Sports
Hearts, Kotoko in tough affairs
• Salifu Ibrahim – Hearts’ hardworking midfielder
The Tarkwa Akoon Park will be fired up this today when Medeama SC welcome reigning champions Asante Kotoko to a grueling match-day six clash of the betPawa Premier League.
This afternoon’s tie promises to be full of action as the hosts will attempt to defy all odds to end their three-game defeats, with the most recent (0-1) against Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With two wins out of five games, the Yellow and Mauve lads are aware they would have to go all out to give their visitors a run for their money.
Gradually settling in with his young squad, Coach Seydou Zerbo has been on a mission to bring out the best in Kotoko.
The Porcupine Warriors have suffered just one loss, which came against Bechem in their match-day one outstanding clash. However, they managed to put up a spirited performance to defeat debutants Samartex 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Kotoko sit fourth on the league log, three points behind leaders Aduana Stars and will need nothing but a win to give the ‘Ogya’ boys a hot chase for the top spot.
More action will be staged on Sunday when Hearts of Oak welcome Karela United to the Accra Sports Stadium. The Phobians will be without talisman Daniel Barnieh Afriyie who will be with the Black Stars on national duties.
Though it has been a creepy start for the record FA Cup winners, they have won two, drawn same and a defeat – and Coach Slavko Matic will count on the prowess of Salifu Ibrahim, youngster Gideon Asante, Obeng Junior and a few others to get him the needed result.
Karela, on the other hand, will have to rely on their marksman, Enoch Agblenyo to deliver as the former Elmina Sharks has proved to be an integral part of Kobby Mensah’s team; having scored three goals and leads the scorers chat.
At the Aliu Mahama Stadium, Real Tamale United will host leaders Aduana Stars in a cagey affair. Aduana have been formidable with four wins and a defeat.
The hosts will be charged for another top display, having snatched a vital away 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park.
Second-placed Accra Lions will make a trip to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Techinam to lock horns with Bechem United.
It has not been the best of starts for last season’s FA Cup finalist, Bechem United, who registered their third defeat after 1-0 loss to United in their previous game.
The Hunters will have to fasten their belt and return to winning ways, while the latter will pick lessons from their goalless draw against Dreams last week.
Nsoatreman, who already have two wins, will battle Dreams at the Nana Kronamansah Park in Sunyani, while Samartex 1996 square off with Gold Stars at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
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.
