Sports
Oly, AshGold to set Accra ablaze … as ‘famished’ fans return
The thrilling Ghana Premier League (GPL) resumes with week-eight fixtures at the various centres, and splashed with good news for the famished fans.
On Tuesday, the government announced the lifting of a ban imposed on football fans since March last year to attend games, due to COVID-19 concerns.
Though the various venues will admit only 25 per cent of fans, the move by the government to allow fans back into the stadium will still be much treasured by the clubs as they continue to incur huge costs as a result of games being played behind closed doors.
The pick of the week incontestably will be the cagey game between impressive Great Olympics who lie sixth on the ladder on 11 points and fourth-placed AshantiGold slated for the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow, with about 9,000 fans expected to attend. The Miners are only a point better than the Dade boys.
As usual, the Oly boys will rely heavily on skipper Gladson Awako to inspire them to victory in a game expected to produce pure fireworks and should put fans of the two teams on nerves.
Yet another huge fixture will be contested between Elmina Sharks and in-form Hearts of Oak at the Ndoum Sports Stadium in Elmina. The Phobians last weekend put up a sparkling performance to inflict a crushing 6-1 win over a hitherto unbeaten Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium. That inspiring victory could galvanise the away team to another great result, though it looks a very tall order for them.
In other potentially stirring games, wounded joint leaders – Bechem United, will welcome King Faisal to Bechem tomorrow, hoping to restore the smiles on the faces of their fans.
Eleven Wonders will sit at the comfort of home on Sunday to welcome stubborn Karela United in a tie that could go either way though a stalemate looks more likely.
Berekum Chelsea look the favourites to scoop all maximum points as they welcome Inter Allies to the Golden City Park tomorrow; but Aduana Stars should this afternoon pose some tough challenge to hosts Medeama SC whose attack will be bolstered by the signing of former Asante Kotoko Burkinabe forward Ahmed Toure on a two-year deal.
Sadly, Toure can only start his Medeama career next month when the second transfer window is opened.
At the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu tomorrow, Dreams FC are tipped to go past traveling Ebusua Dwarfs, but that result would not come home easy at all.
The tie between Asante Kotoko and Liberty Professionals at the Accra Sports Stadium will take place on Monday at 3.pm.
As of press time yesterday, struggling Legon Cities were slotting it out with WAFA, hoping to snatch their first win of the eight-week campaign.
The management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has assured its supporters that steps are being taken to appoint a substantive head coach following the team’s recent poor performances.
In a statement issued by the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku Esq., the board acknowledged concerns raised by fans over the absence of a permanent coach and the team’s current form.
He said the club understands the high expectations that come with representing Asante Kotoko and admitted that recent results have been disappointing.
“The Board is actively working to appoint a competent substantive head coach whose philosophy aligns with the long-term ambitions of the club,” he stated.
Mr. Duku explained that the club is taking its time to ensure the right candidate is selected, adding that management remains committed to restoring the team to its expected standards.
He apologised to supporters for the team’s recent performances and assured them that decisive steps are being taken to improve results.
In the meantime, he called on fans to remain loyal and continue supporting the team in the remaining matches of the season.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, has faced increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor results in recent games.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to part ways with former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, describing it as correct but poorly timed.
Speaking on the development with ghanaiantimes.com.gh ‘s Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, he explained that although the decision to remove Otto Addo may be justified, the timing could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
He noted that the newly appointed coach has only a few weeks to work with the team before the tournament begins, making it difficult to make any significant impact.
According to him, the team has just two friendly matches scheduled in May ahead of the competition, leaving a very short period between those games and the start of the World Cup.
He stressed that it would be unrealistic for any coach to fully understand the squad and implement effective strategies within such a limited time.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah urged Ghanaians to manage their expectations, warning that expecting outstanding performance under the circumstances could lead to disappointment.
He added that football can be unpredictable, and while the team could still perform well, fans should remain cautious in their hopes.
The astute sports journalist concluded that if the team performs beyond expectations, it would be a welcome outcome, but supporters should not put too much pressure on the new coach and players.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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