Sports
Hearts face Karela test in Tamale
Exactly three days after thrashing Medeama SC to end a five-game winning streak, Accra Hearts of Oak are set to face Karela United in another tricky encounter today in a top match day nine fixture of the betPawa Ghana Premier League.
Hearts have endured a very difficult start to life this season, dropping vital points to doubt their title credentials.
But over a month of pain and disappointment was turned into joy on Wednesday when they thrashed Medeama 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
That has all of a sudden sparked the Phobian fraternity into life and are looking forward to sustaining that performance against Karela United at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
Interestingly, both sides are languishing at the bottom ranks of the table and would hope to undo each other for the maximum points at stake.
Karela has not been so impressive at their new home ground where they moved to at the start of this season but against Hearts, they may push harder in order to get some space in the headlines with a win.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko would be at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to face Dreams FC in another grueling encounter.
Just like the Phobians, Kotoko also started at a tortoise pace, struggling under Dr Prosper Ogum who staged a return to the club he left.
It, however, appear his charges are coming to terms with his philosophy and beginning to grind the results.
In front of their home fans, they look set to cause more trouble for Dreams FC who appear to be struggling combining the domestic competitions with the continental club competitions.
They have, indeed, strengthened for a very long season after qualifying to the group stage of the Confederations Cup competition.
After losing at home to Berekum Chelsea in midweek, Dreams would do themselves a great service to bounce back but that looks an impossible mission with the Reds and their supporters.
Back from their midweek feat, Chelsea would hope to sustain that performance when they host Samartex at the Berekum Park while Medeama, Ghana’s representative in the CAF Champions League competition, aim to return to winning was when they play as guests of Legon Cities at the Elwak Sports Stadium.
In other games for the week, RTU engage Bechem United, Goldstars host Accra Lions, Hearts of Lions will oblige Aduana Stars, Bofoakwa against Nations FC and Olympics against Nsoatreman.
By Andrew Nortey
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.
