Sports
Not a disgraceful campaign
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BRIGHT-EYED and bushy-tailed, they stormed Algeria under some contentious circumstances, with only a handful predicting something good could emerge from the potentially harrowing trip.
That was the impression emblazoned on the minds of thousands of Ghanaians – even including dyed-in-the-wool Kotoko faithful when the Asanteman club stormed Algeria for their return fixture against ES Setif.
Fact is that, Kotoko did not succeed in the northern African adventure by way of qualification into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup competition. It was always going to be a Himalayan undertaking. We all knew that after they slumped 1-2 in the opening leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, a week earlier.
But in spite of the grueling challenges they encountered with regard to the trip that saw them arrive in Algiers less than 24 hours to the game, Kotoko plundered into the evening full-of-beans – and bravely battled the Algerian league leaders to a nail-biting barren scoreline.
Reports suggested that the Ghanaians even blew a couple of swash-buckling opportunities which, if exploited, would have sent the cavilers running for cover.
Indeed, Kotoko may have been out; but they were not a busted flush! They were good exponents of the game and were not embarrassed.
Credit to the team for returning with heads held high, but more important, chieftains of the Asanteman contingent must sit up and see how best they can build from the Algerian debacle. Truth is, the performance of the club – even in the Accra defeat, was commendably stimulating.
They lost because they took their eyes off the ball after stealing the lead; very typical of Ghanaian teams.
What Kotoko need at the moment – just like Hearts of Oak, is a dose of unity, focus and sense of purpose dashing into the future.
Hearts recently lost the services of their Serbian coach Kosta Papic, who left the club in the lurch to join South African side Blackpool – citing managerial interference in his job.
Consequently, disgruntled supporters of the club flew into ‘tantrums’ and badgered on management as they demanded the dissolution of the Board among other proposed measures to put the Phobians back on track.
Matter-of-factly, Hearts have not clinched the Premier League diadem since the feat of 2008/09 season – but in their attempt to put things right, the supporters need to be very wary and not behave like a bull in a China shop.
Be that as it may, it is time for supporters of both Hearts and Kotoko to be careful not to blow their stack but put in positively far-reaching measures to help their club’s management teams to succeed.
That is the only way to break the back of the beast in the midst of the tempest!
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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