Sports
Hearts storm home of ASR Bamako …for CAF Confederation Cup qualifier
Afriyie Barnieh – Hearts forward
Hearts of Oak will clash with AS Real Bamako at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali, in their CAF Confederations Cup second round first leg fixture this afternoon.
The game would be a huge test for former Liberty Professionals trainer David Ocloo who will lead the Hearts’ team after they parted ways with Samuel Boadu who managed to get the team back into continental football, after winning the FA Cup last season.
The 2004 champions square off against the Malian giants in a quest to restore their image on the continental stage after an embarrassing campaign last season.
Hearts dropped into the play-off round of the Confederations Cup last season after they were eliminated by eventual winners WAC of Morocco in the Champions League. However, the Phobians also fell off embarrassingly against JS Saoura to miss out on the money zone of the Confederations Cup.
The Phobians also go into the game hoping to make the nation proud after their arch rivals and fellow Ghanaian football giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, were eliminated in the first preliminary round of the Champions League after losing to RC Kadiogo of Burkina Faso.
Hearts will dash into the game in a bid to secure a win far away at Bamako in order to set up a very comfortable return encounter in Accra, next weekend.
A win would also be a huge boost to the team that has started this season’s Ghana Premier League on a very slow note, failing to secure a win in three games.
With the sacking of their head coach Boadu, a lot of weight would be on the shoulders of the team to give fans something to cheer about after a very devastating start to the season – coupled with the suspension of the league.
The likes of Mohammed Alhassan, Gladson Awako, Seidu Suraj and Daniel Afrieyie Barnieh would be leading the Phobians to make it tick in Bamako.
For the hosts, it would be all to play for as they would have their home fans cheering them on to clinch a vital win ahead of their visit to Ghana.
The Malians are usually dominant at home and should set up to frustrate their opponents with their physicality and clout.
With a lot at stake for both teams, it promises to be a keenly-contested encounter ahead of the second leg clash to be played in Accra.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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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