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
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.
