Sports
Hearts, Aduana clash in Dormaa …as betPawa Premier League bellows off
The 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) has finally kicked off with Hearts of Oak set to begin their campaign with a clash with Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyeman Badu Park in Dormaa today.
The 2022-21 winners failed to live up to expectation during last year’s season campaign which was dominated by inconsistencies.
The Phobians, who only took solace in winning the FA Cup last season, would be desperate to begin the new campaign on a bright note with a win away from home.
With the likes of arguably the best player in Ghana currently – Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, in hot form, along with Seidu Suraj and Mohammed Alhassan – who were sensational for the Black Galaxies, Hearts’ redemption from last season seem to be in place.
Skipper of the Black Galaxies, Gladson Awako, though failed to replicate the form that saw his switch from Accra Great Olympics to Hearts last season, would also be eager to make a statement in the Rainbow colours.
Aduana, however, would be comfortable playing at home and set up to frustrate Hearts with support from their home fans.
In other games today, Great Olympics will face off with Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium in another fascinating encounter.
The Dade boys after winning the GHALCA G6 tournament should be beaming with confidence going into the new season and a win against Bechem United at home would be a great start.
With former Black Stars player and World Cup winner Emmanuel Agyemang Badu bringing some experience and leadership into the squad, Olympics look set to challenge for some silverware this season.
The Bechem team had been a delight to watch in recent times and is gradually becoming a huge force to reckon with on the local scene and could challenge for a top-four place or possibly for the league title this season.
At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea take on King Faisal in another mouth-watering clash with both teams expected to battle for all three points.
At Bibiani, last season debutants who ensured they remained in the league, Gold Stars will play as hosts to Dreams FC, while Karela would battle it out with Tamale City at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park. Newly-promoted Kotoko Royals would be looking forward to making a good impression as they engage Accra Lions at the Rovers Park, while Medeama welcome Legon Cities to Tarkwa for an interesting game.
Newly-promoted Tamale United will host another newcomer Samartex to a fierce clash on a delightful weekend of football. However, the match between defending champions Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC has been postponed due to the champions’ engagement in continental football.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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.
