Sports
Kotoko ready for ES Setif test
Asante Kotoko will hope to overcome the bad spell of results that has followed them against Algerian outfits when they encounter Algerian giants ES Setif tomorrow in a CAF Confederations Cup crunch tie.
The game which is the first of two legs will determine the side that advances to the group stage of the competition whilst also affording the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ the opportunity to accost the Algerian nemesis that has been an Achilles heel’s in most of the continental ambitions.
In the last three decades, the porcupines have failed to advance ahead of Algerian opposition in five meetings; the recent heartbreak was in 2015 against MC Eulma who grabbed a 2-1 winner at the Baba Yara Stadium after Kotoko forced a goalless tie in Algeria.
Aside the struggles against Algerian sides, this game at the Accra Sports Stadium will also be an opportunity to save some pride against Northern African opponents.
Sudanese side, Al Hilal beat Kotoko at the venue last December by a lone goal and eventually ousted the Asanteman team to CAF’s lower competition.
Fortunately, the Porcupine proved last Sunday to have the knack of breaking records when they shattered league side, Karela’s enviable five year unbeaten run at CAM Park in Aiyinase with a 2-0 win.
When the likes of top marksman Kwame Opoku with seven goals, midfielders Emmanuel Gyamfi, Latif Anabila, Emmanuel Sarkodie and defenders Abdul Ganiu and Imoro Ibrahim who were all integral in the scalp of Karela take the field tomorrow, they will be hoping to deliver a similar record-breaking feat against the Algerians.
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
