Sports
Karela United share spoils with Hearts of Oak in Tamale
Accra Hearts of Oak secured yet another point on the road after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Karela United at the Aliu Mahama stadium in Tamale.
The Premier League giants went into the game looking to end the week on a high after the draw against Gold Stars at Bibiani and the 3-1 thumping of champions Medeama SC in midweek.
Karela United took the lead in the sixth minute through Owusu Boakye who rose above all to head the ball into the back of the net through a well-delivered throw in from the right side.
Accra Hearts of Oak then lifted up their game in search of the equalizer before the break.
Hamza Issah responded in the 40th minute with a majestic equalizer – his fourth on the spin in the last three games.
Hamza rose high to nod the ball into the net from a well-taken corner kick as both sides went into the break at level pegging.
Back from the break, Karela United showed clear intent to carry the day as they dominated play and had a lions share of possession but saw their efforts thwarted by Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.
The pendulum swung in the direction of Karela United after Owusu Boakye was fouled in the box following an impressive run in the 82nd minute.
The referee pointed to the spot inside 82 minutes but the home side failed to take full advantage after Evans Adomako’s penalty kick was saved by Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Aryee.
The home side continued to press for the match winner but Hearts of Oak held on to snatch a point of Karela.
The draw takes Hearts of Oak up to the eighth spot while Karela United lie in 14th place ahead of the other fixtures on Sunday.
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Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
