Sports
Hearts, Kotoko aim to turn things around …as 2024/25 GPL season kick start
Konadu Yiadom – Hearts of Oak
The search for the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League champions begins today, with Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko hoping that the events of last season will not recur.
Hearts finished in a disappointing 14th position on the log, while Asante Kotoko placed sixth, with fans of both sides very livid about the positions of their respective clubs.
Having let go of 10 plus players, each and recruiting almost the same number, both sides are reeling at the opportunity to make amends for the failures of last season.
Hearts will begin the quest to land their 22nd league title at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow when they welcome new boys, Basake Holy Stars.
Hearts pitched camp in Togo for their pre-season and rounded up preparation with a game against Dreams FC last Wednesday, setting the stage for a blistering season.
Asante Kotoko have been an exciting side during the pre-season, blowing away all their opponents and already drawing the league champions talk even before the competition starts.
They will trek to the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre tomorrow to face nemesis Karela United, whom they have found the going often tough against, especially away.
Today at the Accra Sports Stadium, Dreams FC will take on defending champions, Samartex FC.
Having been denied usage of the Tuba Astro turf as their new home venue, the Still Believe boys, who finished ninth on the log last season, will be at the Accra Sports Stadium until further notice.
Coach Karim Zito is looking to better those statistics from last season, and starting on a winning note is something he is relishing.
For Samartex, they have already hit the ground running, clearing the first hurdle in the CAF Champions League with a double over Cameroonian side, Victory United FC.
Coach Nurudeen Amadu is expecting a tougher challenge this season following their success.
At the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema today, newly promoted side, Vision FC, will test their readiness for the topflight against visiting Berekum Chelsea.
Medeama SC will host Accra Lions at the newly built Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, with Nations FC facing Bechem United at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Other games will have Aduana FC take on Heart of Lions at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa, Gold Stars host Legon Cities at the Bibiani Duns Park, with the Nana Konamansah Park hosting the Nsoatreman FC and newly promoted Young Apostles game.
RAYMOND ACKUMEY
Sports
Ampem Darkoa, Sung Shinning seek crucial wins in Northern Zone of Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League
Ampem Darkoa Ladies return home after shocking exit from the Women’s FA Cup at the hands of Division One side Rootz Sistaz.
Despite this setback, the former champions remain unbeaten in the Women’s Premier League, following a draw with Northern Ladies in their last fixture.
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Sung Shining Ladies, based in Wa, will host Northern Ladies, aiming to secure maximum points and escape the relegation zone.
Here is what to expect in the Northern Zone:
Sung Shining Ladies FC vs. Northern Ladies FC
Sung Shining Ladies FC will host Northern Ladies FC, seeking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarterfinal disappointment. The home side has struggled to maintain leads in recent matches. Northern Ladies FC will look to continue their momentum and move up the table.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies vs. Kumasi Sports Academy
Ampem Darkoa Ladies will shift their focus to the premier league after a shocking FA Cup exit. They remain unbeaten in the league and will look to maintain their run against Kumasi Sports Academy, who are struggling in 8th position.
Tamale Super Ladies vs. Fosu Royal Ladies
Tamale Super Ladies will seek a second consecutive win when they host Fosu Royal Ladies. The Super Ladies are fifth in the table, while Fosu Royal Ladies are fourth. A win could push Tamale Super Ladies into the top four.
Dreamz Ladies vs. Prison Ladies
Dreamz Ladies will take on Prison Ladies in an electrifying encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this clash promises to be a thrilling display of determination.
Supreme Ladies vs. Savannah Ladies
Supreme Ladies will clash with Savannah Ladies at the Bantama Astro Turf. Both teams are seeking to improve their standing in the league table. Supreme Ladies are bottom of the table and will look to pick maximum points at home.
Sports
Hasaacas Ladies face off against Police Ladies in Southern Zone as Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League returns
The Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League resumes this weekend with Match Day 12, featuring highly anticipated clashes. In the Southern Zone, leaders Hasaacas Ladies face off against second-placed Police Ladies in a thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.
Two points separate the two teams as Police Ladies trail record holders Hasaacas Ladies in the title race. Meanwhile, Halifax Ladies will host struggling Berry Ladies, with the home team seeking maximum points to improve their league standing.
Here is what to expect in the Southern Zone:
Epiphany Warriors vs. LadyStrikers
Epiphany Warriors, currently 4th with 21 points, face LadyStrikers, who sit 6th in the table with 13 points. Despite their standings, LadyStrikers have shown they can compete against tougher opponents following an impressive showing against the top three teams.
Epiphany Warriors are poised to start as favorites, but they must remain cautious of LadyStrikers’ formidable quality.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth.
Soccer Intellectuals vs. Jonina Ladies
Soccer Intellectuals, struggling with 2 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, host Jonina Ladies, who recently booked an FA Cup semi-final berth with a 5-1 win.
Police Ladies vs. Hasaacas Ladies
League leaders Hasaacas Ladies face Police Ladies, who aim to reclaim the top spot on home turf. Hasaacas Ladies are favorites following their Women’s FA Cup quarter-final heroics. They lead the table with 24 points – two points ahead of their host going into this epic clash.
Halifax Ladies vs. Berry Ladies
New entrants Halifax Ladies, seeking consistency, face strugglers Berry Ladies, who are deeply, rooted at the bottom of the Southern Zone standings.
Faith Ladies vs. Army Ladies
Faith Ladies, with 8 points, host Army Ladies, who are enjoying a strong campaign in fifth place with 20 points. Army Ladies will aim to extend their unbeaten run.
