Sports
Hearts battle Kotoko in Accra
The long-standing fierce rivalry between two of Ghana’s most successful teams, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be reignited tomorrow when the two combatants clash at the Accra Sports Stadium in a Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match Week 14 outstanding fixture.
Edgy fans of both sides would look forward to an intriguing ‘Super 2’ clash after the encounter was postponed due to Kotoko’s engagement in continental football competition.
Having failed to qualify to the stage of the Confederations Cup competition, the coast is now clear for both sides to ‘energise’ their respective campaigns to return to Africa club competition by emerging tops in the GPL; and also knowing that a win in the encounter will go a long way to boost their confidence.
Sadly, the clash that would usually attract a mammoth crowd would be played behind closed doors as part of the enforcement of Covid-19 restrictions.
Despite the troubles in their camp, Hearts appear to have rediscovered their groove, pulling two important wins over Dwarfs and Liberty Professionals to boost their confidence ahead of the tie.
Another win for Hearts, currently sixth on the league table, could hand them a top four place as they look forward to finishing the season as one of the teams at the summit.
The likes of Patrick Razak and the team’s top scorers Victor Aidoo and Kwadjo Obeng Jnr are expected to give Kotoko enough trouble upfront with young forward Isaac Mensah who scored in two consecutive games as a substitute would also be hoping to start for the Phobians to continue his rich scoring form.
However, a ‘wounded’ Kotoko side that crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup would hope to make amends in the Premier League with a win against their rivals.
They would go into the game hoping to make their dominance at the Accra Sports Stadium count once again having succeeded in turning their adopted Accra Stadium grounds into a waterloo for visiting sides in recent years.
Since 2006, Kotoko have won six of their 12 encounters with Hearts who have been victorious on four occasions and two of the games ending in a draw.
Kotoko’s last victory against the homes side was in January 2020 before the pandemic where they won 2-1 to add to the Phobian’s frustration in Accra.
The Porcupine Warriors would also count on the likes of Fabio Gama, Sulley Muniru and Habib Mohammed to lead a formidable guard to counter the threats from their rivals.
It would be a defining encounter for both teams who are desperate to clinch the three points following a topsy-turvy season so far.
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.
