Sports
How far can our clubs go in Africa, this term?
Kotoko’s Isaac Oppong (right) – Fetched Kotoko’s goal against Kadiogo
Though they were not conquering Africa as their pitch performances would have allowed, Ghanaian clubs in the 60s, 70s, 80s and the early 2000s were an esteemed pack on the continent.
If for nothing at all, the skill, dexterity, flair and splendour of Ghanaian players in club football, made them a must-watch in continental competitions.
Asanteman Warriors Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak spearheaded the Ghanaian force in search of continental glory that have eluded them several times, albeit they have almost left in their trail something to relish for a long time to come.
That they made it to the final of the Africa Winners Cup competition (now CAF Confederation Cup) in 2002, speaks volumes about the club’s bearing in the continental game at the time.
It is, however, interesting to note that Kotoko have made an eye-catching 16-time appearance in the then African Clubs Championship competition (now CAF Champions League), snatching three grand-final berths (1967,’71, ’73) and also made two semi-final appearances in 1987 and 1990. On record, the Asanteman Warriors clinched the Holy Grail first in 1970 and repeated the feat 13 years later after beating the great Al Ahly, – having lost to the same side in the final, a year earlier.
Dolefully, the situation has been that terrible for Kotoko when the competition switched to the Champions League proper in 1997. Embarrassingly, out of 10 appearances, the Porcupine Warriors have suffered nine exits – only making it to the Group Stage Money Zone as far back as 2006.
Like Kotoko, Hearts have represented the nation in the African Clubs Championship competitions a number of times, culminating in two grand-final losses (1977 and 1979). The Rainbow boys had to wait for decades to taste their first continental (Champions League) glory in 2000, proceeding to win the CAF Super Cup the following year.
In 2004, Hearts won the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup by upstaging sworn rivals and compatriots – Kotoko; but lost in their bid to win their second Super Cup in 2005.
But clearly, you could see the visibility, strength and vibrancy of the Ghanaian clubs at the time.
It is sad to say that the last time a Ghanaian club performed well was way back in 2012 where Berekum Chelsea swaggered to the Group Stage of the CAF Champions League after winning the Ghana Premier League in the 2010/11 season.
The performance of our clubs ever since has been nothing to write home about, to say the least.
No wonder that the four slots allotted the Ghanaian clubs in Africa (two each in the Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions) have been slashed to ‘single one’ – due to pitiable outputs in the two competitions over the years.
As Kotoko and Hearts hit the campaign yet again this term, it is the hope of Ghanaians that the duo would make the nation proud; cut up the necessary impact that would be strong enough to compel African Football controlling body (CAF) to restore the nation to its former slots in the Champions League.
On this note, we commend Kotoko for beginning their preliminary first leg race on a shimmering fashion by beating RC Kadiogo of Burkina Faso 1-0 away.
Hopefully, one expects Hearts to pick a leaf from this result and pluck the desired result when they meet their opponents. The Phobians drew a bye in the first round and would await the winners between Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes and Mali’s AS Real de Bamako, for a showdown by this weekend.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
