Sports
Swedru All Blacks hold firm, Rospak SC closes gap with thrashing of Ebusua Dwarfs
Swedru All Blacks maintained their advantage on top of the Zone Two league table with a crucial 2-1 win at Bekwai Heroes.
Rudolf Mensah scored the first goal for Swedru All Blacks in the 27th minute, (his 19th goal of the season), but Michael Owusu responded with a lovely goal in the 47th minute for Bekwai Heroes, while Ernest Ofori netted a stunner in the 68th minute to help Swedru All Blacks grab all the spoils.
The Ozii Ozaa lads are on top of the table in Zone Two with 51 points – one point ahead of second place Sekondi Rospak FC.
Sekondi Rospak SC’s league title hopes received a huge boost with a 3-1 win against former Premier League side Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs at Akoon Park on Sunday.
John Amoah gave Sekondi Rospak SC an early lead just three minutes after kickoff, while Osman Assan made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute, followed by Kwabena Boakye’s long-range strike before halftime.
After the break, Hafiz Alhassan scored a consolation goal for the visitors, Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs, in the 59th minute. Sekondi Rospak SC is currently second in the table with 50 points, just one point behind leaders Swedru All Blacks.
Soccer Intellectuals ended PAC Academy’s six-game unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Senya Astro Turf. Robert Duncan scored the first goal for Soccer Intellectuals in the 20th minute, while Akwesi Mensah made it 1-1 for PAC Academy in the 45th minute, before Nana Abakah netted the match-winner for Soccer Intellectuals. Soccer Intellectuals are currently 5th in the league table with 32 points.
The management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has assured its supporters that steps are being taken to appoint a substantive head coach following the team’s recent poor performances.
In a statement issued by the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku Esq., the board acknowledged concerns raised by fans over the absence of a permanent coach and the team’s current form.
He said the club understands the high expectations that come with representing Asante Kotoko and admitted that recent results have been disappointing.
“The Board is actively working to appoint a competent substantive head coach whose philosophy aligns with the long-term ambitions of the club,” he stated.
Mr. Duku explained that the club is taking its time to ensure the right candidate is selected, adding that management remains committed to restoring the team to its expected standards.
He apologised to supporters for the team’s recent performances and assured them that decisive steps are being taken to improve results.
In the meantime, he called on fans to remain loyal and continue supporting the team in the remaining matches of the season.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, has faced increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor results in recent games.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to part ways with former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, describing it as correct but poorly timed.
Speaking on the development with ghanaiantimes.com.gh ‘s Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, he explained that although the decision to remove Otto Addo may be justified, the timing could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
He noted that the newly appointed coach has only a few weeks to work with the team before the tournament begins, making it difficult to make any significant impact.
According to him, the team has just two friendly matches scheduled in May ahead of the competition, leaving a very short period between those games and the start of the World Cup.
He stressed that it would be unrealistic for any coach to fully understand the squad and implement effective strategies within such a limited time.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah urged Ghanaians to manage their expectations, warning that expecting outstanding performance under the circumstances could lead to disappointment.
He added that football can be unpredictable, and while the team could still perform well, fans should remain cautious in their hopes.
The astute sports journalist concluded that if the team performs beyond expectations, it would be a welcome outcome, but supporters should not put too much pressure on the new coach and players.
By: Jacob Aggrey
