Sports
CHAN qualifiers: Galaxies aim to kick out Nigeria
Ghana’s Black Galaxies will cross swords with Nigeria Super Eagles B team in the first leg final qualifier of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium tomorrow.
The double-legged much-heralded affair is expected to be contested fiercely with the return encounter slated for the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, September 2.
Coach Annor Walker and his charges landed in Ghana from Austria on Thursday, having spent nearly a week in Austria as part of preparations to psyche the team up to deliver.
As part of their tour in Austria, the Galaxies suffered a 1-2 defeat to World Cup hosts Qatar in a four-nation tournament with Hearts of Oak forward, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie registering the consolation goal.
Ghana is poised to continue with their fine form in the qualification round, having crushed opponents Benin 4-0 on aggregate to set up the Nigerian clash.
With no injury concerns, skipper Gladson Awako remains optimistic Ghana will sail through to make up for missing out on the last three editions – 2016, 2018 and 2020, despite a perceived stern Nigerian opposition.
“We are not done yet. We will continue to do what we are supposed to do and give Nigeria a tough competition.
“Everyone knows how Ghana and Nigeria games are. We have to prepare well so that we can beat them to progress to CHAN,” Awako added.
Blended with youthful names like Suraj Seidu of Hearts of Oak, Evans Osei-Owusu of Tema Youth and Karela United’s Augustine Randolph and other experienced players of Mohammed Alhassan and Konadu Yiadom of Hearts Of Oak, Umar Bashiru of Karela United, the Galaxies should be able to make their hard work count.
Aggregate winner of the double hurdle books a place in Algeria for the competition, next year.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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