Sports
Hearts, Oly legendsto set Accra alight …in Peace Cup match
The McDan Park at La in Accra would become the epicentre of football bliss today when old players of Accra Hearts of Oak (AHOOPA) and Great Olympics (AGOOPA) clash in their inaugural Peace Cup Match.
Up for grabs are a cash prize of $10,000 and a giant trophy both donated by Dr Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of the McDan Group.
The game, which would be preceded by the official launch of AGOOPA, was initiated by the two old stars body to campaign for peace before and after the December 7 elections.
Expected at the game are various stakeholders including football fans, administrators, ex-stars, community leaders and political leaders with some scheduled to deliver messages of peace and solidarity.
Fans can expect to be treated to some eye-catching football with both sides sounding alarms of fielding a strong side consisting different generation of players who were the toast of football lovers during their prime.
In the Olympics camp, former AFCON winning stars, Captain Awuley Quaye and George Alhassan of the 1978 and 1982 squads respectively will lead the charge for ‘Agosu’. They will be joined by former Black Stars goal-tender Richard Kingson, Acquaye Mcclean, Nii Darko Ankrah, Dan Quaye, Afo Dodoo, Ayittey Dormon, Amoah Tawiah, Pee Lartey, Awuley Quaye Jnr, Awuley Quaye Snr and Issah Alhassan.
Others include Emmanuel Sackey, Godwin Attram and Moro Issah, while Olympics legend and former coach Isaac ‘Barrier’ Acquaye will coach the side.
On the Hearts team will be 2000 CAF Champions League winner and former captain, Amankwa Mireku and Hearts legend and 1978 AFCON winning player, Mohammed Polo.
Joining them will be Ali Jaara, James Nanor, Eben Dida, Adjah Tetteh, Collins Ampah, Don Tagoe, Tetteh Chandu, Theo Quarcoo, Adonabi Larbi and Kwesi Agyira, among others.
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
