Sports
Hearts face Medeama in must-win battle
Hearts of Oak head coach Samuel Boadu will collide with former side Medeama SC, tomorrow in a must-win week 29 league fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium as they look to quickly rebound from their disappointing 1-1 stalemate against regional rivals Accra Great Olympics on Sunday.
Now pegged on 50 points apiece with arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, Boadu knows that any further slip will prove costly to his dream of leading the Phobians to their first title win in 13 years.
Boadu, who crossed carpet from the Tarkwa-based side to Hearts last March, instantaneously ignited a winning spirit in the Phobians – transforming the team to serious title contenders within a short span.
To add to his growing popularity amongst the fan base, Boadu is cognisant of the fact that masterminding wins over elite clubs like Medeama – to keep his side’s dream on track, is a sure way to increase his increasing stature and affection.
To hatch a winning plan against the team he nurtured for three seasons, Boadu is wary of the pool of midfield talent the visitors possess and how that could turn out to be the decider. Luckily, he has Benjamin Afutu and Emmanuel Nettey in stunning form to combat the marauding threats of Rashid Nortey and Richard Boadi in Medeama’s colours.
Medeama coach Yaw Preko, who also had coaching stints with the Phobians in the 2015-2016 season as an assistant, also harbours ideas of his own, after declaring his side’s readiness to ‘coup’ the title and determination to capture the three points to close-in on the host at the summit from their third position on the standings.
Fourth-placed Olympics will trek to the Ohene Ameyaw Park at Techiman to face troubled King Faisal. The home side, who in recent games seemed on course with their relegation pushback, have slumped in recent games and must produce something magical to topple their formidable visitors, who are chasing their first league triumph in 47 years.
In other fixtures tomorrow, sixth-placed Karela United would be eager to make a return to the top-four places when they host an in-form Legon Cities at the Anyinase CAM Park, whilst seventh-placed WAFA who lost their local derby against Liberty Professionals, will be hoping to get back to winning ways against fifth-placed Dreams FC – the league’s highest scoring team.
At Bechem, Bechem United will be eager to end their horrific five-game winless streak against Berekum Chelsea in a Brong Ahafo derby, whilst Aduana Stars host relegation battlers Liberty Professionals at their dreaded Nana Agyemang Badu Park where they remain unbeaten in 13 encounters.
At the Obuasi Len Clay, struggling AshantiGold will be aiming for a first win in three attempts against Ebusua Dwarfs, who have exhibited a penchant to pull surprises away from the Cape Coast Stadium this season. Elmina Sharks, who have now descended into the relegation pit, confront 14th-placed Eleven Wonders – who are fighting vigorously to steer clear of the drop zone.
On Monday, second-placed Asante Kotoko will continue their push for the title against bottom-placed Inter-Allies at the Dawu Theatre of Dreams.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
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