Sports
Olympics can bounce back against Kotoko
High-flying Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be chasing their fifth straight victory in the on-going Ghana Premier League when they play as guests of Accra Great Olympics at the Baba Yara Stadium, tomorrow.
Fresh from their ‘Super Clash’ victory over Accra Hearts of Oak at the same venue last Sunday, Kotoko came into this game as the favourite especially at a time where the Wonder club’s performance has been on a decline.
Having lost three of their last four games, many fans of the Dade club would hope their losing streak does not stretch beyond this game, but that looks a tall order.
Another factor that makes this game very daunting for the Wonder Club is the venue, which is home to the Porcupine Lads, who would have their vociferous followers filling the stands in their numbers to cheer them on.
Current league leaders Samartex FC will trek to Bibiani Dun’s Park to test their resolve against Gold Stars FC tomorrow.
Samartex FC is looking to stretch their winning streak to four following victories in their last three games against RTU, Bofoakwa Tano and Heart of Lions.
For Gold Stars who have gone nine games without a win, it becomes a must-win encounter for them and for new Head Coach, Stephen Frimpong Manso.
At the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex today, fifth-placed Nations FC will look to add Hearts to their growing list of casualties when they clash at 3pm.
Nations FC have won all five of their last five games and come into the game as the favourite especially as the visitors, Hearts have yet to pick a win on the road since last season.
In other games, the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium will host the battle between RTU and Berekum Chelsea tomorrow, while the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu host the Bofoakwa Tano versus Legon Cities clash.
The WAFA Park in Sogakope will be venue for the Accra Lions versus Nsoatreman FC game on Monday.
The games between Heart of Lions and Medeama SC, as well as Karela United and Dreams FC, have been postponed due to the involvement of Medeama and Dreams FC in CAF inter-club competitions.
By Raymond Ackumey
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.
