Sports
Premier League: Hearts face-off against Accra Lions in capital derby on Friday
Hearts of Oak welcome Accra Lions to the Accra Sports Stadium in the capital derby on Friday, hoping to keep their top-four ambitions alive.
The Phobians are currently 5th on the table with 49 points after 32 matches. They come into the fixture on a high after a narrow 1-0 away win over Berekum Chelsea, extending their decent run to two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five.
Despite their defensive solidity , only 17 goals conceded, the second-best in the league, Hearts have struggled at home, earning just 25 points from 15 matches, a tally bettered by all but three teams. However, they remain tough to break down on their turf, keeping three consecutive clean sheets (W1, D2). Coach Aboubakar Ouattara will view this as a vital opportunity to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.
Accra Lions, on the other hand, are still fighting to avoid relegation. Their thrilling 5-3 win over Aduana FC temporarily lifted them out of the drop zone on goal difference. With 35 points from 31 games, they have scored 31 goals (joint third-highest) but conceded 35, the second most in the league. Their away form is concerning: just one win in 15 matches (D3, L11), making them the fourth worst travelers this season.
Reiner Kraft’s men will look to draw inspiration from their recent attacking display and last season’s 1-0 away win over Hearts, their only victory at the Accra Sports Stadium in three visits. Hearts had previously won the 2021/22 (2-0) and 2022/23 (1-0) fixtures.
Officials from the Ghana mission in the United Arab Emirates have paid a morale-boosting visit to the camp of the Black Queens.
The delegation, made up of Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto, Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai and Head of Transport Anas Shaibu, visited the team to assure them of the government’s support and commitment to their safety and welfare.
During the visit, the officials interacted with the team and offered words of encouragement, urging the team to remain focused on the tournament despite concerns surrounding unrest in parts of the UAE.
Consular Officer Percy Okudzeto emphasised that the Ghanaian government, through its diplomatic mission, is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the team’s safety throughout their stay.
“We want the team to stay calm and focus on the competition. The government and the embassy are doing everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.” he said.
Consul and Head of Chancery Abdul-Jalil Sigli Yakubu Abdulai also reiterated the mission’s readiness to provide any assistance required by the team during the tournament.
Leadership of the team expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
With the backing of Ghana’s diplomatic officials in the UAE, the Black Queens remain determined to represent the country proudly and deliver strong performances in the Pink Ladies Cup.
The Black Queens have arrived in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. The team touched down at the Dubai International Airport via Emirates Air on Wednesday morning and were warmly received by the competition’s organising officials.
The squad will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where they will begin their final preparations for the tournament. Organised as part of the international women’s football calendar, the Pink Ladies Cup is expected to feature four national sides using the competition to assess their squads and fine-tune strategies for upcoming tournaments.
Ghana will open their campaign today with a clash against Hong Kong, while Russia and Tanzania face off in the other opening match.
The Black Queens are then scheduled to return to action on March 3, when they take on Russia in a match expected to test them against a physically strong opponent.
The final round of games will be played on March 6, with Ghana closing their campaign against Tanzania at 9:00 pm.
With three matches in eight days, the tournament promises to be a crucial phase in Ghana’s preparation, as the Black Queens aim to return to continental action sharper, stronger, and more competitive.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
