their quest to keep their title hopes alive and end the trophy drought since they lasted lifted the trophy in 2009.
Second-placed Kotoko will travel to face Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium in a very dicey encounter. Kotoko were 1-0 winners in the first round, courtesy Osman Ibrahim’s solitary strike – but this time under a new gaffer Mariano Barreto. The Porcupine Warriors would be aiming to continue their dominance and find their winning spot on after they picked up their first lost after four games into the second round, following a 2-1 comeback win for Medeama SC.
Gradually moving out of the danger zone, the Royals could use this test to seal a crucial win and ensure they move from the relegation zone and secure a comfortable spot on the table. Struggling King Faisal will welcome fifth-placed Karela United to the Ohene Ameyaw Park tomorrow in a very crucial game where King Faisal should fancy their chances and secure a win to move them above 16th-placed Eleven Wonders.
Karela have failed to pick a single win in the last four games and will be aiming to return to winning ways.
Leaders Medeama will play as hosts to tricky Ebusua Dwarfs at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa as a win for the Yellow and Mauve lads will keep their pace for the title and extend the points. Should Dwarfs seal a victory, they will move from 11th to a mid-table spot.
Great Olympics will welcome Liberty Professionals to the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow with both sides aiming to secure a win.
Elmina Sharks will battle it out with Ashantigold in a very fearsome encounter at the Nduom Park tomorrow.
Aduana Stars will square off with Eleven Wonders in a very cagey affair today in Techiman.
Bottom-placed Inter Allies will have a huge mountain to climb tomorrow when they travel hours to face Bechem United at the Bechem Park.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
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
