Sports
CAF Confederation Cup: Nsoatreman fall to FC Constantine
Nsoatreman FC suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Algerian club CS Constantine in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round, played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The match left the Ghanaian FA Cup champions with an uphill task as they prepare for the return leg in Algeria.
CS Constantine’s striker, Zakaria Benchaa, proved to be the difference maker, opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a superb solo effort that stunned the home crowd.
Benchaa was back on the scoresheet in the 27th minute, calmly slotting in his second goal to double his team’s advantage.
Despite a stronger second-half performance from Nsoatreman, where they created several promising chances, they were unable to find the back of the net. Constantine’s defense remained solid, preventing the hosts from closing the gap.
Nsoatreman FC now faces the daunting task of overturning the two-goal deficit when they travel to Algeria for the second leg, scheduled to be played at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium next Sunday.
A win on aggregate would see the Ghanaian side advance to the group stages of the prestigious continental competition.
The upcoming fixture is critical for Nsoatreman’s aspirations on the African stage, and they will need to deliver a standout performance to keep their CAF Confederation Cup hopes alive.
Sports
Anyone who openly display political group paraphernalia will be arrested-NSA
The National Sports Authority in a statement has issued a strong warning to any persons or group intending to use Ghana’s AFCON Qualifier against Sunday to stage a protest.
According to them the Police will subdue any attempt by fans to use today’s game as an opportunity to display political paraphernalia to send a message, adding that CAF rules prohibit political messaging.
In a statement, they noted that “It has come to the attention of the Authority that some individuals intend to use the game between the Black Stars of Ghana and their Sudanese counterparts as a platform to promote an agenda that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) frowns upon.”
The statement further added that “Any individual or group of persons who openly display any political or pressure group paraphernalia, apparel or placards at the Accra Sports Stadium will be apprehended by the security apparatus who will be deployed in and around the facility. In this regard, football fans are advised to adhere to all the match day security regulations before, during and after the game in order to avoid any form of arrest or sanctions.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Sports
Young Apostles dare Hearts in Wenchi
Ghana Premier League (GPL) debutants, Young Apostles FC, will engage Accra Hearts of Oak in a match day six headliner at the Wenchi Stadium tomorrow.
It is expected to be full of fireworks as both teams struggle to return to winning ways, having fumbled in their last games.
Under greater pressure to deliver the maximum points are the Phobians who have plunge into another winless streak stretching two games after appearing to have found a winning formula.
They had a big chance to defeat a 10-man Aduana SC in the previous encounter but failed to capitalise on the advantage.
They will find it tough again to beating Young Apostle who would take inspiration from colleague debutant, Holy Stars, win over the Phobians in Accra in the opening day games.
The Young Apostles have not been at their best, however, they are very determine to upset the inexperienced, Phobians side.
Defending champions, FC Samartex 1996, host Nsoatreman FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Basake Holy Stars entertain Karela United at home, while Nations FC host GoldStars FC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Today at the University of Ghana (UG) Sports Stadium, Accra Lions FC will host Berekum Chelsea in a very tricky tie.
Also, Heart of Lions would be at Kpando to slug it out with Vision FC in what looks like a game of equals.
However, matches between Legon Cities’ and Asante Kotoko and Bechem United and Medeama SC have been postponed.
The postponement was occasioned by Kokako’s travel to the United States of America to honour an international friendly against DC United.
By Andrew Nortey
