Sports
Hearts, Dreams in cliffhanger
Will it be a moment of revenge for Dreams FC when they welcome Hearts of Oak to the Theatre of Dreams, at Dawu in a thrilling match day 22 fixture of the Ghana Premier League tomorrow? Can Dreams make this possible after their leading scorer left few weeks ago to join Algerian outfit MC Algier.
These are some of the questions being asked as Joseph Esso’s absence will be greatly felt after he chalked 10 goals in 16 games for the ‘Still Believe’ lads before leaving the shores of Ghana.
Dreams fell prey to a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the hands of the Phobians in December and will be eager to avenge the disappointing first round result. Heartily, gaffer Vladislav Viric could count on the individual prowess of the dangerous trio of Agyemang Boateng, Emmanuel Ocran and Percious Boah to pull the strings for the side. The second round have seen the home team record just a single win in four games with two draws, conceding one defeat which have seen them drop from the top-four slot now to sixth position.
The Phobians, on the other hand, will be seeking to patch things up after the frustrating draw against Karela United last weekend. Not the best of starts from the visiting team, Hearts have managed only two victories with one defeat and a stalemate in their last four outings – and could use this daunting test to keep them in the title race should they pick all three points. Looking to close the two point difference on leaders Medeama SC, skipper Fatawu Mohammed and his charges would leave no stone unturned in their quest to keep their title hopes alive and end the trophy drought since they lasted lifted the trophy in 2009.
Second-placed Kotoko will travel to face Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium in a very dicey encounter. Kotoko were 1-0 winners in the first round, courtesy Osman Ibrahim’s solitary strike – but this time under a new gaffer Mariano Barreto. The Porcupine Warriors would be aiming to continue their dominance and find their winning spot on after they picked up their first lost after four games into the second round, following a 2-1 comeback win for Medeama SC.
Gradually moving out of the danger zone, the Royals could use this test to seal a crucial win and ensure they move from the relegation zone and secure a comfortable spot on the table. Struggling King Faisal will welcome fifth-placed Karela United to the Ohene Ameyaw Park tomorrow in a very crucial game where King Faisal should fancy their chances and secure a win to move them above 16th-placed Eleven Wonders.
Karela have failed to pick a single win in the last four games and will be aiming to return to winning ways.
Leaders Medeama will play as hosts to tricky Ebusua Dwarfs at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa as a win for the Yellow and Mauve lads will keep their pace for the title and extend the points. Should Dwarfs seal a victory, they will move from 11th to a mid-table spot.
Great Olympics will welcome Liberty Professionals to the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow with both sides aiming to secure a win.
Elmina Sharks will battle it out with Ashantigold in a very fearsome encounter at the Nduom Park tomorrow.
Aduana Stars will square off with Eleven Wonders in a very cagey affair today in Techiman.
Bottom-placed Inter Allies will have a huge mountain to climb tomorrow when they travel hours to face Bechem United at the Bechem Park.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
THE Ghana Premier League (GPL) enters another exciting weekend with Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC set for a crucial showdown while Accra Hearts of Oak seek to strengthen their title challenge and FC AshantiGold 04 begin life after the departure of Coach Abdul Karim Zito.
The Matchday 9 fixtures, scheduled for today and tomorrow, promise another round of compelling contests as clubs battle for early season supremacy, continental ambitions and stability.
The headline fixture is the meeting between the Porcupine Warriors and the Mauve and Yellow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow where both sides will be eager to make a statement.
Kotoko will have the advantage of home support but the Tarkwa-based side are expected to provide a stern test for the Porcupine Warriors.
The Kumasi giants have endured an inconsistent opening to the campaign, with their recent results highlighting the need for greater consistency if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
Their 1-1 draw with FC AshantiGold 04 in the previous fixture underlined the difficulties they have faced in turning competitive performances into maximum points.
Against Medeama, the Reds must combine defensive discipline with greater attacking efficiency. Playing before their home supporters could provide the necessary lift, but they would need to avoid giving the visitors opportunities to exploit any defensive lapses.
Medeama, meanwhile, will travel to Kumasi determined to demonstrate why they are among the teams expected to challenge for the title.
For both clubs, victory would offer more than three points. It would provide an important psychological boost and strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive title race.
Hearts of Oak will also be among the teams attracting considerable attention as they travel to face Debibi United tomorrow.
The Phobians have made encouraging progress in recent weeks, with their defensive solidity and growing confidence giving supporters reasons to believe that a sustained title challenge is possible.
Their 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars, secured through Martin Karikari’s late strike, strengthened their position at the summit of the league after eight matches. The result also extended their winning run to three matches.
However, maintaining that momentum away from home will be another test of their credentials.
Debibi United will be determined to frustrate the visitors and use home advantage to their benefit.
Hearts must, therefore, approach the encounter with patience and discipline, particularly if their opponents adopt a compact defensive approach.
With the standings still capable of changing significantly at this early stage, maximum points could help Hearts consolidate their position at the top or reclaim it, depending on the results of their closest challengers.
Another major talking point is the decision by FC AshantiGold 04 to part ways with Head Coach and Technical Director, Abdul Karim Zito, Assistant Coach Ernest Okyere, and goalkeepers’ trainer, Robert Dabo.
The development comes as AshantiGold prepare to visit Swedru All Blacks tomorrow, presenting an immediate test for the club’s caretaker technical team.
The question is whether the coaching changes will produce the desired reaction or further unsettle a side still searching for consistency.
Swedru All Blacks, who will enjoy home advantage, will be keen to capitalise on any disruption within the visitors’ camp.
Elsewhere, Aduana FC would host Berekum Chelsea in a potentially tight contest, while Basake Holy Stars welcome Dreams FC.
Heart of Lions will face Bechem United, and Samartex take on Bibiani Gold Stars in another intriguing fixture. Vision FC will meet Port City today, while Young Apostles host Karela United tomorrow.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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THE 24th edition of the Accra Seniors Tennis Open Championship, organised by the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, is scheduled to take place from Monday, November 23 to Saturday, December 5, 2026, organisers have announced.
Consequently, registration for the tournament has opened, offering professional and amateur players an opportunity to participate in the competition that assembles the best of the aged in the tennis fraternity.
Registration will close on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the draw and viewing for the competition scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, respectively.
Entry fees have been pegged at GH¢150 for the singles event and GH¢200 for the doubles event.
Matches will be played on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The competition will feature various categories, including ladies’ singles, men’s singles, ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles, advanced social singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
In the ladies’ singles event, players will compete in different age categories, including those aged up to 39 years.
The men’s singles event will feature players in the 25–34, 35–44 and 55–64 age categories.
For the ladies’ doubles event, participants will compete in the under-40 and 40-and-above categories, while the men’s doubles event will feature players aged 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–69 and 70 years and above.
The advanced social singles and doubles categories, for both men and women, are designed for high-level amateur players seeking competitive matches outside the demands of professional and semi-professional circuits.
The mixed doubles event will also provide an opportunity for players to compete in combined male and female pairings.
The tournament is expected to attract players of different ages and skill levels, with spectators anticipated to witness exciting displays of skill, technique and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
By Benjamin Arcton-Tettey
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