Sports
Gold Stars, Kotoko brace for tough clashes in CAF competitions
Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko would honour difficult second leg ties in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions respectively, this weekend after uninspiring outcomes in the initial legs honoured in Accra.
Gold Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium last Saturday, leaving them with a tall order as they travel to Algeria to face J.S Kabyle in the second leg tie.
Kotoko conceded three goals in the first leg 4-3 win on Sunday at the same venue and would face an equally difficult encounter against the Kwara United side that are aiming at overturning the deficit.
In a two-legged format, expectation was that the Ghanaian sides would record convincing wins in the first legs to make the second legs more comfortable.
But the current situation leaves them in awkward positions, needing wins at all cost to gain entry to the next stage of the competition.
But Gold Stars’ task looks more Herculean, having conceded two goals from the first leg and would have to score three unanswered goals to overcome the Algerians.
That seem an impossible task, knowing the form of North African sides at home as far as the CAF inter-club competitions are concerned.
Though Gold Stars enjoyed large spells of possession in the first leg, the J.S Kabyle side showed their predatory instincts in front of goal.
At home, they would be even more devastating and that could spell doom for the Ghanaians who must put up a spirited display to leave Algiers with a decent outcome.
Asante Kotoko would, however, go into the second leg with a goal advantage which they have to defend with every sinew.
The Nigerians left Ghana beaming with confidence after finding the back of the net on three occasions. It sounds like a rare thing as visiting teams often aim to adopt defensive strategies in order to frustrate the home team.
But in Accra and in front of a few Nigerian fans, they showed character and carried the fight to the Porcupine Warriors and were successful in breaching their defence on many times.
Away in Nigeria, the Porcupine Warriors must put up an improved performance and guard the rear against the onslaught of Kwara United who are hoping to enjoy a lot of support from their fans.
The clash would revive the sporting rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria that has existed for ages and cutting across the various sports.
The Nigerians can be favourites in this clash but Kotoko has the experience to emerge victorious in high profile games like this.
Ghanaians would expect them to ride on the back of that experience to prove to all that, undeniably the porcupine is still alive.
By Andrew Nortey
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.
