Sports
Police Ladies FC to get astro-turf
The Ghana Police Service will soon begin the construction of an artificial turf at the Police Training and Academy School at Tesano.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Lydia Donkor, said it will serve as home ground for its sports teams including the Police Ladies football team which serves as Chairperson.
The Police Ladies team currently uses the McDan La Town Park as their home ground for the Women’s league but ACP Donkor, who is the Head of Legal Prosecution at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, said on a Metro TV Sports Show that a home ground of their own will give them a huge advantage.
“It is our hope that we develop our pitch at the Police Training and Academy School. It will give us the chance to play in front of our people. We will enjoy considerable support from them. That will be a motivation for our girls.”
“We have a huge park which does not meet the standard for the league. When we develop and turn it into an astro turf, it could turn our fortunes around,” she said.
Meanwhile, ACP Lydia Donkor has commended the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its efforts to support clubs ahead of the resumption of the league season.
Football activities have grinded to a halt following the covid-19 outbreak and has in the process rendered every major player in the industry inactive.
With no matches to be played, players have been forced to be at home with administrators struggling to meet financial demands to players.
However, the FA has been trying to institute measures to cushion the clubs against the difficulties arising out of the situation.
That includes the distribution of footballs to the clubs and US$10,000 cash support.
ACP Donkor said what the FA has done was enough to be commended.
Comparing to previous years, she noted that the standard seen at women football games have improved tremendously and was confident that it will get better with more initiatives from the FA.
ACP Donkor also commended the media for its role this season, saying that, ‘we have enjoyed marvelous coverage from the media and that has helped in the hype for the women’s game. Now the players hear their names in the media and watch their games. This motivates the girls to do their very best.’
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
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
Sports
Black Stars face Mali test in FIFA World Cup qualifier – Preview
With only two rounds left, the Black Stars lead the table but can’t afford slip-ups against a Mali side still firmly in contention for a top two finish.
Ghana entered the September window with momentum, but a late setback against Chad pegged the team back in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars looked in control for large parts of the match, with Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike seemingly setting the team on course for a routine win. However, missed opportunities left the door open for Chad, who snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute.
The 1-1 draw cost Ghana the chance to extend their cushion at the top, though results elsewhere kept them three points clear of Madagascar and four above Mali.
For Mali, after a stop-start campaign that included too many draws, the Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros last time out – putting them firmly in contention.
Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all scored in a display that showcased both cutting-edge and balance, qualities Tom Saintfiet’s men have often lacked in recent games.
The visitors have proven difficult to beat, losing just once in seven outings, but their three draws have left them playing catch-up. Their defensive stability is impressive, with only four goals conceded so far, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the group.
What Saintfiet now demands is greater ruthlessness in attack, where Doumbia and El Bilal Touré have often flattered to deceive despite flashes of brilliance.
With the gap to second-placed Madagascar now three points, Mali knows victory in Accra would put them firmly back in the race for automatic qualification. Otto Addo’s side are still well-placed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but sharper finishing and greater control in midfield will be needed to avoid more late frustrations.
Home form has been a strong foundation for Ghana’s campaign, with the Black Stars unbeaten in Accra so far in the qualifying series following wins against Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Defensively, Ghana have conceded just six goals in seven games. With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew supporting Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams in attack, this Ghana side has plenty of quality to punish any opponent.
Both teams arrive with plenty to play for – Ghana aiming to consolidate their lead and Mali looking to force their way back into contention.
Ghana’s firepower, especially in Accra, makes them favorites, but Mali’s defensive organization and recent attacking revival mean this could be a far tighter contest than the standings suggest.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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