Sports
Hearts, Kotoko face defining tests in GPL
Asante Kotoko and Aduana FC will renew their growing rivalry tomorrow when they clash in a crunch Ghana Premier League (GPL) Match week 4 encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The Porcupine Warriors will be eager to return to winning ways after sharing the spoils with FC Samartex 1996 in their previous outing in Samreboi.
Playing in front of their home supporters, Kotoko would be expected to approach the game with greater urgency as they seek to strengthen their position on the league table.
Coach Eric Tinkler has come under increasing attention from supporters following Kotoko’s performances, with fans expecting the South African coach to find the right balance and deliver a result against an Aduana side that has already shown its competitive edge this season.
Aduana FC, however, will not arrive in Kumasi merely to make up the numbers; The ‘Ogya’ lads go into the contest with confidence after recording a 2-1 home victory over Karela United last weekend.
Their recent form and previous games against the Reds could make Sunday’s encounter another stern test for Kotoko.
The likes of Richard Boadu, Hubert Gyau, Lawson Kyei Manu, Emmanuel Mamah, and Eric Gbeta among others will have to up their game if they harbour any aim of winning against a resolute attack of Mizack Afriyie, Stephen Amankona and Remember Boateng.
Before the Kotoko-Aduana showdown, Karela United FC and league leaders Hearts of Oak will open Match week 4 today at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, with kick-off scheduled for 3 p.m.
Hearts will be looking to make a strong statement away from home, while Karela will be hoping to recover from their defeat to Aduana.
The Sunday line-up continues with FC Ashantigold hosting Debibi United FC at the Len Clay Stadium at 3p.m.
The home side will look to use familiar surroundings to its advantage, but Debibi United coming from a 3-0 win over the weekend will be determined to frustrate their hosts and leave Obuasi with something to show for their efforts.
Elsewhere, at the TnA Stadium, defending champions Medeama SC will welcome Basake Holy Stars in another 3 p.m. fixture.
Medeama will be expected to take control of the game from the start, while Holy Stars will seek to make the contest very difficult.
Young Apostles FC will also host Heart of Lions FC at the Wenchi Stadium while at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United FC will face Dreams FC. Gold Stars SC will host Port City FC at the Bibiani Dun’s Park; Swedru All Blacks FC will welcome FC Samartex 1996 to the Swedru Stadium; just as Berekum Chelsea FC host Vision FC at the Golden City Park in Berekum.
Chelsea will be hoping to impose themselves on the game early, while Vision FC will look to remain organised and punish any defensive lapses.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
