Sports
History beckons as Golden Kick, Attram De Visser battle for MTN FA Cup final spot …Kotoko face Berekum Chelsea tomorrow
Golden Kick FC and Attram De Visser are on the verge of a historic feat in the MTN FA Cup. The two Access Bank Division One League clubs are the last remaining clubs in the competition after eliminating Karela United FC and Pac Academy in the quarterfinals.
The two clubs will lock horns in the semifinal at the TNA Stadium today with a place in the final up for grabs.
The winner of this tie will follow in the footsteps of Okwahu United and Bofoakwa Tano as the third second-tier side to play in the MTN FA Cup final since FC Nania lifted the trophy in 2010/2011.
Golden Kick FC have been impressive in the ongoing campaign, eliminating strong Ghana Premier League sides like Accra Hearts of Oak and Karela United.
The Zone 3 side have played five matches, scored four goals, and kept four clean sheets ahead of the game.
On the other hand, Attram De Visser, who eliminated fellow DOL side Pac Academy in the quarterfinals, have scored five goals, conceded three, and kept two clean sheets. Attram De Visser previously knocked out Bibiani Gold Stars in the Round of 16.
Tomorrow, Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea will take to the pitch in the second semifinal game of the championship.
The all Premier League clash is expected to be a cracker as both sides aim to lay hand on the trophy.
For the four clubs, the FA Cup represents the only chance of a silverware.
This was confirmed by Kotoko’s coach, Karim Zito after holding Hearts of Oak to a goalless encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium in their match day 30 clash of the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko are huge favourites but Stephen Amankona has always been a threat for the Porcupine Warriors in such games and his presence could likely influence play.
The Black Starlets will intensify preparations for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header of friendly matches against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Samraboi.
The national U-17 side will first take on the youth team of Samartex on Saturday at4pm, as the technical team continues to assess player combinations and sharpen match readiness ahead of the continental tournament.
The following day, Sunday, March 15, the Starlets will return to the same venue to face the senior side of Samartex in another crucial preparatory fixture, also scheduled for 4pm.
These matches form part of a series of build-up games designed to test the squad’s depth, tactical discipline and competitive edge as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
The Starlets have already played several friendly matches during their training programme, including encounters against True Democracy FC, Port City FC, Attram De Visser Academy, Semper Fi FC and Golden Kick FC.
The upcoming double-header is expected to provide another valuable opportunity for the technical team to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players as Ghana’s young talents continue their preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
The Football Association, in partnership with the Ghana Education Service in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, is supporting the Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival, a three-day sporting event aimed at nurturing young talent and empowering students through sports and education.
The festival, scheduled to take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Kofipare, will be held under the theme “Strengthening the Reset: Unleashing the Champion in You.”
The event is being organized in honour of Rev. Alexander Narh Amanya, the District Director of Education for Ayensuano, in recognition of his contribution to educational and youth development in the district.
The Women’s Football Development Unit of the GFA’s Technical Directorate views the festival as a significant platform to implement the Education Pillar of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy, which seeks to promote awareness, participation, and development opportunities for girls in football.
As part of the initiative, the GFA will engage female students through educational and empowerment sessions designed to introduce them to pathways in women’s football and encourage greater participation in the sport.
The Football Association will be represented by key officials who will provide mentorship and educational guidance to the participants.
Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager, will educate the girls on the Women’s Football Development Pathways, highlighting opportunities within the sport and potential career prospects.
Bernice Bempah, GFA Women’s Safeguarding Officer, will lead discussions on the GFA Safeguarding Code of Ethics, focusing on creating safe sporting environments and educating the girls on recognizing inappropriate behaviour, setting boundaries and confidently reporting concerns.
Patience Boadu, a public health practitioner and nurse, will facilitate sessions on girls’ health and football, covering important topics such as healthy lifestyles, hydration, menstruation, and personal hygiene.
The Ayensuano District Basic Schools Sports Festival is expected to combine sport, education and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for young girls to discover their potential both on and off the field while aligning with the broader vision of the Ghana FA to grow women’s football across the country.
