The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League (GPL) officially kicked off today, Friday, September 12, with the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, hailing the season as “unique and historic.”

According to the GFA president, this year’s campaign is backed by “unprecedented direct financial support to all GPL clubs” and a record prize money pool of GHS9.5 million. He described these interventions as a bold step toward strengthening Ghana’s top-flight league, raising standards, and creating a more competitive football environment.

Simeon-Okraku also called for “keen but healthy competition,” stressing the importance of discipline and fair play following last season’s violent incidents, which tragically led to the death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley.

“As we open a new chapter in Ghana’s football journey, I wish every club a progressive season,” he said. “Together with players, officials, supporters, partners, and all stakeholders, we must make the Ghana Premier League not only the pride of our nation but one of the very best on the African continent.”

He further noted that the 2025/26 season represents the beginning of a new era for Ghanaian football, which he described as the “GPL revolution.”

Defender Alexander Djiku scored the only goal of the match as Ghana’s Black Stars edged past Mali 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday night, strengthening their hold at the top of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The win takes Ghana to 19 points, keeping them ahead in a tightly contested group after a shaky 1-1 draw with bottom side Chad last Thursday. With Comoros defeating the Central African Republic 2-0 on Sunday, the pressure was on Ghana to secure maximum points and maintain control of the group.

Coach Otto Addo made four changes to his lineup, handing a debut start to late call-up Kwasi Sibo. Despite a frustrating first half where chances were scarce—Antoine Semenyo wasting the best opportunity after fine work from Mohammed Kudus—Ghana found their breakthrough shortly after the restart.

In the 47th minute, Jordan Ayew’s corner was met by Djiku, who bundled the ball into the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Ghana pressed for a second goal, with Kudus and Semenyo combining well, but the Malian defense held firm. Substitutes Kamaldeen Sulemana, Joseph Paintsil, and Iñaki Williams added fresh energy, with Paintsil impressing with his direct runs.

Mali, however, refused to relent, pushing the Black Stars deep in the final minutes. The visitors furiously appealed for a penalty in stoppage time after contact involving Jonas Adjetey, but the referee waved play on—a decision that sparked heated protests at the final whistle.

Security had to escort the match official off the pitch as frustrated Malian players surrounded him.

Despite the tense finish, Ghana’s narrow victory keeps them in a commanding position with two games remaining against Chad and the Central African Republic, as they push towards a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo has expressed optimism about Ghana’s qualification chances for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s disappointing draw against Chad in their last qualifier.

Ghana currently lead Group I with 16 points, followed closely by Comoros with 15, Madagascar on 13, Mali on 12, the Central African Republic on five, and Chad bottom with just one point.

Speaking ahead of Ghana’s crucial clash with Mali on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium, Addo admitted the Chad result was frustrating but believes the team has learned vital lessons.

“The entire team felt disappointed after the draw against Chad because expectations were high for us to win. We’ve analysed the game and I believe we’ve learned from it. Playing at home with our fans behind us will give the players the motivation to deliver. I expect something different this time,” he said.

Addo acknowledged Mali’s quality but insisted Ghana’s fate remains in their own hands. “It will be a very difficult game because Mali are in good shape, but we must keep the pace high,” he stressed.

When asked about pressure over his future should Ghana fail to win, Addo brushed off speculation. “I’m not afraid of anything, just God. I’m sure we’ll show a different face and win,” he said.

The Black Stars will be without Sulemana Ibrahim (injury) and Elisha Owusu (suspension), while Derrick Kohn awaits FIFA clearance. However, Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku are fit again after missing the Chad fixture.

Ghana face Mali at 19:00 GMT on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.