Sports
Young Apostles dare Hearts in Wenchi
Ghana Premier League (GPL) debutants, Young Apostles FC, will engage Accra Hearts of Oak in a match day six headliner at the Wenchi Stadium tomorrow.
It is expected to be full of fireworks as both teams struggle to return to winning ways, having fumbled in their last games.
Under greater pressure to deliver the maximum points are the Phobians who have plunge into another winless streak stretching two games after appearing to have found a winning formula.
They had a big chance to defeat a 10-man Aduana SC in the previous encounter but failed to capitalise on the advantage.
They will find it tough again to beating Young Apostle who would take inspiration from colleague debutant, Holy Stars, win over the Phobians in Accra in the opening day games.
The Young Apostles have not been at their best, however, they are very determine to upset the inexperienced, Phobians side.
Defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, host Nsoatreman FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Basake Holy Stars entertain Karela United at home, while Nations FC host GoldStars FC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Today at the University of Ghana (UG) Sports Stadium, Accra Lions FC will host Berekum Chelsea in a very tricky tie.
Also, Heart of Lions would be at Kpando to slug it out with Vision FC in what looks like a game of equals.
However, matches between Legon Cities’ and Asante Kotoko and Bechem United and Medeama SC have been postponed.
The postponement was occasioned by Kokako’s travel to the United States of America to honour an international friendly against DC United.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
“Black Stars can qualify to World Cup if they perform well in the remaining games”
Former captain of the Black Stars, John Mensah, has expressed confidence that the national team can qualify for the World Cup if they continue to perform well in their upcoming matches.
Speaking in an interview with Max Tv, John Mensah said the team’s recent performance shows that they are on the right path.
He explained that with the right support and motivation, the players have what it takes to make it to the global tournament.
“The guys are doing well now. All we need to do is to keep going, support them, and motivate them. If they continue like this, they can make it,” he stated.
On whether the current squad can leave a mark at the World Cup like his generation did, Mensah said every era is different.
He recalled that during his time, the Black Stars excelled because of unity, discipline, and strong team spirit.
He encouraged the present squad to learn from those values as well as make use of their own strengths.
According to him, this is the time for young players to prove themselves and perform for the nation.
Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, Black Starlets to benefit from MTN’s $2m sponsorship deal with GFA
Telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, has reinforced its commitment to Ghana football with a $2 million sponsorship package covering four national teams — the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets — for the next two years.
The landmark agreement, announced on Thursday at a colourful ceremony at MTN House in Accra, extends company’s existing partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Black Stars, and will run from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
The event drew prominent figures including GFA President, Kurt Simeon- Okraku, members of the Executive Council, Chief Director at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Wilhelmina Asamoah, (representing the Minister), Black Stars legends, and football enthusiasts.
MTN CEO, Stephen Blewett, recalling his personal connection to Ghanaian football dating back to the Black Stars’ 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run in South Africa, praised the passion and unity the sport inspires in Ghana.
“Football here is not just a sport — it is part of the national heartbeat,” Mr Blewett said. “The pride, passion, and unity it creates is a testament to its unmatched power to connect and inspire people.”
He described MTN as “the biggest corporate supporter of Ghanaian football,” highlighting the brand’s ongoing sponsorship of the MTN FA Cup since 2011 and plans for a national MTN Elite U-19 side to scout future stars for the U-20 team.
Mr Blewett also threw down a bold challenge to the Black Stars; saying “Ghana has never lifted the World Cup trophy, but that should be the spark, not the scar. At MTN, we want to see Ghana win the World Cup — that’s our dream, mission, and commitment.”
The GFA President, Kurt Simeon-Okraku, lauded MTN’s investment, calling it a lifeline for the sport.
“MTN Ghana believes in our present and our collective future. With this deal, the biggest problem facing Ghana football has been solved,” he said, promising to ensure the resources were used effectively to achieve results.
He noted that the MTN FA Cup’s reach — encompassing second and third-tier clubs nationwide — has provided a vital platform for young, lesser-known players, to compete against top-level talent and showcase their skills.
The Chief Director, Wilhemina Asamoah, commended MTN’s wider contributions to national development, urging other corporate bodies to emulate their commitment.
“Sports has the power to impact lives, boost economic growth, and strengthen cultural and social cohesion,” she said.
The new sponsorship underscores MTN’s longstanding partnership with Ghana football and its ambition to see the nation rise to the very top of the global game.
By Spectator Reporter
