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.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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