Sports
Golden Kick, a tricky obstacle for Kotoko in MTN FA Cup final tomorrow
The University of Ghana Stadium will come alive tomorrow when Ghanaian giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, take on lower tier side, Golden Kicks FC, in a thrilling climax to the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final tomorrow at exactly 5pm.
The much anticipated game, which is more than just a battle for silverware but a meeting of tradition and ambition for both teams, is expected to draw thousands of football fanatics across the country to the Legon stadium for what promises to be a dramatic and tricky finale to this season’s domestic cup competition.
After an unsuccessful season in the Ghana Premier League which saw the Reds miss out on the title to Bibiani GoldStars, the Porcupine Warriors will be desperate to finish the season on a high by clinching the title to secure a place in the next CAF interclub competition.
The Reds have a rich history in the FA Cup competition having won it nine times and will be eyeing their 10th title to stamp their authority as the overall best.
Before reaching this stage, Asante Kotoko eliminated formidable opponents like True Democracy, Sekondi Eleven Wise and Berekum Chelsea in the semi-final.
The availability of players like Justice Blay, Kwame Opoku, Frederick Asare, Peter Amidu Acquah and striker Albert Amoah, among other notable players will be a big boost to Coach Karim Zito’s side.
Meanwhile, the task will not be an easy one for Kotoko looking at the way their opponents reached the final with wins over Accra Hearts of Oak and Bechem United before climaxing it with Attram d’ Visser.
Coached by young and tactical Fiifi Parker Hanson, Golden Kicks have a combined youthful team with tactical discipline to punch well above their weight and relish the opportunity to shock the giants once more on a bigger stage.
This final is more than just a contest between Premier League royalty and a hungry underdog but rather a tale of two contrasting football identities. Kotoko brings the weight of tradition, experience, legacy and pressure while Golden Kicks arrive with nothing to lose and everything to prove which makes the game a promised one, full of thrills and fireworks.
By Enoch Ntiamoah
Sports
WAFU B U20 BOYS CUP: Black Satellites Set for Must-Win Clash Against Benin in Final Group Game
The Black Satellites will return to action on Wednesday, July 17, when they take on Benin in a decisive Group A fixture of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Championship at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The match, which is both teams’ final group outing, kicks off at 15:00 GMT.
Ghana currently sit on one point after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in their opening match. Benin, on the other hand, are bottom of the group following a 4-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria.
For Benin, it’s all or nothing — only a win will see them through to the semi-finals. Ghana, however, need just a draw to advance.
Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei has made it clear that his team is going all out for victory. Despite Benin’s heavy loss to Nigeria, Ofei expects a tough challenge.
“It’s an important game for us because we have to win to qualify,” he stated.
He added, “Despite their loss to Nigeria, they played well. We have to be sharp and hungry, show that we are the better side to get the 3 points.”
Benin coach Raymond Tchalè is also confident his side will respond strongly, likening their approach to that of a wounded lion.
“We know what is at stake. We are going to throw in everything. Nothing but a win matters, and we’ll fight for it,” he said.
The game promises high tension and drama, as both teams aim to secure a place in the semi-finals and keep their hopes of qualifying for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations alive.
The equation is simple: Black Satellites must avoid defeat, Benin must win.
With a place in the knockout stage on the line, Wednesday’s clash is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most gripping encounters.
Sports
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah credits teammates for Black Queens’ Quarterfinal progress
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah expressed her delight after Ghana’s 4-1 win over Tanzania propelled the Black Queens into the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
Boye-Hlorkah’s stunning finish sealed the victory, setting up a quarterfinal clash against Algeria.
Ghana took the lead early through Princella Adubea, but Tanzania equalized before halftime courtesy of Stumai Abdallah. The Black Queens dominated the second half, with Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu adding to the scoreline.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” Boye-Hlorkah said after the game.
“They’ve got my back out there. As a vocal player, I try to lead and push the team to its best, and it’s amazing to see everyone working together.” she added.
