Sports
Hearts seek Olympics revenge in fierce ‘Ga Mashie’ derby
League title holders, Hearts of Oak will be in search for revenge when they play as guests of Great Olympics in a ferocious ‘Ga Mashie’ derby on matchday 16 tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Tasting a sweet victory against King Faisal with Kwadwo Obeng Jnr scoring a lone goal, the Phobians will look forward to continue their winning streak to be able to hang on to their title.
Hearts are currently in fifth position with 23 points and a match in hand with Asante Kotoko – and cannot afford to drop points against Olympics who are seventh on the log. Oly failed to impress away against Kotoko in their previous fixture, making them come into this game hungrier for all the maximum points.
Last season, Olympics had the better of Hearts, beating the Phobians at home and sharing the spoils in the reverse fixture. The Dade boys will have to prove to the critics that the departure of Gladson Awako – their play-maker last season, to the Hearts camp, will have no effect on them; not even the introduction of former Black Stars stalwart Sulley Muntari, into the Hearts fold, would.
At the Cosby Awuah Memorial (CAM) Park at Aiyinase, Karela United will welcome Legon Cities to a tight contest. The Cities thrashed Eleven Wonders 3-0 in their previous fixture and would like to keep up the same spirit away in the Western Region.
Dreams FC will lock horns with Berekum Chelsea at the Dawu Park on Sunday in a compelling fixture.
After suffering a painful defeat in their previous game in Obuasi against AshantiGold, Dreams will be eager to clinch all the maximum points to sink fast-improving Berekum Chelsea.
Sogakope lads, West African Football Academy (WAFA), will make a long journey to Techiman to face Eleven Wonders at the Ohene Ameyaw Park tomorrow. The under-performing Wonders would have to fight for the maximum points to escape the relegation zone; similar situation confronts WAFA if they fail to win – which makes this tie a cagey one.
After crashing to WAFA in Sogakope, Biabiani Goldstars will welcome the Ogya boys – Aduana Stars, to a fierce battle at the Duns Park. Losing at home against Bechem United in their previous clash, Aduana Stars would want to return to winning ways to compete for the league title.
Straight from a 2-0 victory over Olympics, leaders Asante Kotoko will journey to Elmina to face bottom-placed Elmina Sharks on Monday.
With the Cameroonian duo of Mbella Etouga and Mefegue Georges cutting off their opponents, Kotoko appear favourites for this fixture.
Sixth-placed King Faisal will be looking for victory as they slot it out with Real Tamale United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium today, while Accra Lions will welcome Medeama to the Accra Sports Stadium today. Accra Lions need all three points to stay out of the relegation zone.
As of press time yesterday, Bechem United were battling it out with AshantiGold at the Nana Gyeabour Park.
BY EMMANUEL ASANTE
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
