Sports
Kotoko, AshGold in mouth-watering clash
The gripping Ghana Premier League (GPL) continues this weekend as joint leaders Asante Kotoko take on vacillating AshantiGold SC in a cagey duel at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Fresh from a historic 2-0 away win against Aduana Stars at Dormaa, Kotoko would appear too strong for AshantiGold to handle – especially playing before their pet crowd.
Hearts of Oak have a nerve-racking cracker on hand against Bibiani Gold Stars this afternoon. Their ability to survive this demanding away test would define their vigilance to defend their title. Against all expectations, the Phobians were held to a pulsating barren tie by Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium and they are bent on making amends this weekend.
In other engagements, improving Accra Lions will host low-flying WAFA in Accra this afternoon; joint-leaders King Faisal storm Techiman to battle lowly-placed Eleven Wonders to a crunch tie tomorrow, whilst Bechem United welcome RTU to Bechem to an equally absorbing tie on Sunday.
After picking up a hard-fought point in Berekum last week, Wonder Club Great Olympics looked motivated against Karela FC at the Accra stadium tomorrow.
Struggling Elmina Sharks face a tough task when they oblige Aduana Stars to Elmina with Dreams FC taking on Legon Cities.
As of press time yesterday, home team Medeama was expected to cross swords with Berekum Chelsea in Tarkwa.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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