Sports
Premier League: Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko share points in Super clash
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko battled to a goalless draw in a fiercely contested Premier League match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday May 4, 2025.
Despite both sides creating numerous chances, neither could find the breakthrough in a match that was high on intensity but short on clinical finishing.
Coming into the encounter on the back of three consecutive defeats to their archrivals, Hearts of Oak were under significant pressure, especially amid a lacklustre season. Asante Kotoko, enjoying a more stable campaign, started the brighter of the two and asserted early dominance in the opening exchanges.
By the eighth minute, Kotoko had already threatened from two corners, although their headed efforts lacked precision.
Defender Kelvin Osei Asibey made a crucial intervention to deny Kotoko a one-on-one opportunity, while Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was called into action multiple times in the first half, producing several key saves to keep the hosts level.
Hearts finished the first half the stronger of the two sides, showing greater urgency and cohesion heading into the break.
Despite Hearts of Oak edging possession with 51% and Kotoko registering more attempts on goal (10 to 5), both teams ultimately lacked the clinical edge required to claim all three points.
The draw sees Asante Kotoko maintain their position in fourth place, while Hearts of Oak remain sixth on the table.
For Hearts, the result further dims their already faint title hopes, while Kotoko continue to chase a top-three finish in what remains of the season.
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.
