Sports
Off they go! …as Aduana, Hearts set to explode
After nearly eight months of hiatus, the Ghana Premier League (GPL) will kick off this afternoon with an amperage of thrill.
Football came to a halt after the sporting fraternity was hit with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the game is on.
However, fans’ desire to see former general captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, display for Legon Cities against Berekum Chelsea on day one of action, may be put on ice.
Gyan is said to have been ruled out today due to lack of fitness.
But a greater attention will go to Dormaa where Hearts of Oak face two-time champions Aduana Stars in what is anticipated to be full of fireworks.
The Phobians last won at Dormaa in 2014, but the previous meeting between both sides was in February 2020 during the truncated GPL when Hearts rescued a point in an intriguing stalemate.
Both sides have been busy on the transfer market to strengthen their respective sides but Aduana will seek to continue their dominance over Hearts in the clash.
AshantiGold will begin their campaign with a home game against Karela United in Obuasi as the Miners seek to dominate the Anyinase side.
The three meetings between them have seen Ashgold pick up two wins and Karela, a single win.
Accra Great Olympics have vowed to give Medeama SC a fight of their lives when they clash at the Akoon Park on Sunday.
In their struggling state, Medeama laboured and capitalised on a late goalkeeping error to snatch victory over the Wonder Club who have pledged to pay their hosts back in their own currency.
Without doubt, it will be a cracker for the local fans as a rejuvenated Olympics side aim to stun a determined and resolute Medeama outfit that will have the experienced Justice Blay in the team.
Medeama have won three over Olympics and one has resulted in a draw and will be tipped to emerge victorious from this game.
Porcupine Warriors Asante Kotoko picked up a narrow win over Techiman XI Wonders during their last meeting in 2019 and are looking forward to deepen the woes of the Techiman based-team when they clash.
Kotoko have snatched wins in three out of the four meetings, while the Wonders have only managed a draw. Kotoko have strengthened their side with a couple of signings and are considered one of the favourites for the GPL trophy.
King Faisal will attempt to kick off on a positive note when they travel to Sogakope in the Volta region to take on the West Africa Soccer Academy (WAFA) at the Red Bull Arena.
WAFA last lost a game there in 2020 when Liberty Professionals defeated the youngsters 2-1 in the GPL.
Despite a streak of poor results last season, King Faisal will hope to pick up their first win in many league matches.
The ‘Fante-derby’ will see Ebusua Dwarfs welcome Elmina Sharks to the Cape Coast Stadium.
Liberty Professionals will engage Bechem United in a dicey game.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
Accra Hearts of Oak has lodged a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service over an incident involving police officers and the club’s supporters’ leader during Sunday’s match against Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to the club’s management, some uniformed officers allegedly manhandled the chairman of the National Chapters Committee (NCC), Yussif Abdullai, and the club’s Safety and Security Officer, Abdul Baaki Musah, while they were performing their official duties.
The club described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that it was caught on camera and had caused distress among supporters and stakeholders.
Hearts said such conduct undermines the spirit of safety and mutual respect that should guide Ghana’s football environment.
In a statement signed by management, the club called for a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct to ensure accountability and protect the safety of all football fans.
Hearts of Oak urged supporters to remain calm while the Police conduct their investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Spectator
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Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Mohammed Hussein has issued a public apology following an incident after the team’s recent match against rivals Asante Kotoko.
In a personal statement, Hussein expressed regret for his actions after the final whistle, acknowledging that his behaviour fell short of the respect expected by his club, teammates, fans, and the wider football community.
“I sincerely apologise to the Ghana Football Association, the referee, my teammates, our cherished supporters, and the wider football community. What happened after the final whistle was unacceptable, and I take full responsibility for my behaviour,” he said.
Hussein explained that he became frustrated during the game, feeling he was repeatedly fouled without adequate protection from the referees.
“In that moment of emotion, I allowed frustration to cloud my judgment. Instead of showing restraint and respect, I reacted wrongly and I regret it deeply,” he added.
He offered a direct apology to the match referee, acknowledging the challenges referees face in ensuring fairness.
“To the referee involved, I am truly sorry for confronting you in the manner that I did. I respect the difficult role referees play and humbly ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
Hussein pledged to learn from the incident, promising to remain calm under pressure and uphold the dignity of both his club and Ghanaian football.
“I will work harder to remain calm under pressure, to honour the phobia badge I love and wear, and to uphold the dignity of our beautiful game,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
