Sports
Medeama aim to pass Remo Stars test …in maiden Champions League campaign
Kwesi Donsu – Medeama
Ghana Premier League champions, Medeama SC, will begin their CAF Champions League campaign with a clash against Nigerian side, Remo Stars, tomorrow at the Cape Coast Stadium.
As host, it presents Medeama an opportunity to commence their campaign on a positive note before they face the Nigerians in a potential second leg cracker.
It is Medeama’s maiden appearance in the CAF premier club competition and are determined to make a good mark.
Having played in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2014 and 2017, they seem to have ideas as to how to prepare for continental assignments.
A win at home would be a huge boost ahead of the second leg encounter in Nigeria next weekend, but Remo Stars equally understands the dynamics of competitions with such formats and would therefore be out for an outcome to lessen the burden on them in the return encounter.
With the focus on qualification to the group stage (money zone), Medeama have prepared feverishly for the encounter, a platform to aid the scribe the club’s name among the greats from Ghana to have made exploits in the CAF competitions just like Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.
According to the Head coach, Evans Adotey, the club was determined to reach the ‘money zone’ and has since prepared his squad for tomorrow’s challenge.
“Just like every other club; our target is the money zone.
However, we need to begin with winning our games in the preliminary round and build confidence going into the group stage,” he told the media.
He said, tomorrow’s game and all the games ahead at the group stage were crucial and would be approached with a positive mentality and seriousness.
Captain of the team, Kwesi Donsu, said it would be an opportunity for the club to make a good case for Ghanaian teams in the Champions League.
The winner of the two-legged tie will play against Guinean giants, Horoya AC, in the second preliminary round to fight for a place in the group stage.
Medeama secured 60 points from 34 games to win the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League title and would come against big giants including Al Ahly of Egypt, Raja Casablanca of Morocco, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Afica if they progress in the championship.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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.
