Sports
Samartex, Nsoatreman cautious ahead of 2nd leg CAF ties
Emmanuel Mamah- Samartex FC
Ghana’s CAF continental club competition campaigners, Samartex FC and Nsoatreman FC, will look to finish off a successful first test in the first round of the preliminary stage of the Champions League and the Confederations Cup competitions this weekend when they take on their respective opponents.
Premier League champions, Samartex FC, will face Victoria United today in a second leg clash after earning a vital 1-0 away victory last week at the Douala Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.
FA Cup winners, Nsoatreman FC,also trounced visiting 10-man,Elect-Sports FC, from Chad 3-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghanaians expect to see both clubs sail through to the next round, but the coaches of the two sides are cautious.
For Samartex FC Head Coach, Nurudeen Amadu, tomorrow’s game will be approached as if there was no first-leg victory.
The winner of the tie will face either AS GardeNationaleNigérienne (AS GNN) of Niger or Raja Club Athletic in the second round in September. Raja Club Athletic take a 2-1 lead into the second leg this weekend in Morocco.
In faraway Cameroon today, Nsoatreman will aim to protect their 3-0 lead when they play as guests of Elect-Sports.
The coach of the side, Yaw Preko, has described the game as a very crucial one.
Coach Preko believes the game would be tough, judging by the standards Elect-Sports showed in the second half even with a man down.
The winner of the tie would face the winner of the CS Constantine of Algeria versus Police FC of Rwanda game. CS Constantine carry a 2-0 advantage into the second leg this weekend in Rwanda.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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
