Sports
Hearts aim to worsen Kotoko’s plight
Psychologically, Kumasi Asante Kotoko may not be in a perfect mood to play their archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League.
But, unfortunately, the Phobians would be their guests tomorrow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a tough Matchday 22 clash.
Kotoko has endured some torrid moments lately, the latest of which the Head Coach Karim Zito was sacked.
That followed a string of poor results culminating in the wide gap between them and league leaders Medeama and a defeat to Aduana FC to exit the FA Cup championship.
They must, however, find a way to psyche themselves up for their biggest game in local football as Hearts come to town with high hopes of avenging recent defeat suffered in the hands of the Porcupine Warriors.
Interestingly, both sides have not been at their best this season; all struggling to keep pace with the likes of Medeama, Goldstars and others.
Although the Baba Yara Stadium is Kotoko’s fortress, Hearts have found joy in matches there and would hope that piece of history would be kind to them again.
In other venues, defending champions, Bibiani Gold Stars would have all to play for when they welcome Basake Holy Stars at the Bibiani Dun’s Park tomorrow.
At the Berekum Golden City Park, relegation-threatened Berekum Chelsea will host Kpando Hearts of Lions in a game expected to be full of thrills.
The Berekum lads have found the going extremely tough and have turned their home ground to their main source for points, having performed poorly on the road.
Heart of Lions would offer a stiff opposition capable of worsening the situation of the hosts as they aim for a decent finish.
Hohoe United started their maiden season impressively but find themselves struggling for survival in just the second round.
At their Hohoe base, they can breathe some life into their campaign if they are able to defeat stubborn Nations FC today.
Elsewhere, Bechem United will face Young Apostles at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem; Dreams FC will welcome Karela United to the Tuba Astro Turf in a game of equals while Swedru All Blacks host Samartex FC at the Swedru Stadium.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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The TnA Stadium in Tarkwa will come live tomorrow with a top of the table clash as title-chasing Medeama SC welcome defending champions, Bibiani Gold Stars, in a Match day 31 fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Medeama has declared it “Operation Paint Tarkwa Yellow and Mauve” as they gear up for what connoisseurs see as a make or break fixture for both sides.
A win for the home side will stretch their lead on the log to five points and hand them a huge boost in their title aspirations, but a defeat will play into the hands of the visitors.
Both teams head into this fixture with two points separating them on the league log with Medeama SC leading with 53 points.
The first round tie at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani ended goalless, leaving all to be played for in this game.
Third placed side, Hearts of Oak, will trek to the Kwame Kyel Sports Complex to test their might against Nations FC.
Both have faced each other five times since 2023 with the Phobians winning twice, drawing same and losing once.
This season, the Phobians defeat Nation FC 1-0 in the first round game at home and will look to do a double over the Abrankese lads, a plot coach Frimpong Manso and his charges are scheming against.
Hearts have drawn thrice, won once and lost same in their last five games and are heading into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss on the road to Vision FC.
Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has charged his boys to put that defeat behind them and go for victory.
At the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa, fourth placed Aduana FC will be chasing their 13th win of the season when they welcome Heart of Lions in their penultimate home game.
The “Ogya Boys” will be seeking a double over the visitors after inflicting a 1-0 win over the Kpando lads at their own backyard last December.
Karela United will look to exact revenge on Young Apostles FC when they host them at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
Fifth-placed side, Samartex FC, will stay put at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena to host Basake Holy Stars.
Dreams FC will hope to worsen the plight of Asante Kotoko when they host them at the Tuba Astro Turf.
Vision FC will lock horns with Swedru All Blacks at the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex in Tema today.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
Fierce competition for slots for the 2027 Africa Games continues today at the Borteyman Sports facility in Accra where over 300 athletes from 21 countries have converged to compete in the 15th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The championship started yesterday with thrilling performances. The fireworks will continue today which happens to be the final day with eyes fixed on medals and ranking points to secure continental glory, and most importantly, a qualification to the 2027 African Games.
It has attracted tough competitors from traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa and host nation, Ghana.
They are known for their long-standing dominance in the sport, and are expected to provide stiff competition for the Ghana national Armwrestling team, The Golden Arms.
Also expected to stage a strong contest are the new forces in the Armwrestling arena.
Benin, Mauritius, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Kenya, Eswatini, Burundi, Niger, Senegal, Cote D’viore and Togo are all in town, ready to combat the ‘big guns’ despite their underdog status.
The arrival of South Africa and Benin in particular, adds a fresh competitive edge to the southern and West Africa representation of the tournament.
This edition is under the theme: ‘Pulling Africa Together,’ emphasising the role of sports in fostering regional integration and unity among member states.
Speaking ahead of the competition, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson, Maame Efua Houadjeto, explained that the event provides a platform to bridge cultural gaps and strengthen the bond between African nations through fair play.
Maame Efua, who doubles as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), also indicated the readiness of the LOC and the country to stage a very impressive championship.
“We are fully prepared to host a world-class championship that reflects the hospitality of Ghana. By bringing the continent to Accra, including our brothers and sisters from Egypt, Nigeria, and the rising stars from Benin and Mauritius, we have demonstrated that Africa is stronger when we lock hands.”
She continued that: “The theme: ‘Pulling Africa Together’ is a call for continental development and peace. We are ready to show that Ghana remains the heartbeat of African sports and the best in hospitality.”
Contributing, Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of Ghana and Africa Armwrestling, commended various partners, especially the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, National Petroleum Authority, National Health Insurance Authority, Bethel Logistics, Verna Water, Kofikrom Pharmacy Limited, Stanbic Bank, Kofata Motors, Royal Dach Pharmacy, IMAH Hospital, Event Factory, Awards Center, Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Tourism Authority for the unflinching support for the championship.
On his part, Mr Kenneth Odeng Adade, the Chief Operations Officer for the championship, indicated that Borteyman complex has been fitted with international-standard Armwrestling tables and electronic systems to ensure a seamless experience..
As the competition officially ends today, the ‘Golden Arms’ of Ghana will be looking to leverage home-court advantage against the technical prowess of the Egyptians and the raw power of the Nigerians.
