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
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.
