Sports
Gold Stars thrash Accra Lions to win historic 2024-25 Premier League title
Gold Stars FC completed a fairytale season by clinching their first-ever Ghana Premier League title in commanding fashion, demolishing Accra Lions 4-0 at a raucous Duns Park on Sunday.
The emphatic victory not only confirmed their place at the summit but also condemned the Lions to relegation, just a season after finishing second in the 2023/24 campaign.
Abdul Farouk Amoaful opened the scoring just four minutes into the game to ignite celebrations among the home fans. Kelvin Oppong doubled the advantage in the 19th minute, laying the foundation for a memorable finale.
Second-half goals from Samuel Kumi (73′) and Frank Amankwah (90′) capped off a dominant performance that saw the title secured with a three-point cushion.
While the home crowd erupted in celebration at full-time, the mood was starkly different for Accra Lions, who finished 15th and faced the drop after a disappointing and turbulent campaign.
Nations FC fall short in title chase
Nations FC, who had led the title race, fell at the final hurdle with a surprising 2-0 home defeat to third-placed Heart of Lions at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Goals from Samuel Boamah Quansah (18′) and Asante Sedorf (72′) handed the visitors a deserved win and dashed Nations’ title hopes. Despite an impressive campaign, Nations had to settle for second place as they await a judicial decision, just behind the newly crowned champions.
Kotoko pip rivals Hearts to fourth place
Asante Kotoko edged out bitter rivals Hearts of Oak for fourth place via head-to-head record, despite a 3-1 defeat to Vision FC at the Nii Kraku Adjei II Sports Complex. An own goal from Lord Xorse Kudzinya gave Kotoko the early lead, but a brace from Frank Duku and a goal by Edmund Asante turned the game around for the hosts.
Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, ended their campaign on a positive note with a 1-0 win over dethroned champions FC Samartex 1996 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Defender Konadu Yiadom scored the only goal in the 57th minute to give the Phobians their first-ever Premier League win against Samartex in Accra. Nonetheless, they finished fifth, just behind Kotoko.
Medeama disappointed, Aduana finish strong
Medeama SC wrapped up a frustrating campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Berekum Chelsea at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa. Vincent Klu Adjei opened the scoring for the visitors before Kingsley Braye equalized.
But former Medeama striker Kofi Ansu Patrick had the final say, scoring the winner five minutes from time to silence the home fans. Medeama finished eighth, while Chelsea ended the season in 12th position.
Aduana FC ended on a high, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win over newly promoted Basake Holy Stars.
Richard Tetteh gave the hosts a first-half lead, which was quickly canceled out by Francis Obeng.
However, second-half goals from Emmanuel Marfo (55′) and Alex Boakye (87′ pen) sealed the victory. Despite the defeat, Holy Stars managed to avoid relegation in their debut top-flight season.
Dreams FC shine, Young Apostles survive
Dreams FC closed out the season with a resounding 4-1 victory over relegated Legon Cities. Jonathan Nemorden netted twice, while Joseph Esso and Suraj Seidu added a goal apiece.
Albert Adomah scored a consolation for the Royals, whose relegation was confirmed prior to kickoff.
Elsewhere, Bechem United edged out Young Apostles 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Baba Moro Abdulai at the Nana Gyeabour Park.
Despite the defeat, the Apostles successfully retained their Premier League status after an encouraging debut campaign.
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.
