Sports
Can Kotoko beat WAFA to maintain lead?
PORCUPINE Warriors Asante Kotoko must break the WAFA jinx in a bid to maintain their top spot when the two teams clash today in their Match Day 26 fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.
The Asanteman representation have failed to find wins in their last four meeting with WAFA who won one with the last three ending in draws.
With pressure from the chasing pack including Hearts of Oak, Karela United and Medeama SC, Coach Mariano Barreto and his charges must unlock the unyielding defence of WAFA to secure the vital three points.
Luckily, the likes of Fabio Gama, Abdul Ganiyu, Michael Vinicius and skipper Emmanuel Gyamfi are in the form of their lives and would be in the thick of affairs for Kotoko.
Both teams have also won their last games and would go into the clash with hopes of maintaining their winning streak to consolidate their positions on the league table.
However, WAFA will be keen on preserving their recent dominance against Kotoko and a win would be immensely fancied.
Currently occupying the eighth position on the league log with 38 points, a win would push them close to the top spot and would go all out for a kill against the side they have been very comfortable against.
Elsewhere, Accra Great Olympics will slot it out with bottom-placed Inter Allies in another cracker at the Accra Sports Stadium this afternoon to usher in the weekend round of matches with the mass of the games scheduled for tomorrow.
With Olympics poised to securing top-four place and bounce back to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat in their last game – and Inter Allies beaming with confidence after thrashing Berekum Chelsea 5-0 in their last game, the stage is really set for a cracker.
It is going to be a difficult afternoon for Oly as the Allies are determined to throw everything into the game to give their relegation fight a big boost.
Struggling Legon Cities would host Aduana Stars tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium with the home side in search for a win to stay in the league.
Third-placed Karela United will travel to face Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park as they search for the maximum points against a side that seemed to have given up on their fight for the league title.
The Dawu Park will host Dreams FC and Bechem United in another mouthwatering encounter while Medeama and Ashantigold face off in a very dicey fixture expected to be keenly contested.
Ebusua Dwarfs and Liberty Professionals clash at the Cape Coast Stadium with Elmina Sharks and King Faisal battling it out at Nduom Sports Stadium.
CAPTION:
Andy Francis Kumi – Kotoko striker
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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