Sports
Red-eyed Hearts seek Oly revenge
Hearts of Oak’s terrifying form will face a major litmus test tomorrow when they contend with a formidable Great Olympics side in the “Accra derby” – one of six local derbies that will shape fortunes at the Accra Stadium – with six games left. The tie is slated for 6.pm.
The Phobians’ five-game unbeaten run and two points lead at the summit may come under threat in this week 28 league fixtures with coach of the ‘Wonder Club’ Annor Walker declaring he intends to inflict another win over their rivals, after beating them 2-0 in their earlier fixture to revive his own title ambition, which is gradually dissipating with their inconsistent run of results.
Unlike Walker who has thrown down the gauntlet, Hearts boss Samuel Boadu remained tight-lipped and cautious with his approach, only affirming that his side was focused on their title race and “were their own competition.”
Second-placed Asante Kotoko, two points adrift off the league leaders, will face an obsolete Ashantigold side at the Obuasi Len Clay in the Ashanti derby as they aim to mount pressure on Hearts for the title push.
Kotoko, who recorded stalemates in their last three games and relinquishing the top-spot to their arch-rivals, can bounce back against their regional foes who are playing poorly but can spring a surprise playing at their home grounds as the visiting team.
At Sogakope, relegation-threatened Liberty Professionals will play as hosts of WAFA at the dreaded Sogakope Park of the latter. The Academy boys would be wary of the ‘Scientific Soccer lads’ who have quickly turned the venue into their own fortress and have been steadily negotiating their relegation escape from the venue.
In other games, a Brong-Ahafo affair will ensue between Eleven Wonders and Bechem United at the Ohene Ameyaw Stadium, whilst Accra side Legon Cities contend with compatriots bottom-placed Inter Allies who have mustered a new-found confidence to wage war against beating the drop zone at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.
At Cape Coast, Ebusua Dwarfs will pitch their strength against a rebounding Aduana Stars’ side whilst King Faisal continue their fight against the relegation pit, facing an embattled Berekum Chelsea team at the Golden City Park. Highly-flying Dreams will host a distraught Elmina Sharks team at the Dawu Park.
Preceding tomorrow’s derbies will be the feisty Western derby today at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa where Medeama in a bid to restore their title ambitions, must confront fourth-placed Karela United whose head coach Augustine Adotey has declared their readiness to claim the three points at stake.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
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.
