Sports
PHOTOS: Black Stars arrive in Libya for crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan
The Black Stars have arrived in Benina, Libya, for their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Matchday Four qualifier against Sudan.
The team left Accra at 10:40 a.m. and arrived at the Benina International Airport at 6:30 p.m. local time yesterday, October 13.
This match is crucial for Ghana, as they aim to secure a win after a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
The team will hold a mandatory pre-match training session at the Martyrs of February Stadium today, Monday, ahead of the Matchday four clash scheduled for 13:00 GMT on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
A win against Sudan would significantly enhance Ghana’s chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco next year.
Ghana are third in Group F with 2 points – two points behind second placed Sudan and 7 points adrift of leaders Angola who are on 9 points.
The Black Stars have commenced preparations in Vienna ahead of their International friendly against Austria on March 27, 2026.
Twenty-one (21) players trained at the Vienna Football Campus on Monday. The one-hour session focused on recovery for those who played for their clubs on Sunday, while other players participated in tactical and shooting drills.
Players who took part in the training included Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Patrick Pfeiffer, Derrick Luckassen, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kojo Oppong Pepprah, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya, and Gideon Mensah.
Also joining the action were Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew, Prince Kwabena Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Kamal Deen Sulemana, and Daniel Agyei.
Meanwhile, Deputy Captain Thomas Partey has joined the squad in Vienna, bringing the total number of players in camp to twenty-two. Alexander Djiku and Kojo Oppong Peprah are expected to arrive today.
GHANA Premier League leaders, Medeama SC’s resolve to win a second title will be tested tomorrow when they trek to the Tuba Astro Turf to face Dreams FC in a Match day 26 fixture.
Yet to win in their last five games, Medeama SC is under pressure to scale the Dreams FC hurdle, knowing that any result other than a win could see second-place Bibiani Gold Stars overtake them.
For Dreams FC’s Coach, Winfred Dormon, it will be the first of two defeats they aim to hand the visitors, as they face off again in the semi-finals of the MTN FA Cup next month.
But Coach Tanko Ibrahim’s Medeama pursuit of a domestic glory and a historic double this season is so precious, and every member of the team is ready to achieve it.
At the Dun’s Park in Bibiani, defending champions, Gold Stars, would be chasing their 11th win in 13 matches when they lock horns with Vision FC. Breathing heavily on the necks of leaders, Medeama SC, who lead by a point, the ‘Miners’ will look to add the visitors to their growing list of casualties in their push to retain the title they won last season.
Swiss tactician, Fritz Markus Schmid, believes the tie will not be an easy one, as he describes the visitors as a solid side. However, he was quick to add that they will surely see off the Tema-based side to further boost their dreams of retaining the title.
Having scored 18 goals at home with five conceded, Coach Schmid is hoping that in-form striker, Samuel Attah Kumi, the leading goal scorer with 11 goals, will continue his fine form in front.
Having defeated Gold Stars 3-0 in the first-round fixture, Vision FC possesses a surprising venom in big games, making this fixture a slippery one for the hosts.
Fifth-placed Asante Kotoko would hope to return to winning ways when they welcome Nations FC to the Baba Yara Stadium in a cagey encounter.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, relegation-threatened Berekum Chelsea would be hoping to record their eighth win of the season when they welcome high-flying Karela United.
Title chasers, Aduana FC, will trek to Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to battle Bechem United FC in a tricky tie. Basake Holy Stars will stay put at the Ampian AAK II Sports Arena in Azulewanu to host Young Apostles, while Swedru All Blacks face Hohoe United at Swedru Stadium.
By Raymond Ackumey
