Sports
Can Kotoko, Hearts Bounce Back?
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko would hope to return to winning ways this weekend following defeats in their Matchday 13 Ghana Premier League (GPL) games last week.
Both teams suffered defeats on the road, leaving them with 21 points apiece, with the Phobians sitting seventh, two places below Kotoko.
At the University of Ghana Sports Stadium today, Hearts of Oak will attempt a second straight victory when they host Nations FC. The Phobians lost 1-0 to Nations FC last season in this fixture at the Tuba Astro Turf, a game many Hearts fans would want to forget.
Tomorrow, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, injury-stricken Asante Kotoko will hope for a good day when they host 14th-placed Dreams FC. Dreams FC suffered a 4-1 battering last season in this fixture and will be looking for revenge.
Dreams FC, led by Winfred Dormon, a protégé of Coach Zito, will aim to exact revenge on his former boss following that heavy defeat last season.
After going down 2-0 in the highly-anticipated Western Derby against Samartex FC last week, Bibiani Gold Stars return to their base at the Dun’s Park to host Medeama SC in another blockbuster Western derby.
Following their 2-0 victory over Hearts last week, Karela United will trek to the Wenchi Sports Stadium to face Young Apostles.
In other games, Berekum Chelsea will hope to return to winning ways when they host high-flying Hohoe United at the Golden City Park, while Basake Holy Stars FC will host Samartex FC at the Ampian AAK II Sports Arena in Azulewanu.
Swedru All Blacks will take on Vision FC at the Swedru Stadium, with the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park hosting the Bechem United FC vs. Eleven Wonders game.
By Raymond Ackumey
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Sports
GFA President engages Maryland State Leadership as GFA intensifies 2026 World Cup preparations
President of the Football Association and 2nd Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a working visit to the Office of the Governor of the State of Maryland as part of ongoing high-level engagements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
During the visit, the President held productive discussions with the Honourable Aruna Miller, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Maryland, and Chief of Staff Geri Royals Byrd. The meeting explored areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration aimed at supporting Ghana’s participation in the global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The engagement forms part of the GFA President’s broader diplomatic and institutional outreach in the United States, focused on strengthening partnerships that will enhance operational planning, logistics, fan engagement and overall support for the Black Stars during the tournament. President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of early coordination with key stakeholders across host cities and states to ensure a seamless experience for the team and Ghanaian supporters.
With Ghana drawn in Group L, the Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto, before facing England in Boston and concluding the group stage with a clash against Croatia in Philadelphia.
The multi-city schedule presents unique logistical demands, underscoring the need for strong institutional collaboration and strategic planning.
President Simeon-Okraku, who has been holding a series of meetings with strategic partners across the United States, reiterated the Football Association’s commitment to delivering a well-organised and memorable World Cup campaign for the team.
He noted that these engagements are critical to advancing Ghana’s interests, projecting a positive national image and ensuring that the Black Stars are adequately supported on and off the pitch.
The GFA will continue to build alliances that will contribute to a successful and impactful 2026 FIFA World Cup experience for Ghana.
Black Galaxies head coach Kasim Mingle Ocansey has expressed confidence ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against South Africa, insisting his side will provide a stern test for Bafana Bafana.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, Ocansey noted that the encounter presents a valuable opportunity for the Black Galaxies to demonstrate their quality, while stressing that his team is not under pressure.
“This game is an opportunity for the Black Galaxies to prove that they are a very good side. I’m happy to have this friendly, but my team is not under any pressure. We believe in building, and that is exactly what I am doing,” he said.
The Black Galaxies will face South Africa at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 pm Ghana time.
