Sports
Let’s brace for tough 2026
But for the qualification of the Black Stars to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, the year 2025 would have passed as an incredible one for the least-financed group of sports federations.
It demonstrates why football is considered the biggest sport globally. It attracts the attention of all, including active players or followers of the rivaled disciplines.
So, even when some of these least-financed disciplines were battling hard at several platforms to win medals to boost Ghana’s image on the international sports map, the greater focus was on the qualifiers for the football showpiece.
It may be considered unfair in certain quarters but such is the weight of the sport that potentially gather 100,000 followers together at one place if there is a facility to accommodate them.
That, notwithstanding the achievement of the other disciplines cannot also be swept under the carpet. They must be given the recognition they deserve.
Apart from the World Cup qualification, sports disciplines like armwrestling, badminton, taekwondo, athletics, table tennis and amateur boxing also distinguished themselves in the year under review.
Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President, Richard Akpokavie, described it in the committee’s end-of-year statement as “a period marked by significant strides and memorable achievements across the breadth of our national sports landscape.”
Under the period, Ghanaian athletes excelled in various championships including the first Africa School Games and the African Youth Games, WAFU Zone B championships for the various age groupings, badminton championships, and others.
Perhaps, the Ghana Olympic Committee’s (GOC) planned launch of a new four-year strategic plan designed to professionalise structures and enhance governance that will build on the success achieved this year.
For the sport of professional boxing, the year 2025 represents one of the most difficult ones with tough challenges that left them with a long journey to navigate.
Few months after a Nigerian boxer died in a Ghanaian ring, another shocking death was recorded.
Ernest Akushey passed on barely two weeks after a fight, throwing the entire boxing fraternity into confusion over the cause of death.
That obviously provided the grounds for which a legitimate management board of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) was put aside, giving way to an interim body that was to end its work in December.
All that said and done, the focus in the New Year must be on what to do to write the wrongs of the past year to make sports better.
Obviously, the Black Stars preparation and participation at the World Cup would be high on the sector’s agenda, knowing the goodies we stand to gain as a nation.
The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Athletics Championships is another major championship that would attract athletes from the entire continent of Africa.
The Black Queens would also be engaged in the next AFCON in Morocco.
As usual, it would be another busy year for sports but the approach must switch from mere participation to winning laurels to make Ghana great again.
By Andrew Nortey
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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