Sports
Premier League round-up: Medeama maintain perfect start; Young Apostles, FC Samartex grab late wins
The Premier League match day 4 served up some incredible matches on Sunday afternoon, with a number of goals flying across the venues.
After Nsoatreman FC lost at Accra Lions on Saturday, there was plenty on the line for the other teams in the Ghanaian top-flight this weekend.
Basake Holy Stars 1-2 Medeama SC
Medeama SC extended their 100% start to the season to three games with a 2-1 win against Basake Holy Stars at the CAM Park on Sunday.
Striker Diawise Taylor was their hero, scoring a screamer on his return to his former ground to snatch the winner for the visitors to maintain their perfect start to the 2024-25 Premier League season.
In-form defender Kamaradini Mamudu put Medeama ahead in the 57th minute before Issah Yakubu pulled parity three minute later.
Diawise Taylor sealed victory with a remarkable strike in the 64th minute to separate the two teams at the CAM Park.
The Mauve and Yellow sit pretty at the top with nine points from three matches following successes over Accra Lions, Legon Cities and Basake Holy Stars.
Legon Cities 0-2 Karela United
Karela United recorded their first win of the season with a vital 2-0 win at struggling Legon Cities at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.
The Pride and Passion ended their poor run of results with a remarkable win in the capital to pile pressure on the Royals.
A goal in each half half from Giyasu Ibrahim and Muhammed Hadi helped Karela United to the crucial win and lift them on the league table.
Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Muhammed Hadi sealed victory with an 88th minute strike to separate the two teams.
Legon Cities are now without a win after four matches in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign so far.
Berekum Chelsea 1-1 Asante Kotoko SC
Berekum Chelsea shared the spoils with Asante Kotoko in an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Golden City Park in Berekum on Sunday.
Michael Kyei Dwamena put the Porcupine Warriors ahead in the 2nd minute before Zackaria Fuseini pulled parity in the 61st minute.
The two teams failed to break down each other as they shared the points in Berekum.
FC Samartex 2-1 Vision FC
FC Samartex survived a late scare to beat resilient Vision FC 2-1 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Sunday.
Michael Ephson’s injury-time winner secured the maximum points for the Timber giants.
Edward Agyemang put the ball into his own net before Edward Agyemang scored to level matters. But Michael Ephson stepped up to score the match-winner in the 92nd minute.
Nations FC 0-0 Hearts of Oak
Nations FC and Hearts of Oak shared the points in an exciting matchday 4 Premier League encounter at Abrankese on Sunday.
Nations failed to break down a resolute Hearts of Oak side at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex but keep their unbeaten home record intact.
Bechem United 1-0 Dreams FC
Christian Owusu’s own goal condemned Dreams FC to a 1-0 defeat at Bechem United in Sunday’s matchday 4 cracker.
Owusu turned the ball into his own net in the 32nd minute at the Nana Gyeabour Park as United bagged their first win of the season.
Young Apostles FC 3-2 Aduana FC
Young Apostles FC came from behind to beat Aduana FC 3-2 in a five goal thriller at the Wenchi Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Rahman Rulf Abdul emerged the hero with a superb brace to deliver the side’s first Premier League win at the Nana Abrefa Nketia, VII Park.
Mohammed Muftawu opened the scoring for the home side before Emmanuel Marfo scored two goals for the visitors
But Rahman Rulf Abdul’s double late in the second half ensured victory for the home side.
Heart of Lions 0-0 GoldStars FC
Heart of Lions failed to make home advantage count as they drew 0-0 with GoldStars FC on Sunday September 29, 2024.
Bashir Hayford’s men struggled in front of goal as the two teams shared the points at the Kpando Stadium.
Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo says the team is determined to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with victory against Panama despite the absence of key midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey will miss Ghana’s Group L opener in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.
A Canadian court on Tuesday also rejected an emergency appeal seeking to overturn the decision. Canadian authorities ruled that he was inadmissible under the country’s immigration laws.
Reports indicate that the decision was linked to ongoing criminal charges he faces in the United Kingdom, which he denies.
Canadian officials also cited issues relating to information provided in his visa application.
His absence is a major blow for Ghana, with the experienced midfielder widely regarded as one of the country’s strongest players in the middle of the park and a key figure in the Black Stars setup.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup clash, Sibo said the players are united behind their teammate and want to deliver a positive result for him.
“Our coach always says whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Our brother has been through a lot these days, and we are always with him. He is one of our biggest stars” he said.
The midfielder noted that Partey has been part of Ghana’s journey from the beginning of the World Cup campaign, making his absence particularly difficult for the squad.
“We have to make sure we win the game for him as a family and make him happy,” Sibo said.
He admitted that it would be painful to play Ghana’s first match on football’s biggest stage without the former Arsenal midfielder but insisted the players are motivated to make him proud.
“It hurts that we are playing our first game at this big stage and he’s not with us. We are giving him our word that at the end of the 90 minutes, he will be happy,” he added.
Ghana will face Panama in its opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Black Stars seek a strong start to a group that also includes England and Croatia.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, together with the Government and people of Ghana, has sent a strong message of support to the Black Stars ahead of their opening match against Panama in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto, Canada.
In an official statement released by Presidency Communications on June 17, 2026, the President said the entire nation is behind the team as they begin their fifth World Cup appearance, describing it as a symbol of Ghana’s resilience and unity.
“Our gallant Black Stars, as you stand on the threshold of your first match against Panama in Toronto, the Government and the over thirty million people of Ghana stand firmly behind you,” the statement said.
It added that the players are carrying the hopes and dreams of Ghanaians everywhere, from Chorkor to Bole and across the entire country.
The statement also called on Ghanaians living in Canada and across North America to fully support the team in the stadium, describing them as the “12th Man.”
It encouraged them to fill the stands with national colours and support the players throughout the tournament.
At home, the Government said arrangements had been made to ensure nationwide television coverage of the tournament so that all citizens can follow the matches live.
According to the statement, this move is to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, can watch and support the Black Stars.
The message urged the players to compete not only for the national flag but also for young Ghanaians who dream of following in their footsteps.
“The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage,” the statement added.
Ghana will begin its World Cup campaign against Panama as part of Group L in Toronto.
By: Jacob Aggrey
