Sports
Hearts, Kotoko clash for Pres Cup
Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, will renew their fierce rivalry tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium when they clash in the 2025 edition of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) organised President’s Cup at 4pm.
At stake will be a giant trophy plus medals for both teams, to be presented by President John Dramani Mahama, who will be the special guest of honour.
In its 10th year, the annual one-off cup game, played in honour of the sitting President, returns this year after taking an international twist last year when Asante Kotoko hosted Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas in Kumasi.
The last time the two sides met in 2023, it was the Phobians who emerged victorious for the sixth time, defeating Asante Kotoko 1-0 with a header from defender Konadu Yiadom.
Asante Kotoko comes into the game aiming for revenge although they hold an unprecedented four straight wins over the Phobians in all competitions since last year.
This year’s clash has also taken on a political twist, with politicians from the Ashanti and Greater Accra region, wading into pre-game hostilities.
To this end, the company of the Ashanti Regional Minister, visited the training grounds of Asante Kotoko on Monday and promised a $200 incentive for each goal scored by Asante Kotoko tomorrow.
“We want you to give us five goals. For every goal you score, you will earn $200. We will bring the money to the stadium. If you can score five goals, you will earn $1,000. So, on Sunday, just make sure you beat Hearts of Oak for us,” he told the team.
Although no promises have been made to the Hearts team by the Greater Accra Regional Minister and her mayor, the Phobians will come into the game with renewed hope and energy as the new set of technical heads, led by Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, takes charge of their first game.
The players will be eager to impress their new Head Coach, Didi Dramani, and the fans as they look to deliver yet another memorable performance, especially with a sitting President in attendance.
According to organisers, admission is free for all sections of the stadium except for the VIP and VVIP sections
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
The Black Starlets will intensify preparations for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header of friendly matches against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Samraboi.
The national U-17 side will first take on the youth team of Samartex on Saturday at4pm, as the technical team continues to assess player combinations and sharpen match readiness ahead of the continental tournament.
The following day, Sunday, March 15, the Starlets will return to the same venue to face the senior side of Samartex in another crucial preparatory fixture, also scheduled for 4pm.
These matches form part of a series of build-up games designed to test the squad’s depth, tactical discipline and competitive edge as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
The Starlets have already played several friendly matches during their training programme, including encounters against True Democracy FC, Port City FC, Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC and Golden Kick FC.
The upcoming double-header is expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players as Ghana’s young talents continue their preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
The Football Association, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is supporting the Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival, a three-day sporting event aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering students through sports and education.
The festival, scheduled to take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Kofipare, will be held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset: Unleashing the Champion in You.”
The event is being organized in honour of Rev. Alexander Narh Amanya, the District Director of Education for Ayensuano, in recognition of his contribution to educational and youth development in the district.
The Women’s Football Development Unit of the GFA’s Technical Directorate views the festival as a significant platform to implement the Education Pillar of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to promote awareness, participation, and development opportunities for girls in football.
As part of the initiative, the GFA will engage female students through educational and empowerment sessions designed to introduce them to pathways in women’s football and encourage greater participation in the sport.
The Football Association will be represented by key officials who will provide mentorship and educational guidance to the participants.
Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, will educate the girls on the Women’s Football Development Pathways, highlighting opportunities within the sport and potential career prospects.
Bernice Bempah, GFA Women’s Safeguarding Officer, will lead discussions on the GFA Safeguarding Code of Ethics, focusing on creating safe sporting environments and educating the girls on recognizing inappropriate behaviour, setting boundaries and confidently reporting concerns.
Patience Boadu, a public health practitioner and nurse, will facilitate sessions on girls’ health and football, covering important topics such as healthy lifestyles, hydration, menstruation, and personal hygiene.
The Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival is expected to combine sport, education and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for young girls to discover their potential both on and off the field while aligning with the broader vision of the Ghana FA to grow women’s football across the country.
