Sports
Youth football team struggling without proper field
A local youth football team has become the pride of their community, but their dream of competing at higher levels is being thwarted by the lack of a proper football field.
Every afternoon, the boys gather with excitement, carrying their worn-out boots and one old football.
Their training ground is nothing more than a dusty open space filled with stones and uneven patches of grass.
On sunny days, they train under harsh heat with dust after every kick of the ball. When it rains, the ground quickly turns muddy, compelling them to stop practice completely.
Injuries are a common story for the young players. cuts, bruises, and twisted ankles happen often because of the rough surface.
“We have the talent, but no good place to train,” said Kojo, adding that as the team captain. “Sometimes we even play barefoot because our boots get torn on the stones.”
The players, most of them students, are determined not to give up. Despite the challenges, they train almost every evening after school. Their love for the game keeps them going. “Football is our passion. Even when we are tired from school, we come here to play,” said Yaw, a midfielder.
Parents and community members often gather to watch the boys practice. For many residents, the team represents hope and inspiration. However, there is growing concern that without proper facilities, the dreams of these young talents may never come true.
The team lacks not only a good pitch but also proper equipment. They share a single ball, play in torn jerseys, and mostly do not even own boots.
Yet, their determination shines through every training session. The players and their supporters are appealing to local authorities, NGOs, and sports organisations to come to their aid.
They are calling for the construction of a proper football pitches, supply of training kits, and opportunities to compete in organised tournaments.
For now, the dusty field remains their only hope. But the passion and determination of the boys show that with just a little support, they could rise beyond the limits of their community and make their dreams a reality.
*The author is a student of UNIMAC-IJ (BACS26172)
By Adizatu Yakubu
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.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
Sports
South Africa’s Badi Luxolo named as Referee for Ghana vs. Mali World Cup qualifier
Badi Luxolo from South Africa has been appointed as the centre referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I qualifier between Ghana and Mali.
The 30-year-old will be assisted by Phatsoane Souru (Assistant Referee I) from Lesotho, Cledwin Baloyi (Assistant Referee II) from South Africa, and Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo from Namibia as the fourth official.
Guezzaz Mohammed from Morocco will serve as the Referee Assessor, while Kachalla Babagana Kalli will act as the Match Commissioner.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
