Sports
Karela dream for top spot, Hearts to deepen Allies woes
The battle for top spot could see third-placed Karela United (32 points) travel hours to battle it out with sixth-placed Dreams (27) points tomorrow at the Theatre of Dream, Dawu, in a thrilling Match Day 20 fixture. A win for the visitors could see them reclaim the top spot to keep them in their title race.
The home team will also be eager to return to winning ways after picking just a point from their last two outings; a draw with Inter Allies and a defeat away to Medeama SC.
Dreams’ Serbian coach Vladislav Vric and his charges could go all out in their quest to avenge their painful 2-1 defeat they faced at the feet of Medeama where top scorer Joseph Esso gave Dreams the lead before Franklin Osei powered Karela to victory with his two late goals.
The league and Karela’s leading scorer Diawusie Taylor, with 12 goals to his credit, has failed to score in his last two appearances and would be eager to find his scoring boots on and extend the lead, while Joseph Esso (11 goals), could also defy all odds to be on the score sheet and catch up with Taylor.
The action continues on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium where fourth-placed Hearts of Oak (30 points) square off with struggling Inter Allies in the regional derby at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite a poor run of results in the first round, the ‘Eleven-is-to-One’ lads managed to secure a vital win over the Phobians on match day 3 where Richmond Lamptey’s long drive was enough to give Allies their first win of the campaign. It is a real test for Coach Samuel Boadu who picked up his first defeat after three games in charge, and look poised to turn things around and ensure his side return to form.
The massive victory over Karela United last weekend will serve as a huge boost for bottom-placed Inter Allies who will fight to their last breathe as a win would place them above Liberty Professionals and King Faisal should they fall prey to their opponents.
In other fixtures, Bechem United will host Aduana Stars at the Nana Gyebour Park today, with Sogakope-based WAFA making a trip to face Elmina Sharks in Elmina, same day.
Eleven Wonders will welcome poor performing Liberty Professionals to the Nana Ameyaw Park in Techiman in a cagey contest, while Ashantigold square off with King Faisal far away in Techiman in a tough contest.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, Chelsea will hustle Ebusua Dwarfs for a middle-table slot, while improved Medeama SC – led by lethal forward Ahmed Toure, will face a tricky test against Legon Cities today.
In Accra, Great Olympics and Asante Kotoko were slotting it out as of press time yesterday.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
