Sports
Hearts seek redemption against Bechem United …in FA Cup finals
Accra Hearts of Oak must overcome a string of poor results to mount a successful defence of their MTN FA Cup title as they face Bechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium tomorrow in the finals of this year’s competition.
Holders Hearts, the most successful club in the cup competition with 11 titles, two more than close contenders and arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, are aiming to clinch their 12th title with back-to-back wins while opponents Bechem United have an opportunity to clinch only their second title after success in 2016; beating Okwahu United 2-1 in the finals.
However, the ‘Phobians’ are not in the best of shapes. They finished sixth in the just ended Ghana Premier League (GPL) after losing their last four fixtures.
The stark reality of their deep cracks was manifested last Sunday in their final league game which they suffered a 4-1 defeat to relegation survivors Real Tamale United (RTU).
Fortunately for Hearts, Bechem United have not been far from a similar fate.
Despite ending the season in third place, the ‘Hunters’ explosive start signaled them as the main rivals to eventual winners Asante Kotoko. But along the way, their momentum dropped with a chain of draws and eventually ended their last five games of the GPL with just a win.
Despite bad fortune for both sides in the league, they found their feat in the cup competition. Hearts accounted for GPL sides, Accra Lions (1-0), Elmina Sharks (2-2 full time, 8-7 penalty win) and lower tier sides Golden Kicks (5-2) and Sky FC (1-0) before edging another GPL side, Dreams 3-2 in the semi-finals.
Bechem United also excelled in their run. GPL sides, Ashanti Gold (2-1), Bibiani Gold Stars ( 1-1, 6-5 penalty win) and lower tier teams, Kwawuman United (4-2) and Tamale City(4-2) were struck down by the Hunters gun before dismissing regional rivals Aduana Stars 2-0 in the semis to book a finals ticket.
Mentally, Hearts maintain an overwhelming advantage over Bechem United.
Despite draws in their two encounters this season, Hearts have won eight times while Bechem United have won three times with three games ending in draws in 14 previous meetings since 2012.
Incidentally, both sides did not find luck at the Baba Yara Stadium in the league, losing their two games against Asante Kotoko and King Faisal. While Hearts were beaten 1-0 by both Kotoko and Faisal, Bechem United lost 2-0 to Kotoko and 3-1 to Faisal.
As die-hard fans of both sides around Kumasi, Accra, Bechem and across the country besiege the Baba Yara tomorrow they would expect nothing but their top stars live up to the occasion.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced minimum monthly salaries for players in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DOL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
According to the Association, the move is part of efforts to improve the welfare of footballers and make Ghana’s domestic leagues more professional and competitive.
The decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GFA and the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) ahead of the Association’s last Congress.
One key outcome of that partnership was the introduction of a standard contract for professional players, which has already been implemented by Premier League clubs.
After further discussions with the clubs, the GFA and its partners agreed that players in the Ghana Premier League will now earn a minimum net monthly salary of GHS 1,500.
Players in the Division One League and the Women’s Premier League will each receive a minimum of GHS 700.
The new salary structure will apply to all contracts signed during the next registration window. However, for players already under contract, the new rates will take effect at the start of the 2026/2027 league season.
The GFA explained that the introduction of minimum salaries is a major step toward protecting the welfare of players and ensuring fair compensation for their talent and hard work.
It added that the decision is aimed at raising standards in local leagues, strengthening the value of Ghanaian football, and creating a more professional and sustainable future for players and clubs.
Attention will be at the Golden City Park in Berekum tomorrow as Hearts of Oak lock horns with Berekum Chelsea FC in a Ghana Premier League Matchday 6 game that promises an electrifying atmosphere.
Lying sixth on the league table with two wins and three draws, the Phobians visit a ground that has been favourable to them in recent times. In their last three visits to the Golden City Park, Hearts have amassed seven out of nine points, putting them in strong contention to win.
Head Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani says, “The team is making progress in its tactical identity despite the lack of goals, and this is something we are working on ahead of this game.”
Hearts will come face-to-face with former coach Samuel Boadu, whose side lies a distant 13th on the league table with a win and a draw from four games. Coach Boadu is yet to celebrate a victory over the Phobians since joining the Berekum lads and would hope this fixture marks a turnaround.
Ninth-placed Vision FC would trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to play Bechem United, while new boys Hohoe United host Aduana FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium.
Returnees Swedru All Blacks will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Swedru Sports Stadium, with defending league champions Bibiani Gold Stars staying put at their backyard, the Dun’s Park, to welcome second-placed Heart of Lions FC on Monday.
Today at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa, Medeama SC will clash with Samartex FC in a Western derby. Other games scheduled for today would see Eleven Wonders FC host Karela United at the Swedru Sports Stadium, while Dreams FC face Nations FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
By Raymond Ackumey
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