Sports
Goldstars, Nations FC to thrill Bibiani fans
After over a month’s break due to the tragic death of an Asante Kotoko fan during match day 19, the Ghana Premier League bounces back this weekend with some interesting duels at revamped and more secured venues.
‘Say no to hooliganism’ banners are expected to fly around all venues to drum home the need to walk the talk at the various stadia.
Leading the pack is the clash between league leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars, and fifth-placed, Nations FC, at the Bibiani Dun’s Park tomorrow.
Separated by just two points, Nations FC looks poised to give the host a game of their lives tomorrow and that makes the game too close to call.
Gold Stars have drawn seven and lost three games while Nations has recorded five draws and the same number of defeats.
Nations FC comes into this game the more prolific side, scoring a total of 22 goals so far with 11 against, while Gold Stars have 19 with 10 against.
One battle to look out for in this game will be that of leading top scorer of the league, Faisal Charwetey, of Nations and defender Vincent Atinga, skipper of Gold Stars.
Vision FC will look to secure a second straight win at home when they host high-flying Kpando Heart of Lions at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex tomorrow.
With only four points separating them and the drop zone, coach Nana Kweku Agyemang and his charges will be plotting a fifth defeat for veteran coach, Bashir Hayford’s side.
A battle-royal is expected at the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, where Medeama SC clashes with Bechem United.
Both teams are separated by a single point on the log, with the visitors lying above the host, who’s Head Coach, Ibrahim Tanko, is of the belief that they would need to play above themselves to carry all three points at stake.
Eighth place, Berekum Chelsea FC, will welcome bottom-placed, Accra Lions, to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa in a game that is likely to deepen the woes of the visitors.
Accra Hearts of Oak SC will host Young Apostles FC today at the University of Ghana stadium, while Asante Kotoko lock horns with Legon Cities tomorrow at the Baba Yara Stadium.
In other games, the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium will host the Karela United and Basake Holy Stars game, while Dreams FC welcomes Aduana Stars to the Tuba Astro Turf Park, with Bibiani Dun’s Park playing host to the game between Nsoatreman FC and defending league champions, FC Samartex 1996, on Monday.
By Raymond Ackumey
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
