Sports
‘NSA cannot afford cost if football returns behind closed doors’
The Board Chairman for the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr Kwadwo Baah-Agyemang, says the body cannot afford to bear the cost if football resumes behind closed doors at the various stadia across the country.
There have been reports that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is engaging government to ensure the football season continues behind closed doors as is being done in some parts of Europe.
The NSA boss Peter Twumasi had indicated in an interview that the clubs would have to pay up to GH¢60,000 should the season resume behind closed doors.
According to Mr Baah-Agyemang, the NSA will not be able to afford the cost that will be incurred when football is played behind closed doors.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, he said, “If the league would return and be played behind closed doors, the National Sports Authority can’t afford the cost that will come. We have to put some safety measures in place before the teams can play and all these require money.”
He also advised the Ghana FA not to rush in restarting the season because Ghana has its own peculiar problems in the fight against the COVID-19.
“We shouldn’t rush in returning football because we have to get things right first before making any decisions. I agree with the school of thought that the season should be cancelled.
“We shouldn’t rush if the Western world is already playing. If it’s easy, the EPL [English Premier League] would have started a long time. Other European countries are calling off their football seasons. Even France and Belgium have declared their champions and Ghana is of no exception.
“We need to ensure that we have the capacity to protect those involved in our game before even play resumes,” he added. – Ghanasoccernet
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
