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2025/26 GPL: Samartex hold leaders Medeama, Gold Stars pick crucial victory as Hearts stumble at home

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2025/26 GPL: Samartex hold leaders Medeama, Gold Stars pick crucial victory as Hearts stumble at home

The Premier League title race has burst into life after leaders Medeama SC saw their once-comfortable advantage trimmed to just three points following a goalless draw at FC Samartex 1996 on Sunday.

Still reeling from a 1-1 home stalemate against Aduana FC, where captain Mubarik Yussif missed a dramatic stoppage-time penalty,  Medeama needed a response. They showed resilience at the Nsenkyire Arena but were unable to find the breakthrough in an entertaining 0-0 contest. With 11 matches remaining, the Mauve and Yellow sit top on 45 points, yet their cushion has narrowed significantly.

Reigning champions Bibiani Gold Stars FC capitalised in dramatic fashion, staging a stirring 2-1 comeback victory over Heart of Lions. After Seedorf Asante gave the hosts the lead, Samuel Attah Kumi restored parity before Godfred struck with virtually the last kick of the game to seal a potentially season-defining win. The Miners climb to 42 points and could leapfrog Medeama next weekend should results swing in their favour.

Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko reignited their top-four push with a commanding 2-0 win over Young Apostles. Early headers from Johnson Oppong Owusu and captain Samba O’Neil put the Porcupine Warriors in control as they ended a three-match winless run to remain within touching distance of the summit.

Aduana FC were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Hohoe United, extending their unbeaten streak but missing the chance to strengthen their standing. Hohoe, meanwhile, earned a valuable point in their fight against relegation.

Dreams FC salvaged a late draw against Nations FC, with Seidu Surah cancelling out Suweidu Sulemana’s opener in a tightly contested encounter at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

In the relegation scrap, Basake Holy Stars boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 1-0 victory over Swedru All Blacks, Jacob Boazee netting the decisive goal. Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, failed to build on their Super Clash triumph, settling for a goalless draw against Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana,  a result that leaves them five points behind the leaders.

Karela United continued their resurgence with a dominant win over Eleven Wonders, making it three consecutive victories and climbing to seventh place, while Wonders remain rooted to the bottom.

Source: ghanafa.org

2025/26 GPL: Kotoko vrs Hearts Preview

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2025/26 GPL: Kotoko vrs Hearts Preview

Ghana’s biggest football rivalry takes center stage once again as Asante Kotoko SC host sworn rivals Accra Hearts of Oak at the iconic Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a Super Clash brimming with tension, history and high stakes.

Asante Kotoko head into the blockbuster fixture under mounting pressure. The Porcupine Warriors have endured back-to-back defeats in all competitions, most notably their painful elimination from the MTN FA Cup at the Round of 16 after losing on penalties to Aduana FC at home.

That setback compounds a worrying run of just one win in their last six matches across all competitions (D2, L3). Their league form has also dipped, with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Heart of Lions FC in Kpando seeing them slip to fifth place with 35 points after 21 matches — just one point off the top four.

Yet, beneath the recent turbulence lies a side with genuine quality. Kotoko boast the second-best attacking record in the league with 28 goals scored and have conceded only 14 — a testament to their overall balance.

More importantly, Baba Yara remains a fortress. Coach Abdul Karim Zito’s men are unbeaten in 10 league matches at home this season (W6, D4), ranking among the division’s strongest home performers. History also favors them — Kotoko are unbeaten in their last five league meetings at home against Hearts (W3, D2) and have not lost this fixture in Kumasi since the 2020/21 season.

Hearts flying high on defensive steel

While Kotoko search for stability, Hearts of Oak arrive in Kumasi riding a wave of resilience. The Phobians are unbeaten in their last four league matches (W2, D2), keeping clean sheets in all four — a defensive masterclass under Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.

Their most recent outing, a goalless draw against Bechem United FC, extended their solid run and kept them firmly in contention near the summit. With 36 points from 21 matches, Hearts sit just above Kotoko on the table.

Despite scoring only 15 league goals, among the lowest tallies in the division, Hearts have built their campaign on extraordinary defensive discipline, conceding a league-low seven goals so far.

On the road, they have been exceptional. Five away wins, four draws, and just two defeats make them the league’s best away side. They have conceded only four goals away from home, underlining their tactical structure and composure.

However, one psychological hurdle remains: Hearts have not secured a Premier League victory away to Kotoko in Kumasi since the 2020/21 season.

Source: GFA

Ashanti Regional Minister And Mayor Rally Behind Kotoko For Super Clash Success

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Ashanti Regional Minister And Mayor Rally Behind Kotoko For Super Clash Success

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and Kumasi Mayor, Honourable Richard Ofori Agyemang have thrown their unflinching support behind Kotoko players as source of motivation for victory in Sunday’s Super Clash against Hearts.

The duo, despite their tight official schedules as government appointees, have visited the Fabulous Boys and assured them their fullest backings monetary and physically for success.

They have also purchased match tickets to be shared among Kotoko fans for the big game.

According to the Kumasi Mayor, after that disastrous MTN FA Cup exit against Aduana Stars, Kotoko players are left with no option than to beat Hearts.

“It’s painful when Aduana Stars beat you in such manner. We are deeply hurt. But we have the chance to redeem our image on Sunday. No matter what we have to beat Hearts” said Honourable Richard Ofori Agyemang.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium will definitely be shaken to its foundation on Sunday, 15th February 2026 when Ghana’s two biggest clubs, Asante Kotoko clash with Hearts of Oak.

The two teams have confirmed their battle readiness for the herculean task ahead with intensive training and tactical strategies to rule.

Kotoko are going into the game with two straight defeats. They lost to Kpando Hearts of Lions in match day 21 of the Ghana Premier League and Aduana Stars in the MTN FA Cup round of 16.

Hearts also drew goalless in their last league match against Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium in match day 21.

With a just a point separating the two traditional rivals, the Porcupines will have to win not only to redeem their image but also to keep their league title aspirations alive.

Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea will be the man in the center to direct officiating affairs to be assisted by Paul Atimaka and Seth Abletor.

Match Officials For Kotoko vrs Hearts Super Clash Named

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Match Officials For Kotoko vrs Hearts Super Clash Named

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

The Referees Appointment Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has selected FIFA Referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to officiate Sunday’s mother of all battles between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The referee of the moment, Daniel Laryea will be assisted by Paul Atimaka (Assistant 1) and Seth Abletor (Assistant 2).

Referee Gideon Nii-Coffie is the 4th official for the Ghana’s version of El Classico otherwise known as Super Clash.

It may be recalled that Referee Collins Amoah handled the first round encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium which the Porcupine Warriors exhibited resilience to conquer 1-0 courtesy Donzo’s penalty kick.

Seth Nii Darko, a newly appointed member of Kotoko Communications Team has wished Referee Daniel Laryea the best of luck in Sunday’s duel but wants him to be fair.

“We wouldn’t want to be like them (Hearts) and we wouldn’t want to do what they did to Referee Collins Amoah when he was appointed to officiate the first round game at the Accra Sports Stadium in November 2025”.

“We respect, regard and accept the fact that you are the Ghana’s number one referee. But be fair and apply the rules fairly as a professional referee and not a tribal and regional referee. WEe wish you the very best of luck” Nii Darko posted on his Facebook wall.

Referee Daniel Laryea has been extremely busy in the last couple of months. From AFCON 2025 where he operated as center and Video Assistant Referee (VAR), he was appointed by CAF only last weekend to handle a CAF Confederation Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and El Masry of Egypt.

He will be in the thick of affairs when Kotoko welcome their sworn rivals, Hearts to Kumasi. The Fabulous Boys have not beaten the Phobians back-to-back in a league match for 39 years now. They are gritty to exorcise that ghost on Sunday.

Kotoko are currently 5th on the log sheet with 35 points, having won nine, drawn 8 and lost four in 21 league games.

Hearts are just a point (36) on top of Kotoko at the 4th position. In 21 matches, Hearts have managed to secure nine wins, nine draws and three defeats.

Thomas Partey charged with two new rape counts in London

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Thomas Partey charged with two new rape counts in London

The former Arsenal midfielder’s seems to be in further danger after new counts of rape were added to his already existing cases at the Crown Court in London on Thursday

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced this morning that additional charges against Thomas Partey relate to a separate report of alleged non-recent offences dating back to 2020. The new charges follow a fresh investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police, with the allegations first reported in August last year.

Partey, who has previously denied the earlier allegations in court, is accused of offences said to have occurred in 2021 and 2022 during his time as a regular player for Arsenal. The 32-year-old was formally charged four days after leaving the North London club at the end of his contract in June.

He currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal. While his bail conditions do not restrict him from playing football, he is required to inform police at least 24 hours in advance of any international travel and is prohibited from contacting the complainants.

A CPS spokesperson confirmed that Partey has already been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in connection with allegations made by three women relating to incidents between 2021 and 2022.

The spokesperson further stated that the latest charges concern a separate report involving one additional woman and stem from a renewed Metropolitan Police investigation. Partey is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 13 March for his first hearing.

Source: ghanasportscentral.com

Injured Salisu Mohammed recuperating well

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Injured Salisu Mohammed recuperating well

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Injured Black Stars center back, Salisu Mohammed is showing signs of early recovery. Hopes are that the defender could come back to the field earlier than the expected recovery time predicted by team doctors.

The AS Monaco strong defender tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACT) in a league match in France a month ago. The injury was severe to the extent that team doctors have ruled him out of the rest of 2025/26 football season.

That simply means Salisu Mohammed who played his maiden FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 and even scored a goal to his credit against South Korea could miss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in June – July.

However, news and pictures emanating from his camp has given Ghanaians much hope that the defender might return to lace his boots for action sooner than later.

When Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, first visited him in France, much progress was not seen from the former Southampton player.

But a recent visit to him by Black Stars team doctor, Prince Pamboe indicates that Salisu has started doing gradual gym work as part of physio and recovery exercise.

Soccer loving Ghanaians are now gathering much hope that Salisu could recover fully in the next four months ahead to make up the final Black Stars squad for the FIFA World Cup.

Black Stars To Camp In USA Ahead Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Black Stars To Camp In USA Ahead Of The 2026 FIFA World Cup

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Communication Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum has revealed that the senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana will base in USA for their final presentations for the fast approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“As we speak we have decided to camp in USA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Per the regulations, the Black Stars must be in USA by 12the June, five days before our first game” Henry Asante Twum explained.

It has left with about four and half month to kick off the world’s biggest showpiece. As such, all the qualified teams from the various continents are fast tracking their plans and preparations for the tournament.

Henry Asante Twum

The Black Stars are no exception. Arrangements are made by the GFA for the team to play two friendly matches in March against Germany and Austria to test the strength of Coach Otto Addo and his boys.

The team has plans to add more trial matches to their list before they storm USA to put finishing touches on their set-up.

The Stars are drawn in Group L together with Panama, England and Croatia.

They will set the ball rolling in Group L with an expected thrilling game against Panama on 17th June, 2026 at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

Their second group game will be against England at Boston, USA on 23rd June, 2026 before they wrap up with Croatia on 27th June, 2026 at Philadelphia, USA.

The Black Stars failed to progress from their groups in their last two FIFA World Cup tournaments in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022. Much is being expected from the team who have formed a formidable technical staff of about 20 members.

Coach Prince Owusu To Lead Kotoko Against Hearts In The Super Clash

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Coach Prince Owusu To Lead Kotoko Against Hearts In The Super Clash

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

The leadership of Asante Kotoko have settled on Prince Yaw Owusu as a stop-gap coach for the club following the resignation of Coach Abdul Karim Zito on Monday, 9th February, 2026.

Coach Prince Yaw Owusu who has acquired enough experience in local and continental football is tasked to manage the Porcupine Warriors until a substantive coach is appointed.

According to the official post from Asante Kotoko, Coach Prince Yaw Owusu will be assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng at the technical bench.

“Coach Prince Yaw Owusu is to temporarily take charge of the technical team assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng” was how Kotoko confirmed the new technical directions for their club on social media.

READ ALSO: Karim Zito resigns as Asante Kotoko head coach after FA Cup defeat

Their immediate assignment is to guide Kotoko to success against their bitterest rivals, Hearts of Oak, in match day 22 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League coming on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Hamza Obeng

The Fabulous Boys have gone through hell in the last two games played under Coach Karim Zito. After their beautiful display against Basake Holy Stars which they won 3-0 in match day 20, they slipped in their two successive games.

They lost heavily (3-1) against Kpando Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars (4-2 on penalties) in the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 in Kumasi.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) led by Nana Apinkra felt totally disappointed in the team’s output and accordingly accepted a resignation letter from their technical head.

Sunday marks a beginning of a new era as Kotoko comes face to face with Hearts after the Porcupines triumphed 1-0 in the first round fixture in Accra.

Karim Zito resigns as Asante Kotoko head coach after FA Cup defeat

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Karim Zito resigns as Asante Kotoko head coach after FA Cup defeat

The Porcupine Warriors will face Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash without their head coach after he tendered in his resignation due to impending dismissal

Asante Kotoko Sporting Club have officially parted ways with head coach Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey, following the club’s shock elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Aduana Stars on Sunday.

Kotoko’s FA Cup journey came to an abrupt end at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where the defending champions were held to a goalless draw before losing 4-2 on penalties. The painful exit sparked intense reactions from supporters and heightened pressure on the technical team, ultimately leading to Zito’s resignation.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Zito attempted to calm tensions by urging patience from fans, insisting that he was in the process of building a competitive and winning squad. He also referenced similar upsets in global football, pointing to how Manchester United were once eliminated by lower-tier Grimsby Town in the English FA Cup, arguing that surprises are part of the competition.

However, those remarks reportedly failed to sit well with Kotoko’s top hierarchy, who were unhappy with both the result and the direction of post-match communication. Within hours of the defeat, discussions were held behind closed doors, culminating in the coach’s decision to step down.

In an official statement released by the club, Kotoko confirmed the development:

“Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as the head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.”

The statement further revealed that the club’s management had accepted his resignation and expressed gratitude for his contribution during his tenure.

“Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best for the future,” the statement added.

Kotoko also assured supporters that plans are already underway to chart a new technical course for the club.

“The new technical direction of the club will be communicated in due course.”

Zito’s departure marks another significant chapter in Kotoko’s ongoing search for stability and success, as the Porcupine Warriors aim to regroup and refocus their ambitions both domestically and on the continental stage. Fans will now be keenly awaiting management’s next move as pressure mounts for a swift turnaround.

Kotoko will host fierce rivals Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash on Sunday in Kumasi and the supporters will hope the players will bounce back in a grand style to save their blushes.

SOource: ghanasportscentral.com

Striker Albert Amoah Secures Brand Ambassadorial Deal with Unilever Ghana

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Striker Albert Amoah Secures Brand Ambassadorial Deal with Unilever Ghana

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

Aside his great potential on the field of play, Asante Kotoko striker, Albert Amoah, has earned additional task as brand ambassador for highly esteemed multi purpose company Unilever Ghana Limited.

The striker has signed a deal to promote consumer goods and products of Unilever Ghana, especially Rexona Roll-On across and outside the country in the years ahead.

Albert Amoah joined the Porcupine family last season and became an instant hit with his goal scoring prowess. He helped Kotoko to win the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup which they have failed to defend this season following their 4-2 lost to Aduana Stars on penalties last Sunday in Kumasi.

Somewhere October 2025, the prolific striker moved to Ahly Benghazi of Libya after his side, Kotoko, had been eliminated by WAC of Morocco from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Albert Amoah spent just four months in Libya and had to return home after failing to impress the Libyan side who claimed “the striker could not make the cut”.

He scored a classic bysicle kick in his first game for Kotoko in match day 20 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. Kotoko beat Basake Holy Stars 3-0.

His subsequent games have turned to be sour as the Fabulous Boys have lost two games in a row to Kpando Heart of Lions (3-1) and Aduana Stars (FA Cup).

Despite these successive setbacks, Albert Amoah is focusing on his future now that he given commercial value to his football career.

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