Sports
Red-eyed Hearts seek Oly revenge
Hearts of Oak’s terrifying form will face a major litmus test tomorrow when they contend with a formidable Great Olympics side in the “Accra derby” – one of six local derbies that will shape fortunes at the Accra Stadium – with six games left. The tie is slated for 6.pm.
The Phobians’ five-game unbeaten run and two points lead at the summit may come under threat in this week 28 league fixtures with coach of the ‘Wonder Club’ Annor Walker declaring he intends to inflict another win over their rivals, after beating them 2-0 in their earlier fixture to revive his own title ambition, which is gradually dissipating with their inconsistent run of results.
Unlike Walker who has thrown down the gauntlet, Hearts boss Samuel Boadu remained tight-lipped and cautious with his approach, only affirming that his side was focused on their title race and “were their own competition.”
Second-placed Asante Kotoko, two points adrift off the league leaders, will face an obsolete Ashantigold side at the Obuasi Len Clay in the Ashanti derby as they aim to mount pressure on Hearts for the title push.
Kotoko, who recorded stalemates in their last three games and relinquishing the top-spot to their arch-rivals, can bounce back against their regional foes who are playing poorly but can spring a surprise playing at their home grounds as the visiting team.
At Sogakope, relegation-threatened Liberty Professionals will play as hosts of WAFA at the dreaded Sogakope Park of the latter. The Academy boys would be wary of the ‘Scientific Soccer lads’ who have quickly turned the venue into their own fortress and have been steadily negotiating their relegation escape from the venue.
In other games, a Brong-Ahafo affair will ensue between Eleven Wonders and Bechem United at the Ohene Ameyaw Stadium, whilst Accra side Legon Cities contend with compatriots bottom-placed Inter Allies who have mustered a new-found confidence to wage war against beating the drop zone at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday.
At Cape Coast, Ebusua Dwarfs will pitch their strength against a rebounding Aduana Stars’ side whilst King Faisal continue their fight against the relegation pit, facing an embattled Berekum Chelsea team at the Golden City Park. Highly-flying Dreams will host a distraught Elmina Sharks team at the Dawu Park.
Preceding tomorrow’s derbies will be the feisty Western derby today at the Akoon Park in Tarkwa where Medeama in a bid to restore their title ambitions, must confront fourth-placed Karela United whose head coach Augustine Adotey has declared their readiness to claim the three points at stake.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
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.
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