Sports
Zito: Dreams FC feat must inspire smaller clubs
Karim Zito
Accra Hearts of Oak will look to put their league title aspirations back on track when they take on Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow in a top match-day 24 fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The Phobians went on an eight-match unbeaten run in the league but suffered a blip in their last game against league leaders Samartex FC who grounded that run with a 2-1.
But Coach Aboubakar Ouattara believes the only way to respond to that defeat is to pick all three points tomorrow.
Gold Stars have not been lucky at the Accra Sports Stadium, losing all their previous games against the Phobians. This remains a huge inspiration for the Phobians going into the game tomorrow.
However, they would be playing under the instructions of Coach Frimpong Manso who defeated Hearts while with Bofoakwa Tano. That also presents an inspiration for the visitors, knowing that they have a trainer who knows his way around their guests.
League leaders Samartex FC will look to maintain their hold on the championship when they host defending champions Medeama SC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
Samartex will be chasing their first win over the champions in the league after losing the first-round tie 1-0.
Medeama managed to hold the Timber giants to a goalless draw at the same venue last season, however with their form, it remains to be seen how they can stop the host from grabbing all three points.
Aduana Stars hope to return to winning ways when they host Real Tamale United at their favourite Nana Agyemang Badu Park, in Dormaa.
Coming into this game without a Head Coach, the task of beating Aduana Stars away looks daunting for the Tamale lads especially after their host suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Great Olympics in their last game in Accra.
In other games, Asante Kotoko will trek to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem with the hope of picking their first point from their last four games; Accra Lions welcome Bofoakwa Tano to the Accra Sports Stadium; Nsoatreman FC will host Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Amoah Koronmasah II park in Nsoatre while Karela United face Heart of Lions at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex in Nalerigu.
The game between Dreams FC and Legon Cities scheduled for the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu has been postponed to allow Dreams FC have their CAF Confederation Cup second leg quarter-final game against Stade Malien at the Baba Yara Stadium, tomorrow.
By Raymond Ackumey
Asante Kotoko SC has announced with deep sadness the passing of its former Brands and Marketing Manager, Kweku Hammond.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko described Hammond’s death as untimely and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
“Although his time with the club was brief, Kweku served with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment to Asante Kotoko,” the club stated. “His contributions and loyalty to the club will not be forgotten.”
Kweku Hammond served in the club’s Brands and Marketing department, where he played a role in promoting the Porcupine Warriors’ brand and engaging supporters.
The club assured that it will continue to honour his memory and legacy.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Fans and members of the football fraternity have since joined the club in mourning, sharing tributes to Hammond for his professionalism and commitment during his time at club.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Captain of Ghana’s National U-15 Boys team, Abdul Aziz Issa, says the exposure gained at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan will be vital for the development of the squad.
Ghana finished 7th out of 189 countries after an impressive campaign, winning eight of ten matches.
“I think we played well, the exposure was good for our development, and we can’t thank FIFA and the GFA enough for this amazing platform,” Issa said.
“I’m so very happy to be part of this FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. I want to thank my colleagues for how far we have brought Ghana in this tournament.”
The captain believes the experience will prepare the group for future challenges at U-17 and U-20 level.
Ghana enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring 44 goals and establishing themselves among the top seven teams.
Their dominant group stage saw them score 27 goals while conceding just three. Salifu Fatawu’s side opened with a commanding 4-1 win over Uzbekistan, thrashed Myanmar 7-1, recorded emphatic 7-0 wins over Guam and the Bahamas, before rounding off the group with a 2-1 triumph over Kazakhstan.
Their pursuit of a higher finish suffered a setback in the knockout phase after elimination by Paraguay in a dramatic encounter.
The team bounced back to finish 7th, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Colombia in their final game, despite suffering a 7-1 defeat to Brazil in the Tier A Ranking Play-Offs.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
