Elmina Sharks vs Aduana Stars – Ndoum Stadium, Elmina

League champions Aduana Stars will begin the defence of their title away at Elmina Sharks. The Ogya boys are kicking off their league season a week late, following their involvement in the CAF Champions League last weekend. That journey ended miserably as they were bundled out following a 4-0 thrashing by Algerian side ES Setif, and a 4-1 loss on aggregate.

The consolation though is that Aduana have a chance to play for a place in the group phase of the Confederation Cup, CAF’s second-tier club competition. They have been drawn against Madagascan side Fosa Juniors and they will be hoping a good run in the league will help galvanize morale ahead of the first leg.

But against Yaw Acheampong’s Elmina Sharks, Aduana are coming up against a difficult opposition with the stubbornness of a hard nut. The Sharks lost narrowly to Dreams FC last weekend, conceding an injury-time goal from Zuberu Sharani.

Liberty Professionals vs WAFA – Carl Reindolf Park, Dansoman

At Dansoman, Liberty Professionals, another team yet to play a game this season following the postponement of their Matchday 1 encounter against Aduana Stars, welcome WAFA to the Alhaji Sly Tetteh Park.

The scientific soccer lads only just survived relegation on the final day of last season, and have hired a new coach, Reginald Asante Boateng, to replace former Kotoko gaffer, Michael Osei. Asante Boateng’s first task is to secure victory against bad travelers WAFA. The academy boys have never beaten Liberty away from home. In fact, WAFA have just 5 victories from their last 44 away games in the Ghana Premier League.

Berekum Chelsea vs Dreams FC – Golden City Park, Berekum

Berekum Chelsea welcome Dreams FC to the Berekum Golden City Park with the aim of returning to winning ways following their opening day defeat to Ebusua Dwarfs. These two have been involved in some high-scoring games in the past. In the only two previous meetings between the pair, 7 goals have been produced. Dreams beat Chelsea 4-0 in the first round before the blues returned the favor in the second round, beating Dreams 3-0.

Dreams FC on the other hand, are coming off a confidence-boosting victory at home to Elmina Sharks on Match Day 1.

Wa All Stars vs Ebusua Dwarfs – Malik Jabir Stadium, Wa

Up in Wa, All Stars will host Ebusua Dwarfs looking for a positive result that will kick-start their campaign. The Northern Blues have lost as many as 13 players going into the season with a completely new look team full of youngsters. Their inexperience showed as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to AshantiGold despite dominating large spells of the game.

But goalkeeper, Rashid Seidu, seen as perhaps the most underrated goalkeeper in the league, is one person the other players can always look to for inspiration.

Bechem United vs Medeama – Nana Gyeabour Park, Bechem

Elsewhere, Bechem United host Medeama looking to put their opening day disaster behind them; and there’s a battle of the newcomers in Ainyinase when Karela United welcome Techiman XI wonders. Karela lost narrowly to Medeama on opening day despite dominating the game.

Asante Kotoko vs Inter Allies – Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi

In Kumasi, Asante Kotoko play host to high-flying Inter Allies in what many pundits believe is the tie of the round. The Porcupine Warriors are coming off the back of a rare point at WAFA while Kenichi Yatsuhashi’s Allies were the biggest winners on Match Day one. In 8 previous meetings between the two clubs, Kotoko edge it with 3 victories against Inter Allies’ 2. But Allies have a reason to be confident, knowing they have beaten Kotoko before in their own backyard with a 1-0 victory at the Baba Yara Stadium back in 2014.

Hearts of Oak vs Ashantigold – Cape Coast Stadium, Cape Coast

In Cape Coast, where Hearts of Oak have pitched camp as their home ground for this season following the closure of the Accra Sports Stadium for renovation works, they welcome AshantiGold to the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday for their first home game.

The Phobians have had a turbulent pre-season. They fired their coach and lost a lot of key players. But once the season got underway, new signings such as Joseph Esso showed signs of promise of good times ahead. Henry Wellington’s side gave away a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 with new boys Eleven Wonders.

But against AshantiGold, who themselves have struggled since last season, the Phobians will be expecting to win.

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By: Citi Sports

The post GHPL Preview: Aduana begin title defence at Elmina; Hearts host AshGold appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Hearts and Inter Allies have been forced to look for new home grounds for next season’s league campaign after the Accra Sports Stadium was closed down for renovation.

Reports in the media earlier this week suggested that the Rainbow club had settled on the Tema Stadium to host their home games from next season, but speaking top Citi Sports, Kwame Opare Addo said no decision has been taken.

“At the last board meeting, the board made it clear that we should inspect the Tema stadium, the Cape Coast pitch and Swedru Park as well. These are places we will assess before we reach a final decision,” he said.

“We know the Tema Stadium and Cape Coast very well, and we will play a friendly with Swedru All Stars this weekend, and use the opportunity to assess the Swedru Park, then after that we will make our decision.

“The decision should be made by next week.”

Hearts have not won the league since 2009 and will be hoping to end that drought next season.

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By: Daniel Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Hearts of Oak not settled yet on home grounds – Opare Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Hearts took the lead from Daniel Kodie’s long-range effort but Dreams pulled levelled through left back Razak Cromwell in the first half before captain Leonard Owusu converted a second-half penalty to hand Dreams the cup.

Both teams started with intensity but it was Hearts of Oak who threatened first with Patrick Razak shooting straight at Dreams keeper Isaac Amoako inside three minutes.

Hearts dominated the early exchanges and were deservedly ahead in 12 minutes through a moment of genius from Daniel Kodie.

After receiving the ball from Robert Addo, he skipped past one defender and unleashed a 40-yard screamer that flew past Amoako and into the top corner.

But while Hearts of Oak’s goal came through Kodie’s moment of individual brilliance, Dreams FC’ s equaliser, which came 7 minutes after the opener, was the complete opposite with some great team play.

Brilliant inter-passing between Eric Gawu and left back Kweku Adjei Darko allowed Darko through on goal, then calmly rounded Akrofi before slotting it beyond Benjamin Mensah for the equaliser.

The goal spurred Dreams on who took control of the game, playing some fluid attacking football without really creating much. Approaching half time, Dreams should have been ahead after Leonard Owusu’s jinked past Zuberu Sharani on goal but he whacked the ball wide when he should have at least hit the target.

The first half ended 1-1.

After recess, Dreams FC continued from where they left off taking early control of the game. Captain Leonard Owusu who had a brilliant game all round, shot straight at Ben Mensah in the space of 5 minutes.

On 62 minutes,  Dreams were awarded a penalty after Hearts keeper Ben Mensah hacked down  Eric Gawu who was through on goal. But referee Issaka Afful failed to send off Mensah and instead, issued a yellow card, much to the dismay of everyone in the stadium.

Captain Leonard Owusu stepped up and fired into the top far corner to give Dreams a 2-1 lead.

Dreams controlled much of the game from then on playing some exquisite football. Sharani’s shot caressed the crossbar while substitute Isaac Mensah had a shot saved on the other end from Isaac Amoako.

Five minutes of added time elapsed as Dreams FC held on for a famous victory.

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By: Fentuo Tahiru/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post GHALCA G8 Final: Dreams come from behind to stun Hearts appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The smock, also known as “fugu” in the local parlance, is a signature cloth worn by the people of the north.

Both sets of players walked out onto the stadium amidst loud cheers, as they took a lap around the stadium to appreciate the cheering fans.

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By: Fentuo Tahiru/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post FA Cup final: Kotoko, Hearts players flaunt beautiful smocks appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The match was supposed to have been played on Sunday but heavy rains forced a postponement.

For large periods, the match did not open up but Medeama started to create chances in the second half.

The failed to put them away and that was the same situation with Kotoko leading to a goalless draw in regulation time.

8 minutes into the first half of extra time, the ball was not cleared by Medeama from their penalty box and Kotoko forward Adams struck to give the Porcupine Warriors the lead.

Medeama tried to get back into the match and they went close in the 116th minute but Kotoko cleared their lines hurriedly and survived.

The result sets up a juicy MTN FA Cup final between rivals Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on October 29 in Tamale.

It will be the first time the two teams will face each other in the FA Cup since their last date in 1990.

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By: Citi Sports

The post Kotoko beat Medeama to set up FA Cup final against Hearts appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The members of the technical team last received their salaries in February.

Public Relations Officer of the club Kwame Opare Addo confirmed the shocking development to Citi Sports and says management of the club is working hard to resolve the issue.

“Let me admit that salaries have not been paid, but management is still working on it,” he said.
“We are taking care of it, and we always want to make sure that we are on top of any issue bothering our personnel, so we are working on resolving it.”

Hearts have enjoyed a positive spell under the Scotsman Nuttal this season and are currently 3rd in the Ghana Premier League.

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By:Daniel Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Hearts of Oak backroom staff unpaid for 5 months appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The decision to postpone the match indefinitely follows the tragic accident involving Asante Kotoko on their way to Kumasi after their Match Day 22 league match with Inter Allies in Accra.

The PLB is deeply saddened by the development, and expresses its deepest commiseration to Asante Kotoko. Our prayers and thoughts are with family of Mr Thomas Asare, the departed Assistant Equipment Manager, and we pray to Almighty God to heal the injured players and officials.

A PLB delegation has been despatched to visit Kumasi Asante Kotoko in Kumasi to express the Board’s support in this difficult time.

Meanwhile the PLB has directed all club officials and players to wear red and black armbands for the seven Match DAY 23 matches, which will go ahead as scheduled, except that the matches have been moved to Sunday instead of the earlier announced Saturday. The only Saturday match will be the televised game between Bechem United and Bolga All Stars.

The PLB has further directed the observation of a minute silence in honour of the departed official of Kotoko before all Match Day 23 Premier League matches.

Finally, the PLB commends all those who assisted Kotoko during the difficult moment, as well as Okwawu United, who made their bus available to transport injured Kotoko players to Kumasi.

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Source: GFA

The post PLB postpones Hearts-Kotoko fixture indefinitely appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The two teams had to play the encounter again on Monday after it was rained off on Sunday with the game tied at 1-1.

However, the new start did not bring the goals the first match had delivered.

Both teams cancelled each other out and the match was at times, marked by physicality and wild tackling.

Saddick Adams and Vincent Atingah were involved in a clash late in the game after Adams took exception to a strong tackle on him.

He went after Atingah and threw a punch in the direction of the player but referee William Agbovi failed to punish either player.

The match eventually ended goalless and a winner needed to be decided by the shootout.

Kotoko went up first and their captain Amos Frimpong found the target.

Hearts, on the hand, started poorly with Atingah missing his kick.

Evans Quao scored his kick but Robin Gnagne blasted his over the bar.

Jackson Owusu was successful as was Hearts’ Richard Akrofi.

Then, Saddick Adams finished the Phobians off with a calm penalty after a strong run-up aimed at throwing Hearts’ goalie Ben Mensah off.

Kotoko keep the trophy they won last year in addition to GHS 10, 000 in prize money.

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By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kotoko beat Hearts on penalties to retain UBA President’s Cup appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Surprisingly it was the home side that came off the blocks gun blazing and rightfully profited from a clumsy Tawiah tackle on Obed Owusu to obtain a spot kick early on.

Saddick Adams as he has done throughout his career came on and blasted it passed the goalkeeper in post for the Phobians.

Like the twin cities theory that was Kotoko’s half and they saw the game end after 45 minutes in their favour.

The second half was a different story with Hearts of Oak showing them that Kumasi might be their first choice city but the venue belonged to them.

Kwame Kizito pulled the Phobians level and in all cases should have fired them ahead after squandering countless goal scoring opportunities.

With the heavens opened and showing no signs of slowing down the referee on the day William Agbovi decided to abruptly bring the game to a closure and hoping that it will be replayed same time tomorrow.

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By: Rahman Osman/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko President cup clash rained off appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Reports suggested that the team together with it’s Scottish trainer Frank Nuttal were denied access to the field for training due to lack of payment for the use of the facility.

But in a bizarre turn of events, Public Relations Officer of the club, Kwame Opare Addo, explained that the team was at the stadium for a photo shoot with media rights holder of the Ghana Premier League Startimes and has described the reports as “immature journalism.”

“I think it will be irresponsible on anyone’s part to say we have been sacked or locked out of the Accra Sports Stadium. That is not mature journalism. People should sometimes put some decency in their reports. We were at the stadium today to have a photo shoot with Startimes, then after that we trained at the same venue. I believe someone spotted us when we were having the photo shoot and decide to report this false information, and it is an immature way of reporting,” he added.

The club also took to social media platform, Twitter to urge fans to disregard the media reports.

Hearts is preparing for its MTN FA Cup round of 16 clash against Young Wise slated for this weekend in Kasoa in the Central Region.

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By: Daniel Koranteng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We weren’t denied access to Accra Sports stadium – Hearts of Oak appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.