Sports
Dreams FC aim to dent Medeama’s title hopes
GHANA Premier League leaders, Medeama SC’s resolve to win a second title will be tested tomorrow when they trek to the Tuba Astro Turf to face Dreams FC in a Match day 26 fixture.
Yet to win in their last five games, Medeama SC is under pressure to scale the Dreams FC hurdle, knowing that any result other than a win could see second-place Bibiani Gold Stars overtake them.
For Dreams FC’s Coach, Winfred Dormon, it will be the first of two defeats they aim to hand the visitors, as they face off again in the semi-finals of the MTN FA Cup next month.
But Coach Tanko Ibrahim’s Medeama pursuit of a domestic glory and a historic double this season is so precious, and every member of the team is ready to achieve it.
At the Dun’s Park in Bibiani, defending champions, Gold Stars, would be chasing their 11th win in 13 matches when they lock horns with Vision FC. Breathing heavily on the necks of leaders, Medeama SC, who lead by a point, the ‘Miners’ will look to add the visitors to their growing list of casualties in their push to retain the title they won last season.
Swiss tactician, Fritz Markus Schmid, believes the tie will not be an easy one, as he describes the visitors as a solid side. However, he was quick to add that they will surely see off the Tema-based side to further boost their dreams of retaining the title.
Having scored 18 goals at home with five conceded, Coach Schmid is hoping that in-form striker, Samuel Attah Kumi, the leading goal scorer with 11 goals, will continue his fine form in front.
Having defeated Gold Stars 3-0 in the first-round fixture, Vision FC possesses a surprising venom in big games, making this fixture a slippery one for the hosts.
Fifth-placed Asante Kotoko would hope to return to winning ways when they welcome Nations FC to the Baba Yara Stadium in a cagey encounter.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, relegation-threatened Berekum Chelsea would be hoping to record their eighth win of the season when they welcome high-flying Karela United.
Title chasers, Aduana FC, will trek to Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to battle Bechem United FC in a tricky tie. Basake Holy Stars will stay put at the Ampian AAK II Sports Arena in Azulewanu to host Young Apostles, while Swedru All Blacks face Hohoe United at Swedru Stadium.
By Raymond Ackumey
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.
