Sports
Belgrade derby held in front of 25,000 fans
A near-capacity 25,000 crowd attended Partizan’s Belgrade derby victory over Red Star on Wednesday in the latest sign that football is starting to edge towards normality following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Serbian government has been loosening lockdown rules and earlier this month it announced that open-air gatherings with an unlimited amount of people would be allowed.
But coverage from television channel RTS appeared to show little sign of health guidelines being in place as Partizan beat fierce rivals Red Star 1-0 in the Serbian Cup semi-final match.
It turned out to be a tense derby in a familiar atmosphere at Partizan’s stadium as both sets of fans lit flares that covered the stadium in a thick smoke, with Bibras Natcho settling the match in the 58th minute.
Natcho’s close-range shot trickled through Red Star keeper Milan Borjan’s arms into the net after dazzling footwork from striker Umar Sadiq, who left his marker flat-footed and squared the ball to the Israeli midfielder.
Sadiq was a handful all evening for Red Star’s defenders, running past them almost at will and only a string of good saves from Borjan denied the towering Nigerian a goal.
Hungary became the first European country to reopen stadiums to supporters two weeks ago, although with capacities severely reduced due to social-distancing rules.
Belarus was the exception during the pandemic, with the nation never closing grounds or halting football while most of Europe was under lockdown.
Serbian league football resumed on May 29, initially behind closed doors, before the government further eased restrictions. – Reuters
Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his position as head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.
The club’s management confirmed the development and announced that it has accepted his resignation.
Management expressed appreciation for his service to the club and wished him well in his future endeavours.
In a brief statement, the club did not give reasons for the decision but assured supporters that steps are being taken to ensure continuity.
Asante Kotoko indicated that details about the new technical direction of the club, including coaching arrangements, will be communicated in due course.
The resignation comes as the club continues its campaign in domestic competitions, with management expected to outline the next steps in the coming days.
By: Jacob Aggrey
KUMASI – Asante Kotoko will welcome Aduana FC in a crunch 1/16th stage clash of the MTN FA Cup competition tomorrow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Ghana Premier League (GPL) takes a short break.
Without doubt, it climaxes this round of fixtures of the competition and will see both clubs fighting it hard to grab quarter final tickets.
For fans of the Porcupine Warriors, the timing of the clash is not favourable as it represents a difficult period when the club is struggling to keep pace with the leaders in the GPL.
The statistics clearly explain the mood among the Reds fans.
The Porcupine Warriors have won only two matches in their last six games, that is, against Bechem United and Basake Holy Stars.
But against Swedru All Blacks and Kpando Heart of Lions, they lost in miserable fashion and secured draws with Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars.
This has affected morale in camp. Coming against Aduana FC, it will not be an easy mountain to climb as the Dormaa lads enjoy a clean ride in the GPL.
Kotoko and Aduana drew 1-1 in their last league encounter which produced a lot of thrills.
The return of top striker Albert Amoah to the fold and scoring on his return got their fans celebrating and anticipated a smooth run, only to be pegged back by the Lions from Kpando.
Aduana FC at their best can ‘harm’ any opposition. Against the Porcupine Warriors tomorrow, they would have to be at their best to stand a chance against the wounded Porcupines.
At the Tuba Astro turf, Dreams FC would engage Inter Allies in another encounter expected to be full of thrills.
Inter Allies’ Technical Director, Willie Klutse, says his team has what it takes to upset the apple-cart, knowing Dreams FC’s struggles in the ongoing season.
Berekum Chelsea would also come face-to-face with Tamale City who are enjoying a great run in the Division One League (DOL).
Elsewhere, Nations FC will take on Swedru All Blacks when league leaders, Medeama SC, will host FC Samartex 1996 at the T&A Park today.
By Andrew Nortey
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