Sports
Kotoko, Nations FC to intensify GPL title chase
Ghana Premier League (GPL) leaders, Nations FC, will attempt to keep their hold of the top spot when they trek to the University of Ghana Stadium on Monday to play as guests of Legon Cities in their match day 31 game.
With three games to end the season, Nations FC lead the competition after match day 30. That puts them in reckoning for the title.
Coach Kasim Ocansey Mingle believes the race will go down to the wire, especially now that they have gone from title chasers to contenders.
Touting his team’s readiness to win the title and play in the CAF Champions League, he believes victory in this game will move that dream closer.
Legon Cities, who sacked head coach, Joachim Yaw Acheampong, at the beginning of the month due to poor results, would need a miracle to avoid relegation as they lie 17th in the 18-team league with 25 points.
It remains to be seen how Cities in post-coach Acheampong era, would fare against a resurgent Nations FC, who have the league title in sight.
Tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium, Accra Lions will continue with their attempt to escape relegation when they host Dormaa Aduana FC in a nail-biting affair.
Fourth-placed, Asante Kotoko, who trail the leaders by three points, will hope to close the gap with victory over resurgent Dreams FC as stand-in coach, Abdul Karim Zito, comes face-to-face with his former club at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Golden City Park in Berekum will come alive with a clash between home side, Berekum Chelsea, and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Karela United will stay put at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium to welcome former league winners, Medeama SC, with their sight firmly fixed on plucking the three points to boost their relegation survival bid.
In other games tomorrow, Basake Holy Stars will welcome Heart of Lions to the Ampain AAk II Sports Arena, debutant, Vision FC, will host Young Apostles at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema, and Samartex FC will face Bechem United at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
By Raymond Ackumey
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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