Sports
How far can our clubs go in Africa, this term?
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Kotoko’s Isaac Oppong (right) – Fetched Kotoko’s goal against Kadiogo
Though they were not conquering Africa as their pitch performances would have allowed, Ghanaian clubs in the 60s, 70s, 80s and the early 2000s were an esteemed pack on the continent.
If for nothing at all, the skill, dexterity, flair and splendour of Ghanaian players in club football, made them a must-watch in continental competitions.
Asanteman Warriors Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak spearheaded the Ghanaian force in search of continental glory that have eluded them several times, albeit they have almost left in their trail something to relish for a long time to come.
That they made it to the final of the Africa Winners Cup competition (now CAF Confederation Cup) in 2002, speaks volumes about the club’s bearing in the continental game at the time.
It is, however, interesting to note that Kotoko have made an eye-catching 16-time appearance in the then African Clubs Championship competition (now CAF Champions League), snatching three grand-final berths (1967,’71, ’73) and also made two semi-final appearances in 1987 and 1990. On record, the Asanteman Warriors clinched the Holy Grail first in 1970 and repeated the feat 13 years later after beating the great Al Ahly, – having lost to the same side in the final, a year earlier.
Dolefully, the situation has been that terrible for Kotoko when the competition switched to the Champions League proper in 1997. Embarrassingly, out of 10 appearances, the Porcupine Warriors have suffered nine exits – only making it to the Group Stage Money Zone as far back as 2006.
Like Kotoko, Hearts have represented the nation in the African Clubs Championship competitions a number of times, culminating in two grand-final losses (1977 and 1979). The Rainbow boys had to wait for decades to taste their first continental (Champions League) glory in 2000, proceeding to win the CAF Super Cup the following year.
In 2004, Hearts won the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup by upstaging sworn rivals and compatriots – Kotoko; but lost in their bid to win their second Super Cup in 2005.
But clearly, you could see the visibility, strength and vibrancy of the Ghanaian clubs at the time.
It is sad to say that the last time a Ghanaian club performed well was way back in 2012 where Berekum Chelsea swaggered to the Group Stage of the CAF Champions League after winning the Ghana Premier League in the 2010/11 season.
The performance of our clubs ever since has been nothing to write home about, to say the least.
No wonder that the four slots allotted the Ghanaian clubs in Africa (two each in the Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions) have been slashed to ‘single one’ – due to pitiable outputs in the two competitions over the years.
As Kotoko and Hearts hit the campaign yet again this term, it is the hope of Ghanaians that the duo would make the nation proud; cut up the necessary impact that would be strong enough to compel African Football controlling body (CAF) to restore the nation to its former slots in the Champions League.
On this note, we commend Kotoko for beginning their preliminary first leg race on a shimmering fashion by beating RC Kadiogo of Burkina Faso 1-0 away.
Hopefully, one expects Hearts to pick a leaf from this result and pluck the desired result when they meet their opponents. The Phobians drew a bye in the first round and would await the winners between Burkina Faso’s AS Douanes and Mali’s AS Real de Bamako, for a showdown by this weekend.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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