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
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
