Sports
MTN FA Cup: Kotoko tipped to end True Democracy dream
A soccer bonanza awaits football lovers this weekend as all four MTN FA Cup quarter-final matches take centre stage at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, seeking semifinal berths.
With nine FA Cup trophies in their trophy cabinet, three less than their bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak, who are on 12, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be eager to get past Division One League (DOL) side, True Democracy, as they clash tomorrow at 7pm.
Kotoko, one of the two clubs in the last eight has been tagged by many connoisseurs to be the ultimate winners of this year’s trophy.
However; they are threading cautiously because of the uncertainties that surrounds the competition.
Kotoko often struggle against the lower-tier sides, but having gotten that close to the trophy, they would be hoping to capitalise on their home advantage to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
For the Tema-based True Democracy FC side, this offers huge platform to prove that their victories over former champions, Dreams FC and FC Nania, were no fluke.
Coming up against a mighty side like Kotoko in their first-ever appearance in the quarter-final stage, they would look to draw strength from the competition mantra to scale that hurdle.
Referee Maxwell Hanson will be in charge with Gabriel Boateng and Isaac Duodu assisting while Gabriel Opoku Arhin will be the fourth referee.
This stage of the competition kicks off today with two thrilling encounters. Division One League outfits, Attram De Vesser and PAC Academy, going at each other at 3pm.
Referee Angelous Akurugu Adonko, a product of the ‘Catch Them Young’ refereeing policy, will be assisted by Abraham Partey and Philip Amoh, with Theophilus Antwi Sekyi as the fourth official.
That clash will be followed by the highly anticipated Bono derby between 2016 champions, Bechem United, and Berekum Chelsea at 7pm.
FIFA referee, Julian Nunoo, will take charge of this with FIFA assistant referees Emmanuel Dolagbanu and Roland Addy assisting on the lines while Abdul Latif Adaari acts as the fourth referee.
The winner of this game will face Kotoko or True Democracy in the semis.
Tomorrow at 3pm, giant killers, Golden Kick, will take on Karela United.
Young referee Kingsford Oteng Yeboah will be assisted by Joseph Teye Awasasi and Haruna Yakubu, with Alex Amoabeng as the fourth official to officiate the game.
By Raymond Ackumey
Sports
Jerry Afriyie Departs Camp to Rejoin Club in Spain
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the departure of Jerry Afriyie from the camp of the Black Satellites to return to his club base in Spain.
This development is in line with a prior arrangement between the GFA and the player’s club, which had indicated that they would require his return following Ghana’s first two matches in the ongoing tournament.
The Association had to rely on such an arrangement because the tournament is being played outside the FIFA window for release of players.
Jerry Afriyie made a significant contribution to the team during our opening fixtures, playing a key role in securing valuable points that have positioned the Black Satellites strongly in the quest for qualification.
While the technical team and management would have preferred to retain his services for the entirety of the competition, the GFA remains committed to honouring all arrangements with clubs in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and professionalism.
“We are confident that the remaining members of the squad will build on the foundation laid in the first two matches and continue to push toward our collective objective of success in the tournament,” the statement added.
The GFA has taken this opportunity to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jerry Afriyie for his dedication and service during his time with the national team, and wished him continued success at his club.
“We also thank Ghanaians at home and abroad for the unwavering support shown to the Black Satellites and urge all to continue rallying behind the team as we pursue continental glory,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Black Satellites Hold First Training Session in Ismailia Ahead of Decisive Group C Encounter
Shortly after touching down in Ismailia, Ghana’s Black Satellites hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of Thursday’s Group C fixture against the Central African Republic at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The training, held at the Tolip 1 training pitch, saw a divided workload. Players who started in the team’s second group match against Senegal were put through a light recovery session, while the rest of the squad engaged in a more intensive workout.
The energy on the pitch was positive, with players upbeat and fully engaged as they sharpened their preparations for the showdown at Ismailia Stadium which kicks off at 1800 local time (1500 GMT).
Head Coach Desmond Ofei praised the team’s mindset and professionalism in quickly adjusting to their new environment.
“The attitude today was spot on. The boys understand what’s at stake, and the tempo at training reflected that. We’re building toward Thursday with confidence,” Ofei stated.
With two games down and all to play for in the final Group match, the Satellites are hoping to harness this momentum and passion to secure the win that will cement their place in the quarterfinals.
