Sports
Can Hearts overturn ASR Bamako deficit?
● Awako – Must make amends tomorrow
The mission somewhat appears impossible but Accra Hearts of Oak must shine against all odds to make history when they face AS Real Bamako from Mali in the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Following a 3-0 humiliation far away at Bamako last Saturday, Hearts have a herculean task in hand to overturn the deficit and qualify to the next stage of the competition.
With tension gradually brewing within the Hearts camp following the firing to Coach Samuel Boadu and the subsequent defeat in continental football with coach David Ocloo in charge, it seems to be a make-or-break affair for the former African champions.
Despite the defeat in the first leg, Hearts showed some great level of confidence, especially in the second half of the game, but only failed to find the back of the net.
The likes of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Gladson Awako who were at the end of most of the chances, unfortunately wasted the opportunities to get home with some advantage and make the second leg easier.
They must, however, find their scoring boots in tomorrow’s match as they cannot afford to be wasteful with a 3-0 deficit to overturn.
The likes of Mohammed Alhassan and Dennis Korsah who scored an own goal in the first encounter must put the upset behind and be composed to neutralise threats from the opponent’s attackers.
Most of the players would be looking forward to redeeming their image as they failed to step up during the first leg.
Meanwhile, the Malian team, following their dominance in the first leg, would be beaming with confidence as they step into Ghana’s capital to cause another upset.
With the huge advantage from the first leg, they would go all out to protect their lead and progress to the next stage of the competition.
The team also proved to be solid at the back with physically-intimidating players and would set up to prevent Hearts attackers from finding the back of the net.
It promises to be a very cagey encounter with both teams having all to play for and secure the ultimate prize of qualifying to the next stage of the competition.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
The Black Stars have opened camp in Cardiff ahead of next week’s international friendly against Wales.
The team is being taken through training drills by head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Thirteen players trained at Dragon Park on Monday, with others expected to join the squad on Tuesday.
They include Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Jordan Ayew, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Jerome Opoku, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Solomon Agbasi, and Alidu Seidu.
The Black Stars will train in Cardiff for one week ahead of the international friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, before traveling to the United States of America.
Coach Carlos Queiroz will use the period to assess his players before naming his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Twenty-six players will be submitted to FIFA on Monday, June 1, as mandated by the competition regulations.
The Black Stars are drawn in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia. They will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto before facing England and Croatia in their other group matches.
Ghanaian football giant Asante Kotoko has launched a probe into bribery allegation mounted against some players prior to their last game against Swedru All Blacks.
The board and management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club met with players and the technical team yesterday, May 25, 2026, to address the club’s disappointing 2025/2026 season.
During the meeting, officials also discussed allegations of an attempted bribery involving some players ahead of the final Ghana Premier League fixture.
Management said it has started a full investigation and is committed to uncovering the facts.
The club commended Patrick Asiedu for his professionalism and integrity in promptly reporting the allegations, noting that his actions reflect the values of Asante Kotoko.
“Asante Kotoko treats matters of this nature with the utmost seriousness,” the statement said, adding that “Any individual found culpable after the investigation will face appropriate disciplinary action.”
The club reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
