Sports
A Dream test for Kotoko
The long-awaited Ghana Premier League (GPL) 2021/2022 returned yesterday after 140 days of respite and saw debutants Accra Lions take on Elmina Sharks in a very cagey contest at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The action continues this weekend across all game centres with the top-liner being an evening fixture tonight between Dreams FC and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Under new gaffer Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, the Porcupine Warriors will be eager to thrill their expectant fans to some spectacular football, following their massive buys as they start their campaign in a cagey game tonight.
New signings including Stephen Amankona, Joseph Amoako and Cameroonian forward Mbella Franch Thierry are expected to give the Fabulous a flamboyant debut.
On Sunday, defending champions Hearts of Oak will look to put their CAF Champions League disappointment behind them as they open their title defence against Legon Cities FC at the Accra Sports Stadium – a venue the Phobians have not tasted defeat since the appointment of Samuel Boadu.
But the question still remains; can the Royals halt the Rainbow boys?
At the renovated Dun’s Park in Bibiani tomorrow, new entrants Gold Stars will have their share of the cake when they slug it out with Berekum Chelsea. The Golden Boys will be aiming to cement their stay in the top-flight as they have kept hold of stars including Prince Owusu Kwabena, Ernest Kusi who played an integral role in their truimph as Division One League Champions in Zone 2.
But can Chelsea do without the services of star man Stephen Amankona, who is now a Porcupine?
At the Ohene Ameyaw Park, Eleven Wonders, handled by ex-Ghana International Yaw Acheampong, will hope to start their season on a flyer when they play Ashanti Gold in Techiman.
Elsewhere, West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) will hope to go a step higher on the table this season (finished third last season with 56 points) as they travel to Kumasi to play King Faisal at the renovated Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Real Tamale United (RTU) will try to put on a fine display on their return to the elite division when they battle it out with Great Olympics at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
Bechem United and Medeama SC will look to claim the maximum points at stake when they square off at the Nana Fosu Gyeambour Park in Bechem.
Tomorrow at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase, impressive Karela United FC will go neck-to-neck with Aduana Stars at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase to climax the first round of games.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
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.
