Kwadwo Dickson

2024/25 GHPL MD24: Samartex clash with Asante Kotoko as Hearts of Oak host Dreams FC

Matchday 24 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League promises thrilling encounters across various venues this weekend.

The action kicks off on Saturday, March 15, with FC Samartex hosting Asante Kotoko at the Nana Nsenkyire Arena.

Young Apostles will also be in action at the Nana Agyemang Badu II Park, where they take on relegation-threatened Accra Lions. Both matches are set to start at 15:00 GMT. Later in the evening, Hearts of Oak will battle Dreams FC at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

On Sunday, March 16, Bechem United welcomes Vision FC to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, while Basake Holy Stars take on Nsoatreman FC at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.

Other fixtures include Nations FC facing Medeama SC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex and Legon Cities squaring off against Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. Meanwhile, Aduana FC will lock horns with Bibiani GoldStars at the Nana Agyemang Badu II Park.

All Sunday games will kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Full Fixtures:

Saturday, March 15, 2025:

  • FC Samartex vs Asante Kotoko (15:00 GMT)
  • Young Apostles vs Accra Lions (15:00 GMT)
  • Hearts of Oak vs Dreams FC (18:00 GMT)

Sunday, March 16, 2025:

  • Bechem United vs Vision FC (15:00 GMT)
  • Basake Holy Stars vs Nsoatreman FC (15:00 GMT)
  • Nations FC vs Medeama SC (15:00 GMT)
  • Legon Cities vs Berekum Chelsea (15:00 GMT)
  • Aduana FC vs Bibiani GoldStars (15:00 GMT)

Football fans can expect another exciting round of action as teams battle for crucial points in the league standings.

2026 WCQ: Otto Addo announces 23-man squad for Chad and Madagascar games as Partey returns

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has named his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, with Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew appointed as captain.

The Black Stars will assemble on Monday, March 17, 2025, to begin preparations for the two crucial matches.

Ghana will first take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, March 21, before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Arsenal midfielder and deputy captain Thomas Partey makes a return to the squad after missing four consecutive matches due to injury.

In addition, three local players have been included in the squad, among them Ghana Premier League star Christopher Bonsu Baah, who plays for Genk in Belgium and has earned his first senior national team call-up. Also making a return is Black Stars stalwart Andre Ayew, alongside other key players like Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams. The squad also features three players from the Ghana Premier League: Benjamin Asare of Accra Hearts of Oak, Kamaradini Mamudu, and another home-based talent set to reinforce the squad.

The Black Stars will commence their camping on Monday, March 17, 2025, as they prepare for the must-win encounters. Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches, behind leaders Comoros on goal difference.

The team will face Chad on March 21 in an away fixture before locking horns with Madagascar on March 25, 2025, as they continue their quest to qualify for their fifth FIFA World Cup.

Stay tuned for further updates as Ghana intensifies preparations for these crucial matches.

2026 WCQ: Black Stars need love to beat Chad and Madagascar – GFA President

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has urged fans to rally behind the Black Stars as they prepare for their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.

Ghana’s senior national team will host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21 for their Matchday 5 fixture before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on March 24 in Matchday 6.

Speaking to the media upon his return from Cairo—where he secured a seat on the CAF Executive Committee—Okraku emphasized the importance of unity and unwavering support for the Black Stars.

“If we show the Black Stars love and support, they’ll win the games against Chad and Madagascar,” Okraku told fans, reinforcing the significance of collective backing at this crucial stage. His call for solidarity comes as Ghana looks to regain momentum after recent struggles in major tournaments. The Black Stars are eager to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with these upcoming fixtures playing a key role in their qualification efforts.

Currently, Ghana is level on nine points with Comoros at the top of Group I after four matches. Following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the four-time African champions are determined to reignite their World Cup dreams with strong showings in the upcoming matches.

SIXTH EDITION OF KWAHU MOUNTAIN MARATHON SET FOR APRIL19

With just weeks to go, anticipation is mounting for the sixth edition of the Kwahu Mountain Marathon, which is set to take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025. 

The event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 competitors, will see participants race through the challenging 21km route from the Nkawkaw Goil Fuel Station, passing through Obomeng, Mpraeso, and finishing at the Kwahu Traditional Council’s Office in Bepong.

Organised by Marathon Foundation Ghana in collaboration with the Kwahu Traditional Council, the event will offer cash prizes and sponsor products to the top-performing athletes.

According to Edward Boahen, Project Manager of the Kwahu Mountain Marathon, this year’s edition will feature several enhancements, including participation certificates for all competitors and medals for the top 20 finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories.

“We are a few days away from the biggest marathon in the country, and we are excited about this year’s edition because there will be so many side attractions. We want to urge all athletes to prepare for the event and also plead with corporate organisations to partner with us and make this event a success,” Mr Boahen stated.

Beyond the race itself, organisers have planned a range of activities, including free health screenings and guided tours of Kwahu’s tourist sites, to give participants and visitors a well-rounded experience of the Kwahu Easter Festival celebrations.

To support the athletes, Mr Boahen confirmed that all competitors will be provided with free accommodation during the event.

The marathon, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most challenging long-distance races, continues to grow in popularity, serving as a platform for discovering athletic talent, promoting sports tourism, and showcasing Kwahu as a premier sporting destination.

Kurt Okraku elected to CAF Executive Committee

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has been elected as a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

His four-year term will run from 2025 to 2029.

Okraku, who was elected unopposed, joins the 24-member committee of CAF, the governing body of African football.

His election is seen as a recognition of his leadership at the GFA, where he has focused on transparency, grassroots football, women’s football, and youth development since assuming office in 2019.

With Ghana’s rich footballing history, his presence on the CAF EXCO is expected to enhance the country’s influence in shaping football policies on the continent.

Okraku becomes the sixth Ghanaian to serve on the CAF Executive Committee, following in the footsteps of Ohene Djan, Kobina Hagan, Nana Fredua Mensah, Samuel Okyere, and Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Women’s FA Cup: Teshie McDan Sports Complex to host semis

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the Teshie McDan Sports Complex as the venue for the semi-finals of the 2024/25 Women’s FA Cup.

Four teams—Rootz Sistaz, Jonina Ladies, Faith Ladies, and Hasaacas Ladies—will compete for a place in the final on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

In the first semi-final, Division One side Rootz Sistaz will face Premier League club Jonina Ladies at 10:00 a.m.

The second semi-final, scheduled for 3:00 p.m., will see Faith Ladies and Hasaacas Ladies—both top-tier teams—battle for a spot in the final.

The winners of these fixtures will advance to the grand finale, where they will compete for the coveted trophy and a share of the prize money.

No struggles coaching Black Stars and Satellites – Desmond Ofei

Desmond Ofei remains confident in balancing his dual roles as assistant coach of the Black Stars and head coach of Ghana’s U-20 team, the Black Satellites.

Following the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ofei was added to the senior national team’s technical staff. Despite his existing commitment to the U-20s, he insists managing both positions has been smooth.

In an interview with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) media team, Ofei explained that the schedules of both teams do not overlap, making the dual responsibility manageable.

“Luckily, [Black Stars matches and U20 AFCON] don’t clash at all because the tournament with the U20s doesn’t fall within the FIFA window. Apart from that, we have a top technical team with the U20s, so it’s quite positive,” he told the GFA media.

He further expressed confidence in handling both roles, stating, “It’s easy to combine being the Black Stars’ assistant coach and the Black Satellites’ head coach.”

Ofei also described his role with the Black Stars as straightforward, emphasizing his focus on assisting the head coach in any capacity needed.

“My role is quite simple. My role is to assist the head coach as best as I can. With me, it’s about hard work and supporting him at any level, and any areas that we feel we need to improve on.”

His leadership has already yielded success, as he recently guided the Black Satellites to gold at the All-African Games, further cementing his status as one of Ghana’s emerging coaching talents.

2026 WCQ: Black Stars assistant coach confident ahead of Chad clash

Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei is confident in the team’s ability to recover from recent setbacks, assuring that both players and technical staff are fully committed to a turnaround.

The senior national team has faced heavy criticism following poor performances, culminating in their failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco—their first absence in two decades.

In response, 37-year-old Ofei has joined the coaching setup as preparations begin for the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ahead of crucial fixtures against Chad and Madagascar, the Black Satellites’ head coach emphasized the squad’s determination to restore Ghana’s footballing pride.

“As we all know, it was painful not to qualify for AFCON this year in Morocco. But we’ve learned from our mistakes on and off the pitch, and we are hungry to rectify the situation,” he told the GFA Media team.

He stressed teamwork and discipline, stating, “Once again, it’s about hard work and unity. We are willing to put in the effort to fix those mistakes.”

Ofei also acknowledged the importance of winning back Ghanaian fans’ support, vowing the team will fight hard in the upcoming matches.

“I think we have to look at ourselves first because we have enough quality in the squad to perform on the day.

“We want to make Ghanaian fans proud, so it’s crucial to deliver a strong performance against Chad at home. We will fight—it’s going to be like a final.

“For us, it’s important to wrap up this window positively and ensure Ghanaian fans are happy with us,” he added.

The Black Stars will face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before traveling to Morocco to play Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24, as part of Matchday 5 and 6 of the World Cup qualifiers.

Collaborate more with universities on sports policy direction- Ernest Acheampong to Sports Minister

Lecturer at the University of Education-Winneba (UEW)’s Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, Dr. Ernest Acheampong has called on Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, to work more with people in sports academia to aid in his policy direction for the sector.

He said this in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports following Kofi Adams’ nomination as Sports Minister; Adams has since been sworn in as Minister and recently met the technical team of the Black Stars.

Commenting on a major to-do item, Dr. Acheampong stated in the interview that the Sports Ministry needs a strategic plan to deal with the sector’s issues and added that more collaboration with Universities is the way.

“Sports is huge…and you need experts; because it’s a profession. When you talk about a profession, it has certain characteristics. So, for me, he (Kofi Adams) needs to learn and before he learns, it will take time.”

“I will suggest that he collaborate with the sports universities in terms of policy directions and some of his strategic plan. Without a strategic plan, it will be difficult for him to make positive impact.”

Five venues cleared following latest re-inspection for GPL resumption

The Ghana Football Association’s Club Licensing Department has approved five venues following their latest re-inspection ahead of the resumption of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

These include the Tarkwa TNA Stadium, Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Dun’s Park Bibiani, Nsenkyire Sports Arena, and Kpando Sports Stadium. These match centers are considered fit, offering an even playing field and a secure safety zone to host games.

Meanwhile, five other venues—Nii Adjei Kraku Park, Tuba Astro Turf, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, and Nana Agyemang Badu Park—have received conditional approval, pending repairs to address identified concerns.

The Baba Yara Stadium, home of Asante Kotoko, and the Legon Stadium, a temporary venue for Hearts of Oak and Legon Cities, must resolve safety zone issues before their next official matches. The GFA has urged the affected clubs to provide solutions promptly.

Elsewhere, Wenchi Sports Stadium, Ampanian Arena, and Berekum Golden City Park face both technical and security challenges requiring repairs and renovations.

These venues remain unapproved until further notice.

The next re-inspection is scheduled for March 9.

Product has been added to your cart