Sports
Government eases restriction on football matches, spectators back
The wait is over for football fans who have waited patiently to cheer up their teams at the various league match centres
This follows a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Tuesday, January 5, that the restriction on spectators at the various stadia has been lifted.
The statement signed by Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah said, this was occasioned by the country’s strides in the fight against the deadly virus.
It added that the government has therefore decided to ease the restriction of playing football behind close doors to allow 25 percent on spectators into the various stadia.
The statement added that the inter-ministerial committee would continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation and appropriately advise.
Background
On Sunday, September 2020, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the Update 17 on the measure taken against the spread of COVID-19 said, “With respect to football, after due consultation with the Ghana Football Association, it has been decided that the Ghana Premier League and the Division One Football League will restart on Friday, October 30, with full regime test of players, technical and management staff. No Spectators will be allowed into the training centers, and, when the actual competition resumes, seating at the stadia will be limited to only 25 Percent capacity to ensure social distancing. Wearing of mask by spectators will be mandatory.”
However, this notwithstanding, there was a spike in the cases of COVID-19 before November, and as a result the Ministry issued a directive to put the earlier announcement by the on hold.
Against this backdrop, football matches have since been played behind closed doors in the country .
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Already relegated Eleven Wonders FC return to action on Friday with a determined quest to salvage pride as they host Bechem United FC at the Swedru Sports Stadium in the Premier League.
Despite their confirmed drop, Eleven Wonders remain committed to finishing the season on a competitive note. However, their campaign has been a difficult one, reflected in their poor run of form.
They are winless in their last five league matches, managing just a single draw against FC Samartex 1996 while suffering four defeats.
The numbers further highlight their struggles this season. With only 10 points from 28 matches, Eleven Wonders sit at the bottom of the table, having scored the fewest goals (17) and conceded the most (53) in the league.
Their home performances have offered little relief, with just one win, one draw, and three consecutive defeats in their last five matches on home soil—making them the weakest home side in the competition.
In contrast, Bechem United travel to Swedru with renewed confidence.
The Hunters have shown encouraging improvement, picking up points in four of their last five matches, including back-to-back 2-1 victories, two draws, and just one defeat. They currently sit 13th on the table with 37 points from 28 games, albeit with a game in hand over some of their rivals.
Having scored 25 goals and conceded 31 this season, Bechem United remain locked in a tense battle to avoid relegation, sitting just two points above the drop zone. While their recent form is promising, their away record remains a concern.
They have managed just one win, two draws, and ten defeats in 13 away matches this season.
That solitary away victory came in a crucial 2-1 triumph over FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on matchday 27—a result they will look to build upon as they aim to secure valuable points on the road.
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.
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