Sports
Kotoko, Aduana to set Accra ablaze

The enthralling Ghana Premier League continues across all league centres with the Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars tie topping the crackers of the 10-week liners.
Although Kotoko are gradually picking up the pieces after garnering four points from a possible six, the Porcupines will be eager to sit top of the table when they invite struggling Dormaa outfit to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Aduana boys are having a patchy run, failing to pick up a single point in their four away games. A win against Kotoko could power them to a top -our spot.
However, the Accra Stadium will this afternoon sparkle up with fifth-placed Great Olympics looking to end the unbeaten run of league leaders Karela United. A though contest it will be for the ‘Dade’ boys under new gaffer Yaw Preko, who have enjoyed some series of good runs with a recent comfortable 2-0 win against rivals Inter Allies.
The Anyinase-based side would have to defy all odds to maintain their top spot after that emphatic (4-1) victory over Berekum Chelsea last weekend. The tactical brilliance of Evans Adotey and Yaw Preko will be on display this afternoon.
With both sides gradually dripping into the relegation zone, Dreams FC will welcome Liberty Professionals to the Dawu Theatre of Dreams in a stiff affair. The ‘Still believe‘ lads have not been able to snatch a single point in their last three games and will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways, while Liberty – after their home defeat to Dwarfs, will want to fight fiercely for the optimum points today.
Drooping at the bottom of the log, King Faisal will travel to square off with Eleven Wonders at Techiman on Sunday. Without a single win after nine games, Faisal will be eager to feed on Coach Ignatius Ofosu and his charges to amass their first win of the campaign, whereas Wonders would want to put their defeat against Hearts behind them and record their third win.
Title contenders Bechem United will make a trip to the central part of Ghana to engage Elmina Sharks in a fearsome encounter. Having picked one defeat in nine games, the Hunters will aim to progress with their fine form against a very slippery Sharks who appear to be a difficult side to beat at the Nduom Park.
Not an impressive side with two wins in nine games, Berekum Chelsea will be at the Golden City Park as hosts to fourth-placed Hearts today. The high flying Phobians will be seeking to continue their good run after picking up three wins and one draw in their last four games. However, Hearts will miss the services of talisman Manaf Umar due to suspension, but gaffer Kosta Papic would be much elated with the return of forward Kojo Obeng Junior as Manaf’s replacement.
With two points above the relegation zone, Chelsea will be eager to make amends against a composed Hearts side, following the 4-1 heavy defeat to top spot Karela United last Sunday.
Having defeated Aduana Stars by a slim 2-1 win last weekend, Medeama in their quest to chase top-four spot, will be aiming to deepen the plight of relegation- threatened Inter Allies who have failed to win in their last two games with the most recent against rivals Olympics. Sitting 16th on the league log, the Allies will have a hard nut to crack on Sunday at the Akoon Park in other to escape relegation.
Ebusua Dwarfs will welcome Sogakope side WAFA to yet another fascinating encounter at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium tomorrow. Bottom club Legon Cities and second-placed AshantiGold were slotting it out at the Accra Sports Stadium as of press time.
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