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
Sports
S-Inkoom Football Academy eyes Division Two promotion, European opportunities for young talents
Former Ghana Black Stars and FC Basel defender, Samuel Inkoom, has expressed confidence in the future of Ghanaian football as his S-Inkoom Football Academy continues to nurture young talents and create pathways to professional football both locally and abroad.
Speaking after his academy’s successful qualification for the Middle League, Inkoom praised the commitment and discipline of his players, describing their progress as a testament to hard work and dedication.
“First of all, I give thanks to God. These kids mean a lot to me. The most important thing is that they are learning and moving in the right direction,” he said.
According to him, the academy’s immediate target is to secure promotion to Division Two when the team competes in the Middle League this week.
“We are playing on Wednesday and we are hoping for the best. If they perform the same way they did today, they can qualify for Division Two,” he stated.
Inkoom revealed that the academy’s broader objective extends beyond winning matches, focusing instead on transforming the lives of talented young footballers, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Some of these boys come from families that struggle to provide even basic necessities. I tell them that money may not be there today, but if they remain focused, success will come tomorrow,” he explained.
The former Ghana international also disclosed that several academy players are attracting interest from clubs in Europe.
He said three players who recently underwent trials had been invited back to complete permanent transfers later this month, while four additional players are expected to travel abroad soon.
“When I see these opportunities for the boys, it makes me happy. It shows that we are doing something right,” he noted.
He appealed to corporate organisations and individuals to support the academy’s efforts in developing future national team players.
“If corporate bodies can come on board and support us, the door is open. This project is for Ghana. Together, we can bring out these talents and help build a stronger national team,” he said.
The academy currently has more than 80 players within its development system, providing a steady pipeline of talent to replace players who progress to opportunities abroad.
“We have about 81 players in our system. We are giving everyone a chance because football is about opportunities and timing. New talents are always emerging,” Inkoom added.
Captain Samuel Owusu also expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the upcoming Division Two qualifiers, stating that the players had quickly shifted their focus after learning of their qualification.
“We were surprised at first, but now we are fully prepared mentally and physically for the challenge ahead,” he said.
Midfielder Elijah echoed the optimism within the camp, indicating that the squad was determined to prove itself in the next stage of competition.
The academy’s management further revealed plans to organise youth tournaments involving international scouts and representatives from leading European clubs, creating additional exposure opportunities for young Ghanaian footballers.
With preparations intensifying ahead of Wednesday’s crucial fixtures, the S-Inkoom Football Academy remains hopeful of achieving promotion while continuing its mission of producing the next generation of football stars for Ghana and beyond.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
