Sports
Kotoko, Gold Stars to thrill Bibiani fans
Match day 32 games of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) will be honoured this weekend with exciting clashes across the various centres.
It started yesterday with an Accra derby involving Accra Hearts of Oak against relegation threatened, Accra Lions, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians would hope to maintain their winning streak against the Accra Lions side that would need a win to boost their fight to avoid relegation.
In Bibiani, Gold Stars FC face a difficult task as they host Asante Kotoko in the weekend’s biggest fixture.
The outcome of this clash can define their status as both sides aim to stake claim to the title.
Goldstars suffered a surprise defeat two weeks ago, losing to another relegation-threatened side, Karela United, and need the win to strengthen their grip at the top.
But Kotoko would be in no mood to let the points slip through their fingers, knowing that catching up on the leaders with only two matches would be a difficult task.
It would be an exciting clash both sides would give their very best but the side with the best attack would emerge victorious.
League leaders, Nations FC, would welcome defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, to the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in a clash that could shape the final standings.
Elsewhere, Dreams FC return to the Tub Astro Turf aiming to bounce back against Berekum Chelsea, while Aduana FC take on Legon Cities at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa.
In Bechem, Premier League newcomers, Basake Holy Stars, face a stern challenge against Bechem United at the Nana Gyeabour Park. The Holy Stars are desperate for points as they fight to stay afloat in the top flight.
At the bottom of the table, Vision FC lock horns with fellow strugglers Karela United in a must-win encounter for both sides. With the season nearing its end, this match could prove pivotal in the battle for survival.
Young Apostles, still reeling from their recent loss to Vision FC, aim to return to winning ways when they welcome a resurgent Heart of Lions side to the Wenchi Stadium. A victory would provide a timely boost as they seek to consolidate their Premier League status.
By The Spectator Reporter
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.
