Sports
RTU dare Hearts in fiery Tamale cracker
• Manaf Umar – RTU’s attacking midfielder
The Aliu Mahama Stadium will come to a standstill tomorrow when Real Tamale United (RTU) host Hearts of Oak to a cagey encounter in a scorching betPawa Premier League match-day 16 tie.
The hosts, who succumbed to an embarrassing 6-2 defeat to Bechem United on Wednesday, would have to appease their fans and get back to winning ways.
RTU have won six of their seven games on home soil, losing 1-0 to Medeama SC on match-day 3, which gives the team huge boost of replicating their home dominance over Hearts.
With the exit of skipper David Abagna Sandan to Sudanese club Al Hilal, the likes of Manaf Umar, Issah Kuka, Mohammed Sadat and Stephen Badu have been instrumental in RTU’s resurgence and would ensure they give Hearts a run for their money.
Hearts were held to a pulsating 0-0 goalless draw by Legon Cities in the Accra derby in midweek, a result which has left the fans still in big doubt as to whether their sweat merchant – Slavko Matic, could turn things around.
The Phobians have managed only a win in their last four outings against Medeama SC – with all three ending in draws against King Faisal, Samartex and Legon Cities.
The likes of Kojo Obeng Jnr, Eric Esso, Samuel Inkoom, Caleb Amankwah, Amankwah Baafi and new inclusion Linda Mtange have been an integral part of Hearts progress – and with the return of Suraj Seidu, Gladson Awako and Dennis Korsah, the Phobians stand the favourite.
League leaders Aduana Stars will hope to continue their fine form when they welcome Nsoatreman at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park tomorrow.
It will be a battle for survival when two struggling clubs – Tamale City lock horns with bottom-placed Kotoku Royals at the Aliu Mahama Stadium today.
In other games, second-placed Bechem United will battle Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park tomorrow, while impressive Goldstars welcome poor-performing Karela United to the Dun’s Park same day.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, Great Olympics will face Dreams FC while new entrants Nsoatreman take on Medeama SC.
On Monday, reigning champions, Asante Kotoko will have a tough hurdle to cross when they welcome Accra Lions to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium at Kumasi.
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
