Sports
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams face FC Kallon test on neutral grounds
John Antwi-Dreams FC
CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Dreams FC will take a 2-1 advantage into the reverse fixture of the second leg of the second preliminary round encounter against Sierra Leonean side FC Kallon at the Samuel Kayon Doe Sports Complex in Liberia today at 4pm.
CAF rejected the Southern Arena in Bo City, Sierra Leone, pointing out that the venue does not conform to the current stringent standards required for hosting a high-profile match.
Dreams FC are 90 minutes away from a historic appearance at the group stages of the competition for the very first time in the club’s history, and head coach Abdul Karim Zito is optimistic about his side’s chances.
“This is the first time the club is playing in Africa, and to get this far is a huge success for us; however, with the opportunity steering us to go further, we would stop at nothing to achieve just that,” he stated.
In a media engagement ahead of the departure for today’s game, coach Zito stated that right from the start of the competition, he declared that the group stage appearance was his target, and “That is what he will ensure today.”
“Yes, we are heading into today’s fixture with a slim margin; we are going to protect your lead for 90 minutes; if we do not score, they will not score,” Mr Zito, said.
Not taking anything away from his opponents, coach he said that FC Kallon was a well-drilled side who could cause havoc on a good day if given the opportunity, and therefore they were heading into today’s game with cautious optimism.
“They showed glimpses of what we should expect in today’s game when we played in the first leg, and we have armed ourselves well enough for any shocks,” Mr Zito, stated.
The former Sierra Leonean national team captain and striker, Mohamed Kallon, who heads the technical team of FC Kallon, has assured his fans back home of getting past Dream FC today.
He told the media back in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, that the change of venue from the Southern Arena in Bo City, Sierra Leone, to Liberia had not dumped the spirit of his boys but had rather brought up some hunger in the team to qualify.
“The boys are hungry to get to the group stage, and this is a very good opportunity to achieve that, and not even the change in venue can stop us,” Kallon said.
Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama will officiate the game, with compatriots Komlan Domenyo Adiwotso and Abdou Kpelafia serving as his assistants.
By Raymond Ackumey
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.
