Sports
Next NDC govt will revamp Black Stars with home-grown players – Mahama
The new Black Stars will be built on home-grown players, according to National Democratic Congress’ 2024 flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.
He made this statement during the Northern Region leg of his “Building The Ghana We Want Tour” as he campaigns to be elected as President of Ghana, aiming to replace outgoing Ghanaian President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Black Stars have fared very poorly in recent years, with the latest disappointment being a first-round exit from the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.
Ghana failed to win a game in three outings in the aforementioned competition, leading to a crash out of the AFCON at the group stage for the second edition in a row.
Addressing a gathering, the NDC presidential candidate said the Black Stars under his government would be built on home-grown talents who have excelled in the revamped Ghanaian football structure.
“We will build the new Black Stars based on homegrown players. Domestic players who have trained together for a long time and work as a team, and then we will bring in the foreign ones to blend with them.”
“The core of the Black Stars must be made up of domestic players who have played together for a long time… We are going to overhaul Ghana football in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Sports
Hearts of Oak, Medeama SC crash out of MTN FA Cup in stunning upsets
The Round of 16 in the MTN FA Cup delivered stunning upsets, with Premier League giants Hearts of Oak and Medeama SC suffering elimination, while Berekum Chelsea produced a dominant display to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Hearts of Oak were sent packing by Division One side Golden Kick after a dramatic penalty shootout. After a goalless regulation time, Golden Kick held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-3, despite missing their first kick. Hearts of Oak also had midfielder Theophilus Collison sent off in the second half, adding to their woes.
Meanwhile two-time winners Medeama SC got knocked out after losing 4-2 on penalties to Division One side PAC Academy after a 1-1 draw at the TNA Park.
The Premier League side failed to capitalize on home advantage as PAC Academy proved more clinical in the shootout, securing a famous victory.
While some Premier League sides struggled, Berekum Chelsea made a statement with a commanding 4-1 victory over Division One club Northern City.
The former Premier League champions showed their class, dispatching their lower-tier opponents with ease to book a quarterfinal spot.
Bechem United secured a hard-fought victory at Techiman Liberty, while True Democracy beat Nania on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Karela United also beat Young Apostles 1-0 to progress.
The MTN FA Cup continues to produce surprises, with multiple top-flight teams bowing out, leaving the competition wide open for the remaining contenders.
Sports
Black Queens continue Morocco tour with Raja Club Athletic friendly on Monday
The Black Queens are set to face off against Raja Club Athletic Women on Monday, February 24.
This match is part of their training tour in Morocco as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Black Queens have already had a taste of competition in Morocco, narrowly losing to the Atlas Lionesses in a friendly match on Friday.
Coach Kim Lars Björkegren will likely use this game to further assess his team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Raja Club Athletic, the parent club of Raja Club Athletic Women, is a renowned football club in Morocco, founded in 1949.
They have a rich history, having won several domestic and international titles, including three CAF Champions League trophies.
