Sports
Gold Stars thrash Accra Lions to win historic 2024-25 Premier League title
Gold Stars FC completed a fairytale season by clinching their first-ever Ghana Premier League title in commanding fashion, demolishing Accra Lions 4-0 at a raucous Duns Park on Sunday.
The emphatic victory not only confirmed their place at the summit but also condemned the Lions to relegation, just a season after finishing second in the 2023/24 campaign.
Abdul Farouk Amoaful opened the scoring just four minutes into the game to ignite celebrations among the home fans. Kelvin Oppong doubled the advantage in the 19th minute, laying the foundation for a memorable finale.
Second-half goals from Samuel Kumi (73′) and Frank Amankwah (90′) capped off a dominant performance that saw the title secured with a three-point cushion.
While the home crowd erupted in celebration at full-time, the mood was starkly different for Accra Lions, who finished 15th and faced the drop after a disappointing and turbulent campaign.
Nations FC fall short in title chase
Nations FC, who had led the title race, fell at the final hurdle with a surprising 2-0 home defeat to third-placed Heart of Lions at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Goals from Samuel Boamah Quansah (18′) and Asante Sedorf (72′) handed the visitors a deserved win and dashed Nations’ title hopes. Despite an impressive campaign, Nations had to settle for second place as they await a judicial decision, just behind the newly crowned champions.
Kotoko pip rivals Hearts to fourth place
Asante Kotoko edged out bitter rivals Hearts of Oak for fourth place via head-to-head record, despite a 3-1 defeat to Vision FC at the Nii Kraku Adjei II Sports Complex. An own goal from Lord Xorse Kudzinya gave Kotoko the early lead, but a brace from Frank Duku and a goal by Edmund Asante turned the game around for the hosts.
Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, ended their campaign on a positive note with a 1-0 win over dethroned champions FC Samartex 1996 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Defender Konadu Yiadom scored the only goal in the 57th minute to give the Phobians their first-ever Premier League win against Samartex in Accra. Nonetheless, they finished fifth, just behind Kotoko.
Medeama disappointed, Aduana finish strong
Medeama SC wrapped up a frustrating campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Berekum Chelsea at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa. Vincent Klu Adjei opened the scoring for the visitors before Kingsley Braye equalized.
But former Medeama striker Kofi Ansu Patrick had the final say, scoring the winner five minutes from time to silence the home fans. Medeama finished eighth, while Chelsea ended the season in 12th position.
Aduana FC ended on a high, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win over newly promoted Basake Holy Stars.
Richard Tetteh gave the hosts a first-half lead, which was quickly canceled out by Francis Obeng.
However, second-half goals from Emmanuel Marfo (55′) and Alex Boakye (87′ pen) sealed the victory. Despite the defeat, Holy Stars managed to avoid relegation in their debut top-flight season.
Dreams FC shine, Young Apostles survive
Dreams FC closed out the season with a resounding 4-1 victory over relegated Legon Cities. Jonathan Nemorden netted twice, while Joseph Esso and Suraj Seidu added a goal apiece.
Albert Adomah scored a consolation for the Royals, whose relegation was confirmed prior to kickoff.
Elsewhere, Bechem United edged out Young Apostles 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Baba Moro Abdulai at the Nana Gyeabour Park.
Despite the defeat, the Apostles successfully retained their Premier League status after an encouraging debut campaign.
Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
