Sports
Hearts, Kotoko aim to bounce back in second round
ASANTE Kotoko will open their second round campaign tomorrow when they clash with Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) match-day 18 fixture.
Ending their last game in the first round in a 0-0 stalemate with arch-rivals Hearts of Oak last weekend, the Porcupine Warriors will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways.
Last season’s runners-up rallied from behind to record an emphatic 3-1 over Dreams on match-day one with goals from Mudasiru Salifu, Richard Lamptey and Isaac Oppong giving Kotoko their first three points before the latter scored first through Issahaku Fatawu.
Revenge would, therefore, be stuck on the minds of ninth-placed Dreams who will miss the services of star-man Issahaku Fatawu, the goal-getter having joined Portuguese Club Sporting Lisbon, weeks ago.
At the El-Wak Sports Stadium today, reigning champions Hearts of Oak will face a tough task against Legon Cities in the second round after a 0-0 draw at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first round.
With pressure gradually mounting on trainer Samuel Boadu after his side’s ‘wasteful’ display against Kotoko last weekend, the former Medeama SC gaffer has targeted an improved performance in the second round against the Royals who are keen on escaping relegation after finishing 15th in the first round with 19 points.
Tomorrow at the Nduom Park, relegation-threatened Elmina Sharks will host debutants Accra Lions as the Obuasi-based Ashantigold SC will welcome Eleven Wonders to the Len Clay Stadium same day.
Second-placed Bechem United will make a trip to the Tarkwa T&N Park to lock horns with Medeama on Sunday, whilst at the Accra Sports Stadium same day, high-performing Great Olympics will battle it out with Real Tamale United (RTU) on Monday.
Bottom-placed WAFA will face a tough contest against impressive King Faisal at the Sogakope Red Bull Arena tomorrow.
Fourth-positioned Aduana Stars will square off with Karela United in a dicey clash at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park tomorrow before newbies Gold Stars play as guest of Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park tomorrow to climax the opening round fixtures of the second half.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior.
In a statement, the club noted that “on behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.”
According to the club, Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.
They added that this has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup,” they added.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Young Apostles defender Claude Shooting Bortey has been named NASCO player of the month for March following an outstanding run of performances.
The Young Apostles star edged out strong competition from Setsofia Aqetey of Vision FC and winger Samuel Okai of Bechem United after scoring three goals and earning one Man of the Match award during the period.
As part of his reward, Claude Bortey will receive a 43-inch NASCO Television set, courtesy of Electroland Ghana Limited, as well as a NASCO double-door bottom-freezer refrigerator.
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