Sports
Aduana can cause more problems for Kotoko
“Getting back to the top of the table is difficult but not impossible, and it’s not over until the end.”
These were the words of newly appointed Technical Director/Interim Head Coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Karim Zito Kabutey, as he gets ready to lead his charges against Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium tomorrow.
Supporters of the Porcupine Warriors have the belief that the league title is within reach and are supporting coach Zito to give it his best shot beginning from the game tomorrow.
Kotoko currently occupy the fourth position on the league log with 47 points, six points shy of leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars, while Aduana lie 10th with 38 points.
Games between the Porcupine Warriors and the ‘Ogya’ Boys have left fans at the edge of their seats, and tomorrow’s game will be no exception.
Kotoko recorded a 2-0 away win in Dormaa in the first round against the then-struggling Dormaa side; however, with the coming of Romanian coach, Cioaba Aristica, a lot has changed since then, and tomorrow’s game will not be a walk in the park for the home side.
Coach Aristica, ahead of the game, believes Aduana is too good a team to be languishing in mid-table and hopes to lift them on the log beginning with tomorrow’s game.
League leaders Bibiani Gold Stars will trek to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema to play as guests of Vision FC.
With their title aspiration firmly in their hands, the Bibiani Boys will be motivated to hold their own against the Tema lads, who will need to play above themselves if they are to pick at least a point from this game.
Today at the Accra Sports Stadium, Accra Lions will welcome Bechem United in a must-win game for the host if they are to keep alive any realistic chances of avoiding relegation.
At 6pm, under the lights at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will host Young Apostles.
In other games tomorrow, Legon Cities play Heart of Lions at the Tuba Astro Turf, Karela United will stay put at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale to host Dreams FC, while Berekum Chelsea will host Nations FC at the Golden City Park.
Defending champions, Samartex FC, will face off with neighbours, Basake Holy Stars, at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
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.
