Sports
End of an era for Royals?
In 2019 when a new management acquired Wa All Stars, it marked the birth of a new club side – Legon Cities; which was ready to challenge the Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko dominance.
It was the pride of Wa in the Upper West region of Ghana after the ‘defunct’ Upper West Heroes. They would have created a fierce city rivalry similar to the Hearts versus Olympics, Kotoko versus Cornerstones and others.
The change in management moved the club to Accra but with their spirit in Wa.
At least, a few pundits attributed their struggles to this analogy.
Belonging to a former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, under whose tenure they made history by winning the Ghana Premier League (GPL) once and played in Africa club championship, Legon Cities was touted as the latest force to reckon with.
Sadly, six years down the line, they have been relegated from the elite stage of football with a few matches to go in the 2024/25 football season.
It is such a sad story for their supporters to read about although the signals have been on the wall from the day of acquisition.
They went so close to suffering the drop in the previous season but were ‘saved’ by Accra Great Olympics, another capital force that has become so accustomed to relegation.
Legon Cities would be sorely missed for the carnival they added to the competition.
Their arrival for home matches reminded fans of scenes of over two decades ago when teams’ arrivals for matches at the stadium created exciting scenes with the arrival parties led by police riders. They lived like royals as they were known.
That died many years ago but Legon Cities revived that, as they kept fans spellbound with the convoy that follows their beautifully branded team bus.
There was a storm about the team’s name. The confusion was about whether it should be ‘City’ or ‘Cities’ but when that was clarified, the media was set in propagating information about them.
Now, with a few fans, the new management led by a bankroller that operated behind the scenes, Legon Cities undertook ventures clubs with mammoth, following never tried.
In a way to blend football and entertainment, they introduced showbiz packages that featured top performers like hiplife icons, Shatta Wale, Wendy Shay, Medical, Mr Drew, Krymi and many others.
It was certainly their way of bringing the fans back to the stadium.
But knowing those performances alone would not bring the results needed for survival, the playing and technical teams were not spared of the investment.
Legon Cities became an attractive destination for top stars like former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, Black Stars goalkeeper’s trainer, Fatawu Dauda, Jona Attuquaye, Mitchell Otoo and others that were about ending their careers.
The technical bench also attracted some of Ghana’s finest coaches like Maxwell Konadu, Yaw Acheampong, Paa Kwesi Fabin, Bashir Hayford and others.
Sadly, none of these coaches were able to deliver the aspiration of the new owners who are faced with a new task of fighting their way back to the top.
With three matches left, Legon Cities can count themselves out for next season.
It means the rest of the matches must become preparatory games in shaping the team for the more difficult Division One League (DOL) described as the wilderness of Ghana football.
It is a poignant tale for lovers of the game considering what they bring to the table as they created entertaining moments in matches against Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics, Accra Lions, clubs they faced in city rivalries.
But certainly expected to find a place on DOL Zone III, they could face traditional sides like Great Olympics and Okwawu United and others all striving to return to the GPL.
It will be a long journey back for the Royals. It will be rough and twisting with no guarantee of returning immediately, but no matter what happens, the focus should be on a return at all cost.
By Andrew Nortey
The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars of Ghana lock horns with Croatia in a crucial encounter today.
With a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, both teams know there will be no room for mistakes as 90 minutes of high drama awaits football fans, especially in Ghana and across the globe.
The Black Stars arrive at the Mundial with confidence running through the camp after earning four points from their opening two matches.
A last gasp victory over Panama and a disciplined draw against the Three Lions of England have placed the Black Stars in a strong position heading into the final group game.
Croatia, however, stand in the way after the European giants bounced back from a disappointing defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0, a result that has now placed their sights firmly on qualification.
The result has created a winner takes all atmosphere that is expected to produce fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
For Ghana, the mission is clear, as another positive result will bring the Black Stars closer to the knockout stage and could mark another memorable chapter in the country’s rich football history at the World Cup.
The Black Stars have shown courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
They have defended bravely, battled fiercely and refused to be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Their impressive defensive record has become one of the talking points of the competition among many football fans after their last game against England where some fans and pundits described the performance as frustrating and called the approach as a ‘Haram football.’
After two matches, Ghana remain one of the few teams yet to concede a goal; shot stopper, Benjamin Asare, has been the best so far by keeping Ghana’s post safe.
Asare, along with his backline will face its toughest challenge yet against a Croatian side packed with quality and experience.
At the heart of Croatia’s challenge is veteran midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
Even at 40 years old, the Croatian captain continues to pull the strings with remarkable composure and intelligence.
His battle against Ghana’s midfield of Thomas Partey, youngster Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo could shape the outcome of the contest.
Thomas Partey and his cohorts will carry the responsibility of controlling the midfield battle and breaking up Croatia’s attacks.
In attack, the pace and power of Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku will prove decisive when given the nod.
Their ability to burst past defenders and create danger on the counter-attack may become one of Ghana’s biggest weapons.
Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to provide leadership and experience in what promises to be a tense and emotional contest.
The tactical battle between the two coaches is equally fascinating.
Ghana coach, Carlos Queiroz, has built a disciplined side that values organisation and teamwork.
His approach has frustrated opponents to earn valuable results.
Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, prefers possession based football and attacking movement.
His team will likely dominate the ball and attempt to dictate the tempo from midfield.
The clash of styles promises an exciting contest between patience and aggression, defence and attack, youth and experience.
History suggests Croatia have the advantage over the Black Stars with the Europeans finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claimed third place in 2022.
They know what it takes to survive on football’s biggest stage yet Ghana have built a reputation for upsetting the odds when the stakes are highest.
The memories of the Black Stars’ historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 continue to inspire a new generation of players.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The confidence gained from holding England to a draw could also prove priceless.
Many football fans now believe the Black Stars are capable of going even further in this tournament.
Today’s clash is expected to attract millions of viewers eager to witness a battle between African adventure and determination and European experience.
Every tackle, every pass and every chance could prove decisive.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be electric as supporters from both nations create a colourful and passionate spectacle.
The high tension, the enormous stakes and the intense pressure. But these are the moments footballers dream about.
For Ghana, this is more than just a football match.
It is an opportunity to announce themselves as serious contenders and keep the nation’s World Cup dream alive.
When the referee blows the whistle today, fans should prepare for a night of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
If the opening two matches are anything to go by, this encounter has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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