The Minister first visited Asante Kotoko at their training ground, where he inspired the players to restore the club’s historic glory on the continental stage.

Addressing the team, he emphasised the need for discipline, teamwork, and determination, urging them to rise to the expectations of millions of fans in Ghana and abroad.

He later met the Bibiani Gold Stars team at their hotel, where he encouraged the players to believe in themselves as they make their maiden appearance on the continental stage. He called on the team to seize the opportunity to write history and prove that their consistency in the domestic league can be translated into success in Africa.

As a mark of his personal support, Hon. Kofi Adams donated GH¢10,000 each to Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars to aid their preparations.

The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to creating the right environment for clubs to excel internationally through policies, infrastructure, and technical support. He further assured the teams of the nation’s backing as they fly the Ghana flag high on the continental stage.

Credit: Ministry of Sports & Recreation

The Minister was led by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene and accompanied by the Ministry’s Chief Director Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah and Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister.

Hon. Adams reported that, despite a major upgrade in 2022, Baba Yara now needs immediate pitch re-grassing, flood-light repairs and spectator-area refurbishment to satisfy CAF licensing standards ahead of Asante Kotoko’s and Bibiani Gold Stars’ continental fixtures.

He added that the Nyinahin Youth Resource Centre—planned as a 5 000-seat multi-sport hub—has remained uncompleted since the contractor left site in November 2024.

Commending the Minister’s hands-on approach, Otumfuo pledged: “I will lead the fund-raising drive among our major mining companies to ensure Baba Yara is match-ready and the Nyinahin complex is finally completed.”

He requested the Ministry to submit detailed cost estimates immediately so that resources can be mobilised without delay.

Hon. Adams welcomed the commitment, emphasizing that collaboration between traditional leadership, government and the private sector is essential to safeguarding Ghana’s sporting heritage.

He assured Otumfuo that engineering teams will finalise and forward the estimates within days and that a joint task force will track progress to guarantee transparency and timely delivery.

The meeting highlights the Ministry’s nationwide push to revive key sports venues, restore community pride and strengthen Ghana’s capacity to host elite competitions.

Credit: Ministry of Sports & Recreation

Berkane’s goalless draw against Luanda Sol in Angola cemented their dominance in Group D, while Stellenbosch triumphed over Stade Malien to join the Moroccans in the next round.

Meanwhile, USM Alger overcame Orapa United in Botswana to top Group 3.

Zamalek Cruise Past Black Bulls to Secure Quarter-Final Spot

Title holders Zamalek SC advanced to the quarter-finals with an authoritative 3-1 victory over Black Bulls in Mozambique on Sunday.

The Egyptian giants remain unbeaten in Group D and lead the standings with 11 points, confirming their progression with one match to spare.

Hossam Ashraf emerged as the star of the night, netting twice in quick succession early in the second half.

His first came in the 51st minute when he pounced on a deflected cross to fire Zamalek ahead. Just two minutes later, he doubled his tally with a deft finish following sustained pressure from the hosts.

Black Bulls responded through Egaita Efone, who pulled one back in the 62nd minute with a well-placed header. However, Zamalek’s Ahmed Sayed Zizo sealed the win in the 83rd minute, finishing a brilliant solo effort to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.

The result leaves Black Bulls at the bottom of Group D with four points, eliminating their chances of advancing further.

Stellenbosch 2-0 Stade Malien: South Africans Book Quarter-Finals Spot

Stellenbosch FC advanced to the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Stade Malien in South Africa on Sunday.

Fawaz Basadin opened the scoring in the 30th minute from the penalty spot with a composed finish. Nine minutes later, Jayden Adams doubled Stellenbosch’s lead with a precise header following a well-delivered corner.

The South Africans controlled the game throughout and moved to nine points, consolidating second place behind Berkane in Group D. Stade Malien, with four points, faces elimination as Stellenbosch joins Berkane in the knockout stage.

Luanda Sol 0-0 Berkane: Moroccan Side Secures Top Spot

Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane held Angola’s Luanda Sol to a 0-0 draw on Sunday in the fifth round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, securing their position at the top of Group B.

Despite fielding a rotated squad, Berkane came closest to breaking the deadlock, showcasing dominance in possession and creating the better chances. With this result, Berkane now has 13 points, four points clear of Stellenbosch in second place.

Luanda Sol remains winless and rooted to the bottom of the group with just two points, while Berkane and Stellenbosch have both secured their spots in the quarter-finals ahead of the final group match.

USM Alger 2-1 Orapa United: Algerians Top Group 3

USM Alger secured their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Botswana’s Orapa United on Sunday.

Sekou Gassama put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute, while Hossam Ghosha doubled their advantage in the 60th. Orapa United managed a late consolation goal through Kamogelo Moloi, but it was not enough to prevent their fifth group-stage defeat.

USM Alger now leads Group 3 with 11 points, sealing qualification with one game to spare, while Orapa United remains bottom with two points.

Constantine Cruise Past Sfaxien to Secure Quarter-Final Spot

CS Constantine confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Tunisian side CS Sfaxien at the Hamlaoui Stadium on Sunday.

Zakaria Ben Chaa starred with a brace, netting in the 31st and 71st minutes, while substitute Mondher Tamine added a late third in stoppage time.

The Algerian side opened the scoring after Ben Chaa combined well with Dhib before coolly slotting the ball past Sfaxien goalkeeper Dahman.

Sfaxien struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their best opportunity coming early in the second half when Basha’s strike was denied by goalkeeper Bouhalfaya.

Constantine doubled their lead when Ben Chaa capitalized on a defensive error, finishing with precision after a neat exchange with Dhib.

Tamine sealed the win with a solo effort in added time, dribbling past the Tunisian defence to bury the ball into the net. Constantine now leads Group 1 with 12 points, while Sfaxien remain bottom without a single point.

Credit: CAF 

The CAF Interclub Committee received a report from the match officials on the matter and decided on the following:

• The two legs of the match will now be played in Congo Brazzaville

• The first leg, Match No.31 (where 15 Agosto is the host team), will be played behind closed doors on 25 August 2024. FC 15 de Agosto de Akonibe will be responsible for all costs related to the organisation of the match.

• The second leg, Match No. 32, will be played two or three days later with spectators, and Association Sportive Otohô be responsible for the organization of the match.

Credit: CAF

The CAF Magazine is available online and also in hard copy – in English and French.

• French version
• English version 

It is hoped that this small contribution to the ‘memory library’ plays a significant role in shaping a new narrative for African football.

The triumph not only marks Nsoatreman’s first major trophy but also earns them the honour of representing Ghana in the prestigious continental competition.

Led by experienced coach Maxwell Konadu, Nsoatreman SC demonstrated remarkable resilience, fighting from behind to secure their place in African football.

Bofoakwa Tano took an early lead in the 22nd minute through a well-placed goal by Richard Dzikoev in Sunday’s final at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.

The Sunyani-based team appeared poised to lift the trophy as they maintained their lead deep into the second half.

However, with just 11 minutes left, Sadat Mohammed of Nsoatreman SC struck a crucial equaliser, ensuring the game would head into extra time.

Despite both teams creating numerous opportunities, neither could find the back of the net during the additional 30 minutes, leading to a tense penalty shootout.

Nsoatreman SC held their nerve and emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline, sparking jubilant celebrations among their players and supporters.

The victory not only brings glory to Nsoatreman SC but also presents them with the opportunity to play in the CAF Confederation Cup.

They will be taking over from Dreams FC, who had a memorable campaign in the previous season, reaching the semi-finals before being stopped by Zamalek.

Dreams FC’s remarkable run made them the first Ghanaian side in 20 years to reach this stage of the competition.

As Nsoatreman SC prepare for their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, they face the daunting challenge of matching or surpassing the achievements of Dreams FC.

The eyes of Ghanaian football fans will be on Nsoatreman as they embark on this new and exciting journey in African football.

Credit: Ghanasoccernet 

The Ghanaian side declared the ‘Operation Fill Baba Yara’ just minutes after securing a crucial 2-1 win over the Malian outfit in the first leg encounter played in Bamako.

Dreams FC will host Stade Malien on Sunday, April 7 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, a venue renowned as one of the most hostile to away teams.

The ‘Fill the Baba Yara’ campaign aims to rally massive support for the club as they chase an unprecedented semi-final berth in their first-ever participation in a continental championship.

“We are yet to depart Bamako but operation fill Baba Yara on Sunday,” their official account tweeted.

A brace from veteran striker John Antwi put Dreams FC in the driver’s seat, as the ‘Still Believe’ side returned home with their noses in front.

They already etched their name in history by becoming the first Ghanaian club to win an away match in the knockout stage of the competition since Hearts and Kotoko achieved the feat in the maiden edition of the CAF Confederations Cup.

The stakes are high, and Dreams FC are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for continental glory. Reaching the semi-finals would mark a continuation of Dreams’ aspiration to become one of the Ghanaian teams to achieve continental glory, after a 24-year drought.

Credit: Africanews360

Facing off against Stade Malien in the quarter-final first leg, the Ghana Premier League side exhibited exceptional resilience during the match held in Mali. Despite falling behind, Dreams FC staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a crucial 2-1 victory after 90 minutes of play on Sunday.

In response to the triumph, Anthony Baffoe praised Dreams FC for their outstanding achievement and urged them to maintain their focus and determination for the upcoming second leg.

“Congratulations Dreams FC – Now let’s seal the deal in the return leg Inshallah,” Baffoe remarked in a post on X.

The return fixture of the quarter-final clash between Dreams FC and Stade Malien is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, with kickoff set for 4 pm at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Credit: Ghanasoccernet 

The Ghanaian FA Cup holders continued their fairytale run in the competition after securing the advantage from the first leg on the road.

Defender Yoro Diaby gave the hosts an early second-half lead after a barren first half but veteran forward Antwi levelled 13 minutes later.

Antwi gave the visitors the lead five minutes later after the referee award the Ghanaian side a penalty following a VAR check.

Dreams will return to Ghana on Monday to start preparations for the second leg as they eye a place in the semi-final of the competition in their first-ever continental competition.

The Dawu-based outfit reached the last eight after finishing top of Group B ahead of Nigeria’s Rivers United and Tunisian side Club Africain.

Credit: Ghanasoccernet 

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League marks the start of the knockout stage of both competitions with blockbusters fixtures lined up for both Friday and Saturday.

Tanzania will be the centre of African football attention this weekend as two of their biggest clubs, Simba AC as well as Young Africans FC welcome two gold medallists in reigning champions, Al Ahly SC as well as Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

The defending champions face Simba AC in a 18h00 GMT kick off on Friday while Young Africans play host to the high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns the following evening.

In Lubumbashi, Angola’s Petro de Luanda will have a tough outing when they take on former champions TP Mazembe who are yearning for continental glory since their 2015 feat.

Later in the evening, Ivorian powerhouse, Asec Mimosas takes on Esperance Sportive de Tunis to round up the first leg of the two-legged Quarter-Finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

A Super Sunday is earmarked for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup as all four Quarter-Finals duels are set to take place.

The afternoon will see Nigeria’s Rivers United taking on the defending champions, USM Alger who go into the clash as firm favourites as title holders but will be wary of the danger posed by the Nigerians at home.

Ghana’s Dreams FC will be away to Mali’s Stade de Malien who last lifted the title in 2009 through a dramatic penalty shootout against Algeria’s ES Setif.

Former champions, RS Berkane are looking at reclaiming the title they lost USMA, as they travel to Libya to take on the unpredictable Abu Salem. This will be an even more special occasion for Libyan football as this marks the return of CAF Inter-Club football to the nation who have had to play their matches away from home.

Headlining the Super Sunday fixtures is of course the Egyptian derby, as 2019 champions, Zamalek will be looking at ending the continental trophy drought when they take on newcomers, Modern Future FC in what promises to be a highly entertaining affair.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Fixtures:

Friday, 29 March:

18h00 GMT | Simba SC v Al Ahly SC

Saturday, 30 March:

13h00 GMT | TP Mazembe v Atletico Petroleos

18h00 GMT | Young Africans v Mamelodi Sundowns

21h00 GMT | Esperance v Asec Mimosas

TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals Fixtures: 

Sunday, 31 March | First Leg Fixtures

16h00 GMT | Rivers United FC v USM Alger

17h00 GMT | Stade Malien v Dreams FC

19h00 GMT | Abu Salim SC v RS Berkane

19h00 GMT | Future FC v Zamalek SC

Credit: CAF Communication Department