Sports
GPL: Tricky ties await Kotoko, Hearts
High-flying Asante Kotoko will trek to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi tomorrow to face Samartex FC in their Ghana Premier League Matchday 11 game.
Unbeaten this season, Kotoko would hope for another good day away as they push forward to win the title this season. The Nsenkyire Sports Arena has been a favourable ground for them in recent visits, but a wounded Samartex FC, coming on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Bechem United last week, would go all out against the Porcupine Warriors.
After falling to the Porcupine Warriors in their outstanding game on Wednesday, Young Apostles return to the Wenchi Sports Stadium to face yet another tough customer in Hearts of Oak. The Phobians have been tough on the road this season and are looking to return to winning ways after the draw at the Swedru Sports Stadium last week.
Defeats in both fixtures last season have put the Young Apostles side on edge ahead of this game. Coach Abu Abdul Hanan says that although it would not be an easy game, considering Hearts’ current form, he will make sure the points stay with them.
The Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa will host the clash of former league winners as high-flying Aduana FC test their mettle against Berekum Chelsea FC.
In other games:
- Hohoe United FC will welcome bottom club Eleven Wonders FC to the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
- The Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema will host the game between Vision FC and Heart of Lions FC.
- The Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese will see Nations FC face Bibiani Gold Stars.
- The University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon will host the game between Dreams FC and Swedru All Blacks.
Before these games tomorrow:
- The Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium in Tarkwa will have league leaders Medeama SC welcome Bechem United.
- Karela United will welcome Holy Stars to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
By Raymond Ackumey
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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.
