Sports
MTN/FA Round of 16 cracker: Aduana, Kotoko go for jugular
• Frederick Asare- Dependable goalie
The Nana Agyeman Badu I Park will be on fire when Aduana Stars welcome Asante Kotoko to a much-anticipated MTN/FA Cup Round of 16 clash on Sunday in the Northern Zone.
Both sides managed hard-fought victories over their opponents, where Kotoko saw off tier-two side Benab FC 2-1, while Aduana Stars recorded a late 3-2 victory over Division One League side, Tano Bofoakwa in the Round of 32 affair.
It will be the second meeting between both sides, having shared spoils in a goalless draw on match-day 10 in the betPawa Premier League last month.
Aduana Stars, who beat Hearts of Oak 2-0 on Sunday, have been on an incredible run, having lost just a single game in their last six outings – winning four and managing two stalemates.
The two-time Premier League champions, kept their spot on the league log and will also aim to kill the dream of favourites Asante Kotoko.
The latter saw a lift from fourth on the league to third, following their 1-1 away draw with Nsoatreman FC last weekend.
In their last five meetings, Kotoko have won two, lost same with one defeat – leaving the reigning Premier League winners seven points adrift leaders Aduana Stars after 18 games.
Struggling King Faisal will host Division One League outfit Steadfast FC on Sunday at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Two premier league teams, Real Tamale United will lock horns with FC Samartex at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, while Nsoatreman tussle it out with Debibi United on same day at the Nana Kwamansah Park
In the Southern Zone, last year semi-finalists, Dreams FC, will host Liberty Professionals at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday – a venue they punished Kotoko 2-0 in their last home game.
On Sunday, the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast will see Ebusua Dwarfs clash with Kotoku Royals.
Legon Cities will be at the El Wak Stadium against Volta Rangers on Sunday, while two most in-form clubs, Heart of Lions and Skyy FC square off in a potentially explosive clash at the Kpando Stadium same day.
By Linus Siaw Nartey
Sports
Otto Addo names 23-man squad for Chad and Madagascar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
The team, led by captain Jordan Ayew includes three home-based players: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama SC and Razak Simpson of Nations FC.
Deputy captain and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the squad after missing four of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year. With over 50 appearances for Ghana since his debut in June 2016, Partey brings valuable experience to the team.
Other notable inclusions are Kamal Deen Sulemana of Southampton FC and Jerry Afriyie of CD Lugo. Sulemana has regained full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, while Afriyie retains his spot after impressing in the match against Niger in November last year.
Belgium-based Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk, has also received an invitation. The left-footed right-winger, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, began his career with Accra Shooting Stars before joining Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 and later Genk in July 2023.
The team will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, and train for four days before hosting Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco to face Madagascar in another Group I match on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Ghana are currently second in Group I with nine points from four matches after securing three wins and one defeat, leveling them with Comoros.
Ghana’s qualifying campaign began with a 1-0 win over Madagascar, followed by a loss to Comoros. They bounced back with consecutive victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in June last year to keep their chances of qualification intact.
Below is the full Squad:
Sports
Twelve players left out of Black Stars squad due to injury
Twelve players could not make the Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.
They include Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nuruudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Idrissu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Painstil.
The injury details are as follows:
Alidu Seidu (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Rehab), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle Ligament Injury), Brandon Thomas Asante (Muscle Tear), Abdul Mumin (Anterior Crucial Ligament), Joseph Aidoo (Muscle), Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (Ankle), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Recovering), Baba Idrissu (Recovering), Ibrahim Sulemana (Adductor Tendonitis), Daniel Kofi Kyereh (Knee), Majeed Ashimeru (Rebuilding from injury – Needs time to fully recover), Joseph Painstil (Quadriceps)
