Sports
Gold Stars chase first win against Hearts
Kwabena Owusu – Gold Stars
Bibiani Gold Stars will hope to earn their first win against Accra Hearts of Oak at the Dun’s Park when they clash on match day seven of the betPawa Premier League today.
Gold Stars are yet to taste victory against the Phobians at home, having drawn a game and lose the other in the last two seasons.
At home, today’s game would be the third against Hearts at home since joining the elite division and would hope that marks a new beginning for the ‘Gye Nyame’ lads.
Coach Michael Osei who has overseen their last four games with the Phobians is optimistic they would get it right this time as they prepare to capitalise on Hearts uninspiring start to the current season.
For the Phobians, the outcome of this game may have repercussions on the team, especially for Dutch Head Coach, Martinus Koopman who could be booted out if he suffers a third defeat in six games.
Following their 2-2 drawn game with Nations FC, Asante Kotoko returns to the Baba Yara Stadium to host Bechem United tomorrow with a win high on their agenda.
Having halted their jerky start to the season, Kotoko has now bagged nine points from six games and in seventh place on the log.
The visitors lie in a distant 12th position with two points separating them and Head Coach Bismark Kobi Mensah would be up for an upset.
Bechem would be hoping to do better than the 1-0 loss suffered last season on the same grounds.
The newly constructed Hohoe Sports Stadium will host its first Premier League action tomorrow as Kpando Hearts of Lions host Karela United.
Hearts of Lions have relocated to the 10,000-seater facility as their new home venue away from their Sogakope WAFA Park after the impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage on the Sogakope Park.
Currently, Heart of Lions find themselves in the 15th position on the league table with five points while their opponent Karela United are two points above them with six points.
Two-time league champions, Aduana Stars FC will trek to the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale to play as guest of joint leaders Real Tamale United.
Accra Great Olympics will return to the capital to host newbies Nations FC at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow with high hopes of returning to winning ways after suffering their first defeat to Aduana Stars.
In other games, Medeama SC will be at their Akoon Park in Tarkwa to play Samartex FC, Legon Cities welcome Dreams FC to the El-Wak Stadium while Berekum Chelsea host Nsoatreman FC.
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.
