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
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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