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
Midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused him entry.
A FIFA statement to The Athletic confirmed the Arsenal star cannot travel from Ghana’s base camp in Boston, USA, for Wednesday’s, June 17, opener against Panama.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read.
FIFA stressed it has no role in immigration decisions: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Canadian immigration rules state that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged with offenses in the UK but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The Black Stars will now have to do without their midfield anchor for the crucial Group E opener against Panama.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana have arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, for the final phase of preparations ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The team departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and touched down at T.F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island at about 6:00 p.m.
Head Coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad will resume training on Friday as they fine-tune preparations for their opening Group L game against Panama.
The Black Stars wrapped up a week-long training camp in Washington following their international friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
The camp in Virginia included intensive sessions at the American University and D.C. United training ground and a farewell dinner with the Ghanaian community in Alexandria.
Ghana now enters the final stretch of preparation in Providence before heading to Toronto for the June 17 opener against Panama at Toronto Stadium.
The Black Stars will also face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 to complete Group L.
Queiroz’s 26-man squad features captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who is set for his second successive World Cup.
The team is expected to hold training sessions and series of Community engagement programs in Rhode Island in the coming days.
