Sports
Kotoko, Aduana to set Accra ablaze
The enthralling Ghana Premier League continues across all league centres with the Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars tie topping the crackers of the 10-week liners.
Although Kotoko are gradually picking up the pieces after garnering four points from a possible six, the Porcupines will be eager to sit top of the table when they invite struggling Dormaa outfit to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Aduana boys are having a patchy run, failing to pick up a single point in their four away games. A win against Kotoko could power them to a top -our spot.
However, the Accra Stadium will this afternoon sparkle up with fifth-placed Great Olympics looking to end the unbeaten run of league leaders Karela United. A though contest it will be for the ‘Dade’ boys under new gaffer Yaw Preko, who have enjoyed some series of good runs with a recent comfortable 2-0 win against rivals Inter Allies.
The Anyinase-based side would have to defy all odds to maintain their top spot after that emphatic (4-1) victory over Berekum Chelsea last weekend. The tactical brilliance of Evans Adotey and Yaw Preko will be on display this afternoon.
With both sides gradually dripping into the relegation zone, Dreams FC will welcome Liberty Professionals to the Dawu Theatre of Dreams in a stiff affair. The ‘Still believe‘ lads have not been able to snatch a single point in their last three games and will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways, while Liberty – after their home defeat to Dwarfs, will want to fight fiercely for the optimum points today.
Drooping at the bottom of the log, King Faisal will travel to square off with Eleven Wonders at Techiman on Sunday. Without a single win after nine games, Faisal will be eager to feed on Coach Ignatius Ofosu and his charges to amass their first win of the campaign, whereas Wonders would want to put their defeat against Hearts behind them and record their third win.
Title contenders Bechem United will make a trip to the central part of Ghana to engage Elmina Sharks in a fearsome encounter. Having picked one defeat in nine games, the Hunters will aim to progress with their fine form against a very slippery Sharks who appear to be a difficult side to beat at the Nduom Park.
Not an impressive side with two wins in nine games, Berekum Chelsea will be at the Golden City Park as hosts to fourth-placed Hearts today. The high flying Phobians will be seeking to continue their good run after picking up three wins and one draw in their last four games. However, Hearts will miss the services of talisman Manaf Umar due to suspension, but gaffer Kosta Papic would be much elated with the return of forward Kojo Obeng Junior as Manaf’s replacement.
With two points above the relegation zone, Chelsea will be eager to make amends against a composed Hearts side, following the 4-1 heavy defeat to top spot Karela United last Sunday.
Having defeated Aduana Stars by a slim 2-1 win last weekend, Medeama in their quest to chase top-four spot, will be aiming to deepen the plight of relegation- threatened Inter Allies who have failed to win in their last two games with the most recent against rivals Olympics. Sitting 16th on the league log, the Allies will have a hard nut to crack on Sunday at the Akoon Park in other to escape relegation.
Ebusua Dwarfs will welcome Sogakope side WAFA to yet another fascinating encounter at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium tomorrow. Bottom club Legon Cities and second-placed AshantiGold were slotting it out at the Accra Sports Stadium as of press time.
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.
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