Sports
Zito: Dreams FC feat must inspire smaller clubs
Karim Zito
Accra Hearts of Oak will look to put their league title aspirations back on track when they take on Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow in a top match-day 24 fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The Phobians went on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league but suffered a blip in their last game against league leaders Samartex FC who grounded that run with a 2-1.
But Coach Aboubakar Ouattara believes the only way to respond to that defeat is to pick all three points tomorrow.
Gold Stars have not been lucky at the Accra Sports Stadium, losing all their previous games against the Phobians. This remains a huge inspiration for the Phobians going into the game tomorrow.
However, they would be playing under the instructions of Coach Frimpong Manso who defeated Hearts while with Bofoakwa Tano. That also presents an inspiration for the visitors, knowing that they have a trainer who knows his way around their guests.
League leaders Samartex FC will look to maintain their hold on the championship when they host defending champions Medeama SC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
Samartex will be chasing their first win over the champions in the league after losing the first-round tie 1-0.
Medeama managed to hold the Timber giants to a goalless draw at the same venue last season, however with their form, it remains to be seen how they can stop the host from grabbing all three points.
Aduana Stars hope to return to winning ways when they host Real Tamale United at their favourite Nana Agyemang Badu Park, in Dormaa.
Coming into this game without a Head Coach, the task of beating Aduana Stars away looks daunting for the Tamale lads especially after their host suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Great Olympics in their last game in Accra.
In other games, Asante Kotoko will trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem with the hope of picking their first point from their last four games; Accra Lions welcome Bofoakwa Tano to the Accra Sports Stadium; Nsoatreman FC will host Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Amoah Koronmasah II park in Nsoatre while Karela United face Heart of Lions at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex in Nalerigu.
The game between Dreams FC and Legon Cities scheduled for the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu has been postponed to allow Dreams FC have their CAF Confederation Cup second leg quarter-final game against Stade Malien at the Baba Yara Stadium, tomorrow.
By Raymond Ackumey
The Black Queens will on Wednesday, April 29, learn their opponents for the African qualifying phase of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament.
The draw, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place at CAF headquarters in Cairo and will be streamed live on CAF TV from 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Ghana is among 35 national teams participating in the qualification campaign, which will determine the two African representatives for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, scheduled for July 11 to 29, 2028.
The qualification series will be played over five rounds, with each nation aiming to secure one of the two available slots for Africa at the global event in Los Angeles.
Having recently climbed to 59th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings and currently ranked third in Africa, the draw marks the beginning of another major international mission, the quest to seek a return to Olympic football.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially awarded the nation the rights to host the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
CAF covered the decision in a letter addressed to the General Secretary, Lawyer Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq.
The decision underscores CAF’s strong confidence in the Ghana Football Association’s ability to organize and deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards of youth football on the continent.
Ghana last hosted the competition in 1999 – when the Black Satellites lifted the trophy on home soil amid scenes of national celebration.
Coincidentally, 2027 will mark the 70th Independence anniversary and the competition could be a great part of the celebrations.
CAF says it will work closely with the Football Association and a soon-to-be-established Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the successful planning and execution of the tournament.
This collaboration is expected to focus on infrastructure readiness, logistics, security, and overall fan experience, all aimed at delivering a world-class event worthy of Africa’s growing football stature.
Beyond the excitement of hosting, the tournament represents a broader endorsement of Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier football hubs.
Over the years, the country has consistently demonstrated its capability to stage high-profile competitions, backed by passionate supporters, improving facilities and a rich football culture.
The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations holds particular importance in the global football ecosystem. Widely regarded as a breeding ground for future stars, the competition has historically served as a launching pad for some of Africa’s most celebrated players. Many participants have gone on to achieve remarkable success at top European clubs and on the international stage, making the tournament a key showcase of emerging talent.
With history, passion and proven capability on its side, Ghana now stands poised to deliver a memorable and impactful U-20 AFCON tournament, one that could shape the future of African football once again.
