Sports
MTN/FA Round of 16 cracker: Aduana, Kotoko go for jugular
• Frederick Asare- Dependable goalie
The Nana Agyeman Badu I Park will be on fire when Aduana Stars welcome Asante Kotoko to a much-anticipated MTN/FA Cup Round of 16 clash on Sunday in the Northern Zone.
Both sides managed hard-fought victories over their opponents, where Kotoko saw off tier-two side Benab FC 2-1, while Aduana Stars recorded a late 3-2 victory over Division One League side, Tano Bofoakwa in the Round of 32 affair.
It will be the second meeting between both sides, having shared spoils in a goalless draw on match-day 10 in the betPawa Premier League last month.
Aduana Stars, who beat Hearts of Oak 2-0 on Sunday, have been on an incredible run, having lost just a single game in their last six outings – winning four and managing two stalemates.
The two-time Premier League champions, kept their spot on the league log and will also aim to kill the dream of favourites Asante Kotoko.
The latter saw a lift from fourth on the league to third, following their 1-1 away draw with Nsoatreman FC last weekend.
In their last five meetings, Kotoko have won two, lost same with one defeat – leaving the reigning Premier League winners seven points adrift leaders Aduana Stars after 18 games.
Struggling King Faisal will host Division One League outfit Steadfast FC on Sunday at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Two premier league teams, Real Tamale United will lock horns with FC Samartex at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, while Nsoatreman tussle it out with Debibi United on same day at the Nana Kwamansah Park
In the Southern Zone, last year semi-finalists, Dreams FC, will host Liberty Professionals at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday – a venue they punished Kotoko 2-0 in their last home game.
On Sunday, the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast will see Ebusua Dwarfs clash with Kotoku Royals.
Legon Cities will be at the El Wak Stadium against Volta Rangers on Sunday, while two most in-form clubs, Heart of Lions and Skyy FC square off in a potentially explosive clash at the Kpando Stadium same day.
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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