Sports
Legon Cities can worsen plight of Dreams FC
The 2024-25 Ghana Premier League enters the second-round phase this weekend with leaders Bibiani Gold Stars trekking to the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon to play as guests of Legon Cities.
Cities are chasing their fifth win of the season and coming on the heels of the 3-0 thrashing of Dreams FC a week ago, the stakes would be high.
Coach Yaw Acheampong believes his boys are on the road to move out of the relegation zone, and home games such as this presents them with the chance to do so.
For visiting coach Stephen Frimpong Manso, his side’s performance on the road has not been anything to write home about; however, their last visit to the venue marked a turnaround as they picked all three points against Accra Hearts of Oak.
On the heels of the league leaders is Nations FC, who will be at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to battle sixth-placed Bechem United in an entertaining contest.
Accra Hearts of Oak will make a trip to the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Nzema Anyinase to play as guests of Basake Holy Stars
In-form Kumasi Asante Kotoko will look to secure a second consecutive victory when they host Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium.
In other games, Young Apostles host Nsoatreman FC in the Bono derby at the Wenchi Stadium, Berekum Chelsea play Vision FC at the Golden City Park, Heart of Lions lock horns with Aduana Stars while defending champions Samartex 1996 slug it out with struggling Dreams FC at the Nsenkyire Arena.
By Raymond Ackumey
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.
