Category: Local Sports

The Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has revealed that Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is satisfied with the condition of the Accra Sports Stadium pitch ahead of the team’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The senior national team began training on Monday and has since held two sessions at the stadium in preparation for their match on Friday, March 20, which is set to kick off at 19:00 GMT.

“We are on it. Yes, a lot of emergency renovation work is needed, and that is what we are doing. But, God willing, by game day, everything will be fine,” Ankrah said.

“If you look at the pitch, we have just two more treatment sessions left, and then it will be ready based on the specifications given by the coach to those in charge of the pitch.”

Commenting on the team’s preparations, Ankrah added, “As for the training, coach Otto Addo has mapped out his strategy for Chad, so he knows what he is looking for. So far, I have heard he is very happy with the pitch, and if there are any necessary adjustments to make it perfect for Friday, he will communicate them.”

The Black Stars are scheduled to train today, with their final session set for Thursday before the crucial qualifier.

Following their game on Friday, Ghana will face Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in their sixth match of the qualifiers.

Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has emphasized the importance of Ghana’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Chad, describing it as a must-win match.

The four-time African champions will face Chad in their Matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

Ghana is aiming for its first victory of 2025 after a challenging 2024 campaign, which saw the team secure only two wins in 10 matches.

Speaking to Happy FM, Paintsil expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, stating, “The Chad game is a must-win, and with the support of the fans, I know it will go well for us.”

He also stressed the broader significance of World Cup qualification, adding, “We all know what qualifying for the World Cup will do. It will bring opportunities, open doors, and create investment platforms.”

After the Chad match, the Black Stars will head to Morocco to take on Madagascar on Monday, March 24, in their Matchday 6 encounter.

Ghana currently leads Group I alongside Comoros, with both teams level on nine points after four matches.

Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has praised Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku for his unwavering commitment to securing Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Following the Black Stars’ shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades, attention has shifted to the World Cup qualifiers. Ghana is set to face Chad and Madagascar in crucial matches as part of their journey to the tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Gyan, who scored Ghana’s first-ever World Cup goal in 2006, lauded Okraku’s relentless efforts to ensure Ghana’s success in the qualifiers.

“Kurt Okraku is working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Ghana qualifies for the 2026 World Cup. We did not qualify for AFCON, and everyone is disappointed, and the players are aware of that, but we must now focus on helping the team qualify for the World Cup,” Gyan stated.

He added, “If Ghana fails, it will not be about individuals but the entire country. Kurt Okraku is bringing people closer to the team, which is a good thing. We are all ready to help ensure the team qualifies for the World Cup.”

The Black Stars are continuing their training today ahead of their Matchday 5 fixture against Chad, scheduled for Friday, March 20, at the Accra Sports Stadium. Following the Chad clash, Ghana will travel to Morocco to face Madagascar on Monday, March 24.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced that the Cape Coast Sports Stadium will undergo renovation and will be exclusively reserved for Black Stars matches.

The stadium, which previously hosted Ghana’s national team games ahead of the 2022 World Cup, has been barred by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting Category A matches.

Speaking to 3Sports, Mr. Adams outlined the government’s plan for the facility.

“If you look at the key stadium facilities we have, Cape Coast is the one that we will not spend so much [to] refurbish it quickly, and [we will] not allow any club to play there; just keep it as a national stadium for Black Stars only, for the meantime.”

He further revealed that the renovations aim to prepare the stadium in time for Ghana’s next round of World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

“So, we would have prepared it for the September and October window when we play the next qualifiers. After that, we can close Accra and Kumasi as well and make sure they are refurbished for competitions,” the Member of Parliament for Buem said.

Following the ban on Baba Yara Stadium by both CAF and FIFA, Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifying games will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad in their Matchday 5 fixture before travelling to Morocco for their Matchday 6 clash against Madagascar.

Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to secure victories in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

According to Adams, the team’s technical staff has assured him of their full preparation for the crucial matches.

After failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON for the first time in 20 years, the Black Stars are determined to make a strong comeback by securing a spot at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana is set to face Chad and Madagascar in Matchday five and six of the qualifiers.

Speaking on TV3’s Sports Station, Adams urged Ghanaians to rally behind the team, emphasizing their commitment to success.

“I saw their determination at training today. The technical team has assured me they are doing everything possible to win on Friday and Monday,” he said.

Training began on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with nine players reporting for the initial session. The team is expected to have a full camp ahead of their second training session later today.

The Black Stars will take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar at Stade Mimoun Al Arsi on Monday, March 24.

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has called on the club’s supporters to forgive the players for their missed opportunities in their 1-1 draw against FC Samartex.

The Porcupine Warriors faced Samartex at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Saturday as part of the Matchday 25 fixtures.

Despite creating clear chances to secure victory, Kotoko failed to capitalize on them, ultimately settling for a draw.

Speaking after the match, Coach Ogum expressed disappointment over the missed chances but urged fans to be understanding.

“I’m not happy about [missed chances]. If you look at the game, it was a tense game, and normally when players become tense, their technique also becomes tense,” he said.

“Even though there were obvious chances, we have to pardon the players,” he added.

Despite the draw, Asante Kotoko remain at the top of the league table with 38 points. Their next challenge will be against Young Apostles in a Matchday 26 fixture at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park on Wednesday.

Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has been charged by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee for failing to attend the mandatory post-match press conference following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Dreams FC.

The Phobians suffered their first league defeat in seven games on Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with an early goal from Abdul Razak proving decisive.

Following the loss, Ouattara allegedly failed to fulfill his post-match media obligations, an action the GFA deemed intentional and damaging to the reputation of the game.

The coach has until Tuesday, March 18, to officially respond to the charges.

This development comes just a week after Hearts of Oak was charged with breaching safety protocols upon the league’s resumption. The defeat marked Hearts’ first loss in the 2025 Ghana Premier League season after an impressive run of five wins and two draws.

It was also their first league setback since falling to fierce rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash in December 2024.

Currently sitting third in the table with 36 points—two behind league leaders Kotoko—Hearts of Oak will look to bounce back when they face Bechem United on Wednesday in a Matchday 25 fixture at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

Nsoatreman FC has officially withdrawn from the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, citing serious concerns over the security and safety of their players.

The decision comes after the former FA Cup champions narrowly escaped a potential attack ahead of their scheduled match against FC Samartex on Monday at DUN’s Park during the Matchday 23 games.

Following the tragic stabbing of an Asante Kotoko supporter during their Matchday 19 clash on February 2, Nsoatreman was banned from hosting games at Nana Kronmansah Park. Tensions have remained high, with reports suggesting that some aggrieved fans are planning retaliation. In a statement, the club emphasized that they were “forced to take this decision” to prioritize the well-being of their players.

Currently sitting 14th on the league table with 21 points, Nsoatreman was set to face Basake Holy Stars in their next fixture.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to respond to the club’s withdrawal.