Sports
Samartex to give Kotoko stern test
• Oppong – Kotoko forward
Defending champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko would be engaged in a must-win clash against FC Samartex in their match-day 22 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) encounter at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex today.
With a game in hand and lying fifth on the league table – eight points behind league leaders Aduana Stars, the Porcupine Warriors would be geared up to secure a win to close the gap on top of the table.
More so, with the likes of Accra Lions, Bechem United and arch rivals Hearts of Oak not giving up of their chances of winning the league title, Kotoko must position themselves amongst the top four as the league season gets keener each week.
Forwards Stephen Mukwala and Isaac Oppong are expected to lead the lines for Kotoko and ensure they walk away with the three points against a resolute Samartex side who would also be determined to cause an upset, especially playing at their backyard.
They would definitely come up with a fight and Ibrahim Danlad must also be equal to the task as Samartex are notorious for their sharp attacking prowess.
Samartex, currently ninth on the league table and just a point behind Kotoko, are also climbing steadily with hopes of joining the top-four race.
Three points against Kotoko would be a huge boost for the new comers who seem to be on the right path as far as staying in elite football is concerned.
The other game for today would be waged at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale where Tamale City hosts Dreams FC in an interesting encounter.
The relegation-threatened Tamale City must find a win to move up the table after a very inconsistent season.
Matches for tomorrow will see Hearts squaring off with Kotoku Royals at the Accra Sports Stadium with the Phobians expected to clinch all three points to maintain their top-four position and possibly move up to keep the pressure on Aduana.
Bottom-placed Kotoku Royals might also come out with a fight as they would need some points to avoid returning to lower tier football next season.
Elsewhere, Real Tamale United (RTU) will play Berekum Chelsea at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, while Medeama and Accra Great Olympics do battle at the Akoon Park.
Third-placed Bechem United host Karela United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabuor Park in another thriller while Nsoatreman engage second-placed Accra Lions at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
Two fixtures are, however, scheduled for Monday to complete the round of matches. They are King Faisal, who take on Bibiani Gold Stars at the Dr Kyei Sports Complex, while Legon Cities face league leaders Aduana at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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.
