Sports
Hearts v Dreams FC, Bechem v Aduana Stars …in dicey FA Cup semifinal matches
After labouring to beat Division One side Skyy FC 1-0 in the quarter-finals, Accra Hearts of Oak are on the verge of securing a second straight MTN FA Cup finals.
But they have to negotiate their way through a rocky path;as they face Dreams FC today in the semi-finals clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians have had some inconsistent performance in the domestic league, but have kept cool heads in their journey to defend the FA Cup trophy.
Hearts are still on course to clinch their 12th FA Cup trophy but may be engaged in, perhaps, the most difficult stage of the competition as Dreams aim to give them a nightmare of their own.
The MTN FA Cup appears the only realistic chance of silverware for Hearts this season and must worker harder to go closer to retaining it.
Midfielder Glason Awako believes the ticket to the finals would not come easy especially having beaten Dreams FC 3-1 in the league recently.
“I know they would come into this game as if their lives depend on it but we’ll be ready to serve them another defeat. Our eyes are on the trophy and we would not allow Dreams to ‘kill’ the dream for us.”
This group of Dreams FC players have made history already by qualifying to this stage of the competition but their striker, Agyenim Boateng Mensah said that would only serve as motivation to push for the final spot.
“It is a great feeling to get to this stage and face the defending champions; that alone makes us feel like champions, but the agenda is to beat Hearts and go for the trophy; a moment we cannot wait to savour.”
In the other semifinal clash, 2016 winners Bechem United will take on Aduana Stars at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow.
This is the second time Bechemhave reached this stage of the competition and well aware of the atmosphere and excitement the finals could generate, Coach Kassim Mingle is leaving nothing to chance for another final berth.
But history also stares Aduana Stars in the face as they taste a semi-finals show for the first time. The former league champions would want to decorate their trophy cabinet with the second most prestigious trophy in the country but striker Yahaya Mohammed know this would not come easy.
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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