Sports
Galaxies dare Nigeria in make-or-break today
The Black Galaxies of Ghana will square off with the CHAN Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja today for the final round second leg qualifier of next year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Algeria.
With a foot already in the championship, following an impressive 2-0 win over the Nigerians last Sunday, the Galaxies would be determined to replicate a similar performance and walk away with at least a draw.
Second half goals from Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh and Suraj Seidu ensured that the Galaxies travel to Nigeria with an advantage from the first leg.
The result, thus, presents a very tough task for the CHAN Eagles who would have to score three unanswered goals to qualify ahead of the Ghanaians.
But with the Black Galaxies poised to make a return to the CHAN after a long absence, they would go all out to protect their advantage and possibly return with a double over their neighbours.
Skipper Gladson Awako, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, David Abagna, Mohammed Alhassan and Umar Bashiru had been a delight to watch in the qualifiers so far and would be in the tick of affairs to reward themselves with the CHAN qualification after their splendid efforts.
Coach Annor Walker has expressed huge confidence in his squad and confident that his charges would deliver another great performance in Nigeria.
The embittered Nigerians, however, will definitely give the Ghanaians a good run for their money as they hope to overturn the results in their favour.
Playing in front of the large Abuja fans, the CHAN Eagles would be inspired to fly high over the Galaxies – and the turn the situation around.
The team had already moved on from their uninspiring performance in the first leg in Cape Coast and is determined to go all out for a win in Abuja.
Just like they attempted in Ghana, the Nigerians, who appeared more physical, would set up to bully and frustrate the Galaxies to succumb to defeat.
Whilst they hope to score, the Eagles would be eager to protect their goal-line, aware that any goal from Ghana could be disastrous as far as their reputation and future in the CHAN tournament is concerned.
Do not forget Ghana eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Qatar World Cup this year and another slump would be seen as a calamity. But should the Galaxies care?
Indeed, today’s game should be a fiercely contested one as both teams have expressed their eagerness to grab the only ticket available for CHAN next year.
Whilst Nigerian fans would wait for a victory to celebrate, supporters in Ghana should be preparing to receive the Galaxies back to the country with a hero’s welcome.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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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