Sports
Hearts eager to break Aduana Stars in Accra
• Sam Adams – Aduana forward
The Accra Sports Stadium will be fired up tomorrow when Hearts of Oak welcome league leaders, Aduana Stars to a tantalising betPawa Premier League match-day 18 clash.
The first round saw the visitors snatch a narrow 1-0 victory over the 10-man Phobians under the former Coach Samuel Boadu on match-day one.
Former forward Bright Adjei scored the only goal for the ‘Ogya’ lads at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park.
In their last meeting, Hearts recorded a 3-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at home and will aim to continue their fine form, despite conceding one defeat on home soil against Bechem United which ended 2-1.
The game will provide Hearts with a huge advantage to close up the gap, should they emerge victors.
Aduana Stars are undoubtedly the side with the best away record, having lost three, won won four and drawn two.
Despite top scorer Bright Adjei moving to Tanzania, the two-time Premier League winners have been solid with two wins and two draws in their last four outings.
Tipped as favourites for the title, Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin will count on the individual brilliance of Justice Torsutsey, Sam Adams, Adom Frimpong among others to pull the strings when it gets tougher.
Reigning champions Asante Kotoko will make a trip to the Nana Kronmansah Park to face Nsoatreman today in a dicey clash.
Kotoko will need a win to move into the top three after their 2-0 defeat to Dreams FC last weekend saw the Porcupine Warriors fall to fourth on the league log.
High-flying Bechem United will host Accra Great Olympics at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, while Tamale United welcome struggling Karela United at the Aliu Mahama Stadium on Sunday.
At the Dawu Theatre of Dreams, Dreams FC will hope to make it two straight wins when they lock horns with impressive Gold Stars after they cruised pass Kotoko 2-0.
The Nsenkyire Sports Stadium will see debutants Samartex tussle it out with Real Tamale United while poor performing King Faisal slug it out with Berekum Chelsea to round off the weekend.
Medeama SC and Legon Cities were expected to slot it out at the Akoon Tarkwa stadium yesterday.
By Linus Siaw Nartey
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
Sports
Black Stars face Mali test in FIFA World Cup qualifier – Preview
With only two rounds left, the Black Stars lead the table but can’t afford slip-ups against a Mali side still firmly in contention for a top two finish.
Ghana entered the September window with momentum, but a late setback against Chad pegged the team back in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars looked in control for large parts of the match, with Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike seemingly setting the team on course for a routine win. However, missed opportunities left the door open for Chad, who snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute.
The 1-1 draw cost Ghana the chance to extend their cushion at the top, though results elsewhere kept them three points clear of Madagascar and four above Mali.
For Mali, after a stop-start campaign that included too many draws, the Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros last time out – putting them firmly in contention.
Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all scored in a display that showcased both cutting-edge and balance, qualities Tom Saintfiet’s men have often lacked in recent games.
The visitors have proven difficult to beat, losing just once in seven outings, but their three draws have left them playing catch-up. Their defensive stability is impressive, with only four goals conceded so far, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the group.
What Saintfiet now demands is greater ruthlessness in attack, where Doumbia and El Bilal Touré have often flattered to deceive despite flashes of brilliance.
With the gap to second-placed Madagascar now three points, Mali knows victory in Accra would put them firmly back in the race for automatic qualification. Otto Addo’s side are still well-placed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but sharper finishing and greater control in midfield will be needed to avoid more late frustrations.
Home form has been a strong foundation for Ghana’s campaign, with the Black Stars unbeaten in Accra so far in the qualifying series following wins against Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Defensively, Ghana have conceded just six goals in seven games. With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew supporting Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams in attack, this Ghana side has plenty of quality to punish any opponent.
Both teams arrive with plenty to play for – Ghana aiming to consolidate their lead and Mali looking to force their way back into contention.
Ghana’s firepower, especially in Accra, makes them favorites, but Mali’s defensive organization and recent attacking revival mean this could be a far tighter contest than the standings suggest.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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