Sports
Can Academy boys surprise Kotoko?
Porcupine Warriors Kumasi Asante Kotoko are desperate to pounce on top position at the slightest opportunity.
And, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday, the Reds hope to do justice to that mission as they engage a struggling WAFA side that is currently uncharacteristically rooted at the 15th spot.
The Academy boys have been experiencing a rather bad-patch of form, especially since the departure of their trusted gaffer – Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, ahead of the season.
On Sunday, WAFA would have to prove to their former trainer that they do not really miss him by putting up a credible performance – good enough to secure them at least, a point. It looks a tough order, though.
With 17 points from eight games, second-placed Kotoko (who have a game in hand against rivals Hearts of Oak), would not want to drop their guard any further as they plot to reclaim the championship title.
After securing an impressive away point against AshantiGold in Obuasi, ‘Wonder Club’ Great Olympics appeared fired up enough to beat Eleven Wonders in a game many have dubbed ‘Clash of the Wonders’ at the Accra Sports Stadium.
RTU’s top goal-poacher David Abagna will be a real thorn in the flesh of Accra Lions in a cagey, nervy-racking encounter in Accra on Saturday.
After winning two games on the bounce, Hearts of Oak look invigorated to take on Dreams FC at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu tomorrow.
In other fixtures of Week 10, Bechem United welcome imposing King Faisal to Bechem; struggling Elmina Sharks slot it out with Legon Cities in Elmina, whilst Berekum Chelsea host wounded AshantiGold at the Golden City Park.
Yet another cracker takes place in Bibiani where Gold Stars entertain Karela United with Medeama obliging league leaders Aduana Stars at the T&A Park in Tarkwa.
Full fixtures
Bechem United v King Faisal
Berekum Chelsea v AshantiGold
Great Olympics v Eleven Wonders
Elmina Sharks v Legon Cities
Bibiani Goldstars v Karela United
Accra Lions v RTU
Dreams FC v Hearts
Kotoko v WAFA
Medeama v Aduana
By Spectator Sports Reporter
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.
