Sports
Hearts, Dreams to rock Accra
Hearts of Oak new coach, Kosta Papic, will be targeting a first win for his side when they face Dreams FC tomorrow in a tricky tie at the Accra Stadium in a match week 5 encounter.
The Phobians’ winless streak from two games triggered the appointment of Papic – a coach who formerly guided Hearts to premier league success in 2008 – to take over from stop-gap manager, Edward Nii Odoom.
But the Serbian watched from the sideline after four days in charge as his side laboured to frustrating 0-0 draw against Karela United, a result assistant coach Asare Bediako pointed out highlighted their struggles with scoring.
Fortunately for the Phobians, the schedule handed them another home advantage to fix their shortcomings before setting off on the road for much difficult match days. As Papic aims to deliver Hearts a first win, he would be wary of Hearts former striker Joseph Esso, who would be eager to score against his former side.
In other games, a regional derby at the Carl Reindorf Park will witness Liberty Professionals against revived Great Olympics. Olympics should be hoping to continue their fairy-tale start to the season against a stubborn Liberty side.
In Obuasi, AshantiGold would be hoping to overcome their exit in the CAF Confederations Cup by recording their first GPL win against a well-drilled Elmina Sharks team.
League leaders Karela would hope to continue their good start against King Faisal.
Aduana Stars have a crunch tie in Dormaa against an improved Eleven Wonders side while Berekum Chelsea must dust-off the disappointment of their 1-0 loss to Ebusua Dwarfs to survive against WAFA at Sogakope.
The rest of match week five fixtures to be played today would see Inter Allies playing Bechem United at the Accra Stadium and Dwarfs facing Medeama SC in Cape Coast.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
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
