Sports
Cagey encounters as betPawa GPL enters Week 5
The 2023/24 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) is gradually taking shape as teams position themselves for the title while the pressure begins to mount on the heavyweights to make early statements.
League leaders Bofoakwa Tano would be determined to continue their impressive run when they host Bibiani Gold Stars today at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
It promises to be an electrifying encounter as a result of the decent run enjoyed by the visitors that sees them occupy the fourth position on the table.
However, with their dominance at home and fortitude to make a mark in this season’s league, Bofoakwa would be thirsty for the maximum points.
Second-placed Legon Cities would also square off with unpredictable Bechem United at the El Wak Sports Stadium in another interesting encounter.
With Bechem currently at the bottom of the league table with just three points, they would fancy an upset to clinch all three points and get their season on track.
Legon Cities on the other hand are geared up to clinch all points available at the early stages to avoid their regular struggles to stay in elite football at the end of the season.
Struggling Accra Hearts of Oak would also face off with Heart of Lions at Kpando tomorrow in the visitor’s quest to bounce back to winning ways after recording another draw in their last encounter with Dreams FC.
With just a win from four matches, the Phobians would be looking forward to ending their poor run to lift themselves from the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, Samartex would battle it out with Dreams FC at Nsenkyire while Real Tamale United (RTU) engage Karela in Tamale.
Berekum Chelsea would host Nations FC at the Golden City Park while Medeama SC, following their impressive run in continental football would return to local football with a date with Nsoatreman at the Akoon Park.
The game between Accra Great Olympics and Accra Lions would be played on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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.
