Sports
Hearts, Kotoko aim to turn things around …as 2024/25 GPL season kick start
Konadu Yiadom – Hearts of Oak
The search for the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League champions begins today, with Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko hoping that the events of last season will not recur.
Hearts finished in a disappointing 14th position on the log, while Asante Kotoko placed sixth, with fans of both sides very livid about the positions of their respective clubs.
Having let go of 10 plus players, each and recruiting almost the same number, both sides are reeling at the opportunity to make amends for the failures of last season.
Hearts will begin the quest to land their 22nd league title at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow when they welcome new boys, Basake Holy Stars.
Hearts pitched camp in Togo for their pre-season and rounded up preparation with a game against Dreams FC last Wednesday, setting the stage for a blistering season.
Asante Kotoko have been an exciting side during the pre-season, blowing away all their opponents and already drawing the league champions talk even before the competition starts.
They will trek to the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre tomorrow to face nemesis Karela United, whom they have found the going often tough against, especially away.
Today at the Accra Sports Stadium, Dreams FC will take on defending champions, Samartex FC.
Having been denied usage of the Tuba Astro turf as their new home venue, the Still Believe boys, who finished ninth on the log last season, will be at the Accra Sports Stadium until further notice.
Coach Karim Zito is looking to better those statistics from last season, and starting on a winning note is something he is relishing.
For Samartex, they have already hit the ground running, clearing the first hurdle in the CAF Champions League with a double over Cameroonian side, Victory United FC.
Coach Nurudeen Amadu is expecting a tougher challenge this season following their success.
At the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema today, newly promoted side, Vision FC, will test their readiness for the topflight against visiting Berekum Chelsea.
Medeama SC will host Accra Lions at the newly built Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, with Nations FC facing Bechem United at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Other games will have Aduana FC take on Heart of Lions at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa, Gold Stars host Legon Cities at the Bibiani Duns Park, with the Nana Konamansah Park hosting the Nsoatreman FC and newly promoted Young Apostles game.
RAYMOND ACKUMEY
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and all the clubs participating in this weekend’s competitions will pay special tribute in honour of the memory of the late Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea FC (on loan from Aduana FC).
The GFA has in a statement announced that all the players and team officials of the 6 clubs playing this weekend competitions will wear black armbands on their jerseys as a mark of respect during their respective matches.
In addition, a minute of silence will be observed before the commencement of each game in his honour. This tribute will take place during the MTN FA Cup semi-final matches as well as the Women’s Premier League final scheduled for this weekend.
“The GFA counts on the full cooperation of all clubs and the fans in respectfully observing these arrangements as we collectively pay tribute to Dominic Frimpong,” the statement added.
The FA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support in these times.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Daniel Laryea will handle the MTN FA Cup semifinal clash between Aduana FC and Nations FC at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Roland Addy will serve as Assistant I, with Seth Abletor as Assistant II, while Adaari Abdul Lattif works as 4th Referee.
The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
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