Nations FC booked their historic first appearance in the FA Cup final with a narrow 1-0 win over Aduana FC on Friday, April 17. Emmanuel Annor struck early, netting the decisive goal in just the eighth minute to seal a memorable result for the Abrankese-based side.

On Saturday, Dreams FC edged out Medeama SC in a thrilling 3-2 encounter to secure their place in the final. Kelvin Ahiable opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Suraj Seidu doubled the advantage 12 minutes later.

Medeama fought back before halftime, with Prince Owusu pulling a goal back in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The second half began with renewed intensity, and Medeama drew level just three minutes after the restart through Richard Appiah.

However, experienced striker John Antwi proved decisive, restoring Dreams FC’s lead in the 58th minute with what turned out to be the winning goal.

Dreams FC, champions of the 2022/23 edition, will now face Nations FC in what promises to be a keenly contested final. The Ghana Football Association is yet to announce the date and venue for the showdown.

The Premier League clash burst into life early, with Kelvin Ahiable opening the scoring for Dreams in the 23rd minute. The “Still Believe” side extended their advantage just 12 minutes later through Suraj Seidu, putting them firmly in control before halftime.

Medeama, however, found a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time when Prince Owusu pulled one back, sending the teams into the break with Dreams holding a slender 2-1 lead.

The second half resumed with renewed intensity as Medeama drew level almost immediately, with Richard Appiah striking just three minutes after the restart to make it 2-2.

But Dreams FC responded decisively. Veteran forward John Antwi delivered the decisive moment 10 minutes later, finding the net to restore his side’s lead and ultimately seal the victory.

The result sends Dreams FC into the final of the 2025/26 FA Cup, where they will face Nations FC. Nations booked their spot a day earlier with a narrow 1-0 win over Aduana FC.

Action begins on Friday, April 17, 2026, when Nations FC face Aduana FC in the first semifinal at 15:00 GMT. Medeama SC will then take on Dreams FC on Saturday in the second last-four clash.

Nations FC Battle-Tested But Confident Ahead Of Aduana Showdown

Despite a difficult domestic league campaign, Nations FC have found form and belief in the FA Cup, impressing with discipline and resilience.

Their run began with a 2-0 victory over Ebony FC in the Round of 64 at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, before they overcame AshantiGold SC and Swedru All Blacks to reach the quarter-finals. A tense test followed against Berekum Chelsea, where Nations FC advanced 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.

The Abrankese-based side are aiming to go one step further this season after earlier exits in previous campaigns.

Their opponents, Aduana FC, arrive in strong form and with considerable pedigree in knockout football. The “Fire Club” opened with a 2-1 win over Bechem United, then beat Berekum Chelsea 2-0 before eliminating Asante Kotoko on penalties following a goalless draw. They confirmed their semifinal place with a commanding 3-0 win over Techiman Liberty.

Medeama SC set for high-stakes clash with Dreams FC

Saturday’s semifinal brings together two former champions in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter between Medeama SC and Dreams FC.

Dreams FC, champions of the 2022/23 season, have combined attacking intent with resilience throughout their campaign. They began with a win over Semper Fi FC, followed by victory against Asanska FC. A thrilling 4-2 triumph over Inter Allies and a penalty shootout success over Heart of Lions secured their place in the final four.

Medeama SC, meanwhile, have shown both dominance and composure on their route to the semifinals. After opening with a 4-1 win over Rospak FC and a 3-1 victory over Bibiani Gold Stars, they survived a penalty shootout against FC Samartex 1996. In the quarter-finals, Kelvin Nkrumah’s hat-trick inspired a 3-0 extra-time win over Attram De Visser Academy.

With both clubs targeting another piece of silverware and a potential return to continental football, Saturday’s clash promises intensity and fine margins at Swedru Stadium.

The Yellow and Mauve outfit will face the “Still Believe” lads on Saturday at the Swedru Stadium, with a place in the final on the line.

Tanko says preparations have gone well and insists the team is fully focused on reaching the decisive stage of the competition.

“This is a different competition, the MTN FA Cup, as you said, we are playing a semi-final. We want to reach the final,” he told the club’s media.

“We are preparing very well so that we will achieve our aim,” he added. 

The winner of the tie will meet either Aduana FC or Nations FC in the final.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Four Ghana Premier League sides—Dreams FC, Aduana FC, Nations FC, and Medeama SC—remain in contention for a place in the final. Aduana FC will face Nations FC in the first semifinal on Friday, April 17, before former champions Dreams FC take on Medeama SC on Saturday, April 18.

Dreams FC, winners of the 2023/24 edition, will be aiming for another final appearance as they come up against Medeama SC, who boast two FA Cup titles.

Aduana FC secured their semifinal spot with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Techiman Liberty Youth, while Nations FC edged past Berekum Chelsea via a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in their quarterfinal clash.

Medeama SC advanced with a comfortable 3-0 win against Attram De Visser, while Dreams FC showed resilience, coming from behind to defeat Kpando Heart of Lions in a closely contested encounter.

Winners of both ties will progress to the final of the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup.

Fixtures below:

Dreams FC secured their place in the last four after edging past Heart of Lions 4–3 on penalties. The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of action, forcing the tie into a tense shootout where the Still Believe lads held their nerve to advance.

Later that evening at the same venue, Medeama SC faced Division One League side Attram De Visser FC in a hard-fought encounter.

After a frustrating goalless draw in regulation time, young forward Kelvin Nkrumah delivered a remarkable extra-time performance, netting a hat-trick to guide the Mauve and Yellow to victory and seal their place in the semi-finals.

The result sets up a highly anticipated meeting between the two top-flight sides, with Medeama aiming to reach the final as they chase a third FA Cup title.

Dreams FC, meanwhile, will be hoping to progress and move closer to lifting the trophy for a second time.

The FA Cup Committee is expected to announce the date and venue for the semi-final clash in the coming days.

The eventual winner of the competition will earn the right to represent Ghana in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The two Ghana Premier League sides faced off at the Cape Coast Stadium in a tightly contested quarter-final encounter, with a place in the last four at stake.

Heart of Lions broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Seedorf Asante found the back of the net, handing the Kpando-based side the advantage heading into the latter stages of the match.

Just as it appeared Lions would hold on for the win, Dreams FC produced a dramatic late response. Seidu Suraj struck in the 92nd minute to level the score and force the match into extra time.

Both teams pushed for a winner during the additional 30 minutes but failed to find the decisive goal, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.

Dreams FC kept their composure from the spot, converting four of their attempts to secure a 4-2 victory and book their place in the semi-finals.

The Believers will now wait to face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Attram De Visser Academy and Medeama SC.

The matches are scheduled from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Saturday’s action at Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park will see Aduana FC face lower-tier Techiman Liberty FC, with kickoff set for 15:00 GMT.

Sunday features an all-Premier League clash as Nations FC take on Berekum Chelsea, also scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, at the Cape Coast Stadium, Dreams FC will host Heart of Lions at 15:00 GMT, while last season’s semifinalist, Attram DeVisser Soccer Academy, goes up against Medeama SC in the evening kickoff at 19:00 GMT.

The two-time league champions travelled to face Dreams FC at the Tuba AstroTurf in a Matchday 24 encounter that was marred by crowd disturbances.

Reports had suggested that Attah Poku was nearly stabbed during the game. Speaking on Ultimate Sports Show on Asempa FM, he confirmed that he was threatened by a supporter wielding a dagger.

“I was threatened by a fan with a dagger during our game against Dreams FC at the Tuba AstroTurf, but luckily, our cameraman was nearby,” he said.

Attah Poku added that the individual warned him to remain silent or face an attack, an incident that heightened tensions around the match.

Meanwhile, Aduana FC have been charged after one of their supporters allegedly threw a bottle onto the pitch during the fixture.

Reacting to the charge by the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee, Attah Poku said the club does not dispute the allegation but questioned the basis of the prosecution.

“I don’t have a problem with our charge that a fan threw a bottle onto the pitch during our clash with Dreams FC, but I will question the prosecutor on whether he actually saw the fan who threw it,” he stated.

The incident capped a difficult afternoon for Aduana FC, who went on to suffer a narrow 1–0 defeat to Dreams FC.

The Still Believe lads will travel to Kumasi to take on the Porcupine Warriors at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Ahead of the clash, Dormon acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in securing a positive result.

“In our last game, the result was very encouraging. After losing two matches, we returned to winning ways,” he told the club’s media team.

“We now have Kumasi Asante Kotoko to play. Last time we went there, they really outplayed us. This time, we want to go there and return with a decent result.

“Yes, it’s not going to be easy. We know that in their last four matches, they have not won a game, so they will also be looking to respond strongly. I can promise that the game is going to be very exciting to watch,” he added.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT.

Ernest Appiah opened the scoring for the “Still Believe” side in the 7th minute, giving the home fans something to cheer about before halftime.

After the break, Dreams maintained their momentum and doubled their advantage in the 54th minute through Seidu Suraj, sealing a much-needed win.

The result lifts Dreams FC to 13th place on the league table with four points, while Nations FC drop to 12th with five points.

Elsewhere at the TNA Park, Medeama SC were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Samartex.

The visitors took the lead in the 39th minute courtesy of Dramani Awuah and looked set to claim all three points until Kingsley Braye struck a late equaliser in the dying moments of the game to rescue a point for the home side.

Despite the draw, Medeama remain top of the Premier League table with 13 points, while Samartex occupy fourth place with 10 points.

The remaining Matchday 6 fixtures are scheduled to continue on Sunday, October 19, and Monday, October 20.

The Phobians travel to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex for the Matchday 2 fixture after a frustrating goalless draw with league debutants Hohoe United in their season opener at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Asempa FM ahead of the clash, Anku-Adiamah conceded that Hearts fell short of expectations in their first outing but expressed confidence that the team will bounce back.

“We want to win every cup, so every game is a must-win for us. We have a game against Dreams FC on Monday, and what we need to do is to prepare well for that game,” he said.

“We did not play well against Hohoe United, but we will have to prepare well for this game, and I know the coaches will do that to ensure we win. We will have to do everything we need to do to get the needed win against Dreams FC,” Anku-Adiamah added.

Kick-off for the encounter is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Kpando-based side secured all three points at the Kpando Sports Stadium, with Ebenezer Abban converting a 25th-minute penalty to hand the hosts the win and avenge previous defeats to the Still Believe side.

“Dreams has always been a bogey team for us, and it was not easy beating them,” Bashir said in a post-match interview.

“I am pleased with the instructions I gave to my attackers: to maintain control of the ball and, when entering the 18-yard box, not to panic, because there is always another option if they are fouled. That led to the only goal of the match,” Hayford added.

The victory lifts Heart of Lions to fifth place after the opening round of fixtures in the Ghana Premier League. The team now turns its focus to their next match against newly promoted Eleven Wonders at the Ohene Ameyaw Stadium.

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Hanson will work closely with newly appointed head coach Winfred Dormon as the ‘Still Believe’ lads gear up for what is expected to be a highly competitive campaign.

“Dreams Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Fiifi Parker Hanson as the new Assistant Coach ahead of the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season,” the club said in a statement on Monday.

The former Golden Kick FC head coach gained national attention after leading the lower-tier side to the final of the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup, where they narrowly lost to Asante Kotoko.

Despite the defeat, Hanson’s tactical discipline and leadership throughout the tournament earned him widespread recognition.

He was reportedly on the radar of several top-tier clubs, including Hearts of Oak, before sealing the move to Dreams FC.

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The Dreams FC forward recently made his debut for the Black Stars during the Unity Cup clash against Trinidad and Tobago in London, a match Ghana comfortably won 4-0.

Reflecting on the milestone, Aziz Issah described the experience as a significant step in his career.

“After this debut, I think it’s time to stay focused. I need to get more playing time and more games at the club level. I believe everything will fall into place if I perform well for my team,” he told the Ghana FA website.

Currently a free agent after a stint with Barcelona B, Aziz remains optimistic about his future and is committed to advancing his career both locally and internationally.

He recalled the mix of excitement and nerves when he learned he would be featuring in the Unity Cup match.

“It was exciting when the coach told me I’d be coming on. Even though I was nervous about playing alongside experienced players, I was happy for the opportunity. I wanted to do well and prove myself,” he said.

Having previously represented Ghana at the U-20 level, Aziz expressed immense pride in making the step up to the senior national team.

“It’s a dream come true. Every player in Ghana wants to play for the Black Stars. I feel very proud to have made the transition from the youth level to the senior team,” he added.

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Dormon took over the role following the mid-season departure of Abdul Karim Zito, who left to join Asante Kotoko as a replacement for Prosper Narteh Ogum.

Speaking after his side’s 4-1 defeat to Kotoko over the weekend, Dormon emphasized his commitment to the task at hand but noted that his long-term future remains uncertain.

“I must manage the rest of the games and make sure I keep preparing my team. That decision is up to management to make, not me,” he said.

Dreams FC have three matches remaining in the season—against Berekum Chelsea, Accra Lions, and Legon Cities. Dormon admitted that all three fixtures will be challenging, given the stakes for each team.

“We have three remaining games to play—Berekum Chelsea, it’s very difficult to play them; Accra Lions, who are also battling with relegation; and we also have Legon Cities. So, we need to look forward and focus on those games. So that decision is in the bosom of the management,” he added.

Dormon first joined Dreams FC in June 2019 as head coach after serving as assistant to Finnish trainer Juha Pasoja. Over the years, he has worked under the likes of Karim Zito, Vladislav Viric, and Ignatius Osei-Fosu.

Since stepping in for Zito, Dormon has supervised two matches—a 2-1 away victory against Karela United and the weekend’s loss to Kotoko.

Dreams FC currently sit 9th on the Ghana Premier League table with 43 points from 31 games. They will host Berekum Chelsea in their Matchday 32 fixture this weekend at the Tuba Astro Turf.

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The Porcupine Warriors are set to host the “Still Believe” side at the Baba Yara Stadium in a Matchday 31 fixture of the Ghana Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the match, Zito emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, noting that every team raises its game against Kotoko, including his former club.

“Any team playing against Kotoko will prepare very well to meet us, so if we are also not well-prepared, we may laugh on the wrong side of our mouth. So I prepare the boys mentally and physically,” Zito told the club’s media.

He added, “Every game Kotoko will play is a difficult game. Kotoko doesn’t have an easy game. We are preparing seriously.”

A victory on Sunday would be crucial for Kotoko, as it would keep their hopes of winning the league title alive.

Kickoff is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The game, officiated by referee Maxwell Hanson, has drawn widespread criticism on social media due to a series of questionable decisions.

Fans have been vocal in their disapproval, with some even calling for the referee to face disciplinary action.

Accra Lions added fuel to the debate by releasing video highlights that highlighted several contentious calls, sparking heated discussions among football enthusiasts.

Among those moved by the controversy was Sannie Daara, who expressed his frustration and disappointment on social media.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he admitted to being deeply affected by the perceived unfairness of the officiating.

“In 20 years, for the first time, I shed tears at 1 am when I saw highlights of Dreams FC vs. Accra Lions. I have firsthand knowledge of the millions of dollars the Lions have invested in Ghana football, and seeing this being undermined was too painful. I am a human being; I have a soul,” he wrote.

First the time in 20 years, I shed tears at 1am when I saw highlights of Dreams FC v Accra Lions. At first hand, I know the millions of dollars Lions have invested in Ghana football and to watch this being destroyed was too painful. I am a human being, I have got a soul.

— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) January 7, 2025

Dreams FC has since denied the allegations of foul play through an official statement, while the Ghana Football Association has yet to respond to the mounting concerns from both clubs and the footballing community.

The former FA Cup champions will host the Porcupine Warriors in the Matchday 14 games at the Tuba Astro Turf on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

In a pre-match interview, Zito acknowledged that the current squad is comprised of younger players, many of whom are making their debut in the Ghana Premier League.

However, he emphasized that playing on home turf and drawing on past victories over the Porcupine Warriors provide a significant advantage for his side.

“I remember the year Asante Kotoko won the league (Ghana Premier League), I still beat them. But I can’t talk about it much this time around because the players I was having at that time are not the same players I’m having.

“These are younger players trying to come in.  This is the first time they have started playing in the Ghana Premier League.

“It won’t be easy for us, but since we are playing at home, we’ve set our target. Our target is to win.”

Dreams FC after 13 matches played have accumulated a meagre 12 points from 13 league matches, leaving them second from bottom in the league standings.

Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00 GMT.

The Ghana Premier League team is in the running for Interclub of the Year, while former captain John Antwi is nominated for CAF Interclub Player of the Year, alongside promising young player Abdul Aziz Issah.

Issah, who has recently joined FC Barcelona on a long-term loan, is also up for the Young Player of the Year award.

Dreams FC’s nomination for Club of the Year comes after their impressive journey to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in their debut season last year.

“I felt very, very, very excited because when you look at the club and what we have achieved within these 15 years, I think it is something to talk about,” Zito said.

“So I’m very happy; at least I’ve got some nominations. To me, a nomination is even good. Even if you don’t win, being nominated out of the whole lot in Africa is fantastic. I’m very happy for the club and the players,” he added.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place this December in Morocco.

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Issah shares this honour with his Dreams FC teammate John Antwi, making them the only Ghanaians in the running for the prestigious accolade.

The nomination comes after Issah’s standout performance in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, where he was recognized by CAF as one of Africa’s top young talents.

He finished as the tournament’s leading scorer, netting four goals and providing two assists in ten matches, helping Dreams FC achieve a historic semi-final finish.

Antwi matched Issah’s goal tally and captained the team throughout the tournament.

His impressive displays earned him a transfer to FC Barcelona’s B team at the end of the season, where he is now preparing for his debut.

Issah is the second Ghanaian player to join Barcelona this summer, following David Oduro’s transfer from Accra Lions just last week.

Below is the full nomination:

This honour comes after their impressive run in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they reached the semifinals in their debut season.

Unfortunately, their journey ended there as they were defeated by the eventual champions, FC Zamalek.

The Ghana Premier League side will compete for the award against a strong lineup of contenders, including Atletico Petroleos, Young Africans, Simba SC, TP Mazembe, Zamalek, Mamelodi Sundowns, ES Tunis, RS Berkane, and reigning African champions Al Ahly.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, which will host the event for the third consecutive year following a star-studded celebration last year.

CAF will announce the exact start time for the awards in the near future.

The CAF Awards recognize outstanding achievements in both club and national competitions, culminating in the prestigious titles of CAF African Player of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The match took place on Sunday at the Tuba AstroTurf during the seventh round of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.

It was an exciting and fast-paced affair, with Hearts of Oak’s Hamzah Issah creating the first scoring opportunity with a powerful shot that just missed the mark.

In his post-match comments about the draw, Ouattara reflected on his team’s performance, noting that while the first half showed promise, they struggled with possession at times and failed to create sufficient scoring opportunities in the second half.

“The first half, we didn’t play badly, but unfortunately we lost possession a few times. In the second half, we didn’t create enough chances to score. I am both happy and not happy – it’s 50/50. Taking one point is better than none,” he said.

Hearts of Oak will face Bibiani Gold Stars at the Legon Sports Stadium in the Matchday eight games, Ouattara urged fans to come out and support the team.

“We need the fans because they are the ones driving our performance. We are taking it match by match to improve and score goals.”

Currently, Hearts of Oak sits 10th in the league table with nine points.

Karim Zito and his charges hosted the Timber Giants at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The first half produced few notable chances, though Dreams came close to breaking the deadlock just before halftime.

Samartex goalkeeper Kofi Baah was called into action, making a crucial save from a well-taken set piece just outside the penalty area, tipping the ball over for a corner.

Both teams entered halftime without any goals, and Samartex, the 2023/24 champions, came out stronger in the second half.

They pressed hard in search of a breakthrough and created several opportunities early on, but Dreams’ solid defense held firm.

Dreams FC’s resilience was further tested in the 72nd minute when midfielder Collins Boah received a second yellow card, leading to the first red card of the season.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Dreams successfully fended off the champions’ attacks to claim a point from the match.

The rest of the Ghana Premier League fixtures will be played on Sunday at various venues.

Samartex will now shift focus to their next game against Bibiani Gold Stars, while Dreams FC prepare for an away trip to face newly promoted Basake Holy Stars in the Matchday 2 games next weekend.

Barcelona has acquired Issah on a loan deal with an option to buy from Ghana Premier League side, Dreams FC at the end of the 2024/25 season.

As part of the arrangement, Issah will join Barça Atlètic, the club’s B team, for the loan duration until June 30, 2025.

🤝 Acord amb el Dreams FC ghanès per a la cessió d’Aziz Issah

🔗 https://t.co/JLc0X0i6We

👏🏼 Benvingut!

💙❤ pic.twitter.com/0g0mIe9VtG

— Barça Atlètic (@FCBarcelonaB) September 3, 2024

“FC Barcelona and the Ghanaian Dreams FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Abdul Aziz Issah to Barça Atlètic for one season, until June 30, 2025,” the club said in a statement.

“The agreement includes a purchase option at the end of the season for at the Blaugrana club.”

Issah is expected to make an impact with the B team and will need to capitalize on this opportunity to prove his worth.

He is set to travel to Barcelona in the coming days to integrate with the squad under the guidance of coach Albert Sánchez.

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The 18-year-old midfielder will join Barcelona’s B team, where he will be reunited with fellow Ghanaian David Oduro, who also made the move to the Catalan club earlier this summer from Accra Lions.

Dreams FC announces the transfer of Abdul Aziz Issah to Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

The 18-year-old finalized his move on transfer deadline day.

Issah who is adjudged by CAF as one of the best youngsters on the continent emerged top scorer in last seaso’s… pic.twitter.com/mpKtNI6OfY

— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) September 2, 2024

In an official statement, Dreams FC announced, “We are pleased to confirm the transfer of Abdul Aziz Issah to FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old completed his move on the final day of the transfer window. Issah, who has been recognized by CAF as one of Africa’s most talented young players, was the top scorer in last season’s campaign.

“Issah, who joined Dreams FC’s first team in 2022 after progressing through the club’s youth academies—Still Believe and In God We Trust FC—has made a significant impact on the team. His transfer to one of the world’s biggest clubs is a landmark achievement for Dreams FC, and everyone associated with the club is immensely proud. The entire Dreams FC family extends their best wishes to Aziz as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.”

During the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup season, Issah was one of Dreams FC’s standout players, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 10 matches.

In the Ghana Premier League, he contributed to 17 goals, scoring seven and assisting 10 more.

Issah also played a crucial role in the Black Satellites’ success at the African Games in Accra earlier this year.

The Still Believe lads have played at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu in the last few years.

However, the Tuba AstroTurf will now serve as the new home ground for the former FA Cup champions.

According to the club, this aligns with their plans to find a suitable ground for their official matches.

Here is the full statement from the club regarding the change of venue:

Dreams FC will kick off their season with a home game against defending champions, FC Samartex. The new Ghana Premier League season is set to commence on September 6.

Dwamena has signed a three-year contract, keeping him with Dreams FC until 2027.

Welcome, Rocky Dwamena!💚#StillBelieve☝🏾💚 | #IGWT | #DFC4LIFE pic.twitter.com/ccS7aNOv7w

— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) July 24, 2024

The highly-rated midfielder joins as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Asante Kotoko.

Dwamena is the latest addition to the Dreams FC squad as they look to enhance their performance in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

The midfielder is embracing this new challenge and is expected to play a significant role for the former FA Cup champions.

The “Still Believe” team faced difficulties in the Ghana Premier League last season, despite their success in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they reached the semifinals.

The new season starts in September, with Dreams FC aiming to improve on their 9th-place finish in the last Ghana Premier League season.

The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season will kick off on September 6.

The already relegated team fielded an unregistered squad in their second-to-last game against the Still Believe lads at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu, where they suffered an 8-1 defeat.

The incident occurred after RTU’s registered players boycotted the match due to unpaid salaries and bonuses for six months.

RTU was found guilty of conduct that brought the game into disrepute, violating Section 34(6)(d) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Premier League Regulations.

In addition to the fine, the club officials who led the team for the match against Dreams FC have been banned for 12 months, effective immediately.

These officials include Coach Iddi Manzah Alhassan, Team Doctor Abdul-Samed Iddrisu, Team Manager Tanko Jentumah, Equipment Officer Abdul-Gafaru Salifu, and Goalkeepers’ Trainer Sylvester Yaw Apanka.

RTU will compete in the Division One League next season following their relegation.

However, it remains unclear how the team will participate in the second tier, as many players, including captain Baba Kushibo, have left for other clubs. Kushibo recently signed with Samartex.

On Wednesday afternoon, RTU played their Matchday 28 fixture by travelling to the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu to face Dreams FC.

Despite scoring first, RTU suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat.

Post-match investigations revealed that, RTU had fielded unqualified players, presenting them as registered players for the fixture.

The GFA Disciplinary Committee has accused RTU of misconduct, specifically for deceiving match officials and fielding unqualified players.

“Real Tamale United have been charged with a breach of Section 34(6)(d) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, following their Ghana Premier League game against Dreams FC. It is alleged that the club intentionally deceived the match officials by using unregistered players to impersonate officially registered players of their club, which constitutes misconduct and brings the name of the game into disrepute,” the GFA Disciplinary Committee stated.

RTU has until Friday, June 14, 2024, to respond to these charges.

Full statement below:

In a rescheduled matchday 28 game at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu on Wednesday, the “Still Believe” lads secured an 8-1 victory.

Following the match, it was revealed that the players RTU used were unregistered.

RTU’s regular players boycotted the game due to six months of unpaid wages.

This forced RTU’s Chief Executive Zakaria Safianu to reportedly recruit players from Division Two sides Galaxy FC and another unidentified team.

Adding to the controversy, the player credited with RTU’s only goal, Lord Adabo, did not even travel to Dawu.

Speaking to Promise Radio, Lord Adabo said, “I am not the player who scored the RTU goal against Dreams FC today. I am currently in Tamale and did not play any game today. I’ve seen on social media that I scored a goal, but all I can say is that there’s only one Adabo in RTU and I’m in Tamale.”

RTU took the lead in the fourth minute, but Dreams FC quickly equalized through Agyenim Boateng Mensah, who went on to score five goals in total.

Forward Benjamin Bature also contributed significantly, netting two goals, while Dede Ishmael added another to complete the 8-1 rout.

The use of unregistered players has sparked outrage among fans and officials.

Meanwhile, the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged Real Tamale United with misconduct.

The Still Believe lads, reigning champions, faced a 2-1 defeat against Bofoakwa Tano in the semifinals at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday.

After making an impression in their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign, Dreams FC had hoped for another shot at the CAF inter-club competitions.

In the aftermath of the loss, Zito commended his team’s efforts and shifted focus to securing their place in the Ghana Premier League.

“My boys have had enough for the year; seriously, they’ve had enough and I think we will do our best to maintain ourselves in the league and then we give them a long break or else we will break down.”

Dreams FC, currently 15th in the Premier League standings, will face Bechem United on Wednesday, May 15, at 15:00 GMT.

The Sunyani-based team defeated defending champions, Dreams FC, 2-1 in the semifinals at the Red Bull Arena in Sogakope on Sunday afternoon.

Eduafo expressed his joy after the game, highlighting his team’s determination to overcome Dreams FC, despite their impressive run in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“I am so excited and happy. This is my fourth meeting with Dreams FC. The first was when I was with Kotoku Royals, and we beat them 3-0. The second time was two months ago with Bofoakwa, where we lost 3-1,” Eduafo said.

“Last week, I promised that we would either share the points or emerge as winners. Today, I came determined to beat them. I am thrilled,” he added.

Aboagye Dacosta gave Bofoakwa Tano the lead just two minutes into the second half. Dreams FC equalized in the 60th minute through a controversial penalty converted by Skipper Abdul Jalilu.

However, Elijah Addai secured Bofoakwa’s victory with a goal in extra time, ending the game 2-1.

Bofoakwa Tano will now face Nsoatreman FC in the FA Cup final, with the venue yet to be decided.

Despite being the defending champions and eyeing a consecutive trip to Africa, Dreams FC faced an unexpected setback in the semifinal clash against Bofoakwa Tano at the Red Bull Arena in Sogakope.

The game remained goalless in the first half, but Bofoakwa broke the deadlock early in the second half through Aboagye Dacosta.

Dreams FC managed to equalize in the 60th minute with a contentious penalty converted by skipper Abdul Jalilu.

However, Bofoakwa regained the lead in extra time courtesy of Elijah Addai, securing a 2-1 victory.

In his post-match remarks, Coach Zito commended his team’s efforts but pointed to a lack of fortune as a decisive factor in their defeat.

“Well, I think after every game, you look at what happened. Sometimes there is something called an element of luck. I will say today that luck was not on our side,” he said after the game.

Despite creating numerous opportunities, Dreams FC struggled to capitalize, a factor Zito acknowledged. He praised his team’s resilience, particularly in extra time, but lamented the absence of luck in their endeavours.

“We created a lot of chances but putting the ball into the net was the problem but I enjoyed what my boys did. The fighting spirit came, especially in the extra time. They came in seriously to fight for an equalizer but luck was not on our side.” he added.

The Hunters secured a 2-1 extra-time win at the WAFA Park in Sogakope, earning them a place in the coveted final of the cup competition.

?⚪?INTO THE FINALS?⚪?
We book a date with @Nsoatreman_FC in the Grand Finalle of the @MTNFACupGH . pic.twitter.com/Z1HtzJWtDB

— Bofoakwa Tano FC (@bofoakwatano) May 12, 2024

The first half of the game passed without much action as both teams failed to score, leaving the scoreline at 0-0 heading into halftime.

In the 47th minute, Bofoakwa broke the deadlock with a goal from Aboagye Dacosta.

Dreams FC equalized in the 60th minute through a controversial penalty converted by Skipper Abdul Jalilu.

With the score tied at 1-1 at full-time, the match went into extra time. Elijah Addai swiftly restored Bofoakwa’s lead, making it 2-1.

Bofoakwa held on to their lead until the final whistle, securing their place in the final.

Their advancement sets up a Bono derby in the final against Nsoatreman, who defeated Legon Cities to reach the final on Saturday.

The final is scheduled to take place in June at a venue yet to be determined.

The “Still Believe” lads secured their spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Soccer Intellectuals at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.

Abdul Aziz Issah’s solitary goal was enough to see the defending champions through to the last four.

Speaking to Asempa FM after the win, the veteran Ghanaian coach emphasized his desire to retain the title, which would also help in their qualification for African competitions.

“As defending champions, I will be very happy to defend the title and return to Africa again,” Zito said.

Last season, Dreams FC clinched the trophy with a 2-0 win over King Faisal.

In their debut campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, they reached the semifinals of the prestigious inter-club competition before being knocked out by Egyptian side Zamalek SC with a 3-0 defeat.

Abdul Aziz Issah netted the decisive goal at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu, clinching the victory for his team.

Into the Semi-Finals of the MTN FA CUP ✅#DreamsIntellectuals#StillBelieve☝?? | #IGWT | #MTNFACUP pic.twitter.com/1ctZhNNkGG

— DREAMS FC ? 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) May 2, 2024

The Still Believe team aimed to bounce back from their weekend’s defeat, which saw their CAF Confederation Cup campaign end.

Meanwhile, Soccer Intellectuals, a Division One League side, hoped to continue their impressive run.

Aziz broke the deadlock for Karim Zito’s side after 29 minutes, giving Dreams the lead. The home team maintained their advantage into halftime, with Soccer Intellectuals failing to pose much of a threat in the latter stages of the half.

After the break, Dreams remained in control and managed the game effectively to secure the win against the lower-tier opposition. The final score stood at 1-0, sending the Premier League side through to the semifinals.

Dreams FC now joins Nsoatreman, Legon Cities, and Bofoakwa Tano in the semis, with a fixture against Bofoakwa Tano up next.

Dreams FC and Medeama SC’s achievements mark a significant departure from Ghana’s previous disappointments in continental competitions.

Dreams FC qualified for the group stages of the Confederation Cup and Medeama made it to the Champions League.

An elated GFA President said they will continue to support local clubs to do well in the African league.

“As we have always done for all our clubs who play in Africa, the FA will continue to offer our support both financially and logistically to all,” Kurt said as quoted by Ghanafa.org.

“In the case of Dreams FC, the support from the FA included fueling the generators at the stadium to enable evening games” he added.

Dreams FC’s impressive run saw them top Group C, making them the first Ghanaian club in two decades to reach the semi-finals.

Despite their efforts, their journey concluded with a 3-0 defeat to Zamalek in Kumasi, following a goalless draw in the first leg in Cairo.

However, they have a chance to return to the competition if they secure victory in this season’s FA Cup.

On the other hand, Medeama’s Champions League campaign ended with a bottom finish in Group D, managing only one win.

They are currently trailing by 12 points in the Ghana Premier League standings.

Samartex is poised to potentially represent Ghana in next season’s Champions League, leading the league table by seven points.

In the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal return leg, the FA Cup champions suffered a 3-0 loss against the Egyptian side at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

Shardow acknowledged that while some distractions were positive, they ultimately affected the players’ mental state.

Despite facing sponsorship setbacks from certain corporate entities, he emphasized Dreams FC’s commendable standard in Ghanaian football.

“We had a lot of distractions heading into the game against Zamalek. Ghanaians were excited about what Dreams were doing in the group stage and beyond,” he told Citi Sports.

“Everyone wanted to get involved in our success story. People wanted to visit us, make donations, and so on. It was all positive. Ghanaians were overjoyed about the prospect of reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“In hindsight, from the management point of view, we could have structured things better so it wouldn’t affect the players.

“Another issue is that some authorities and corporate entities did not support us well, especially at crucial points,” he added.

Dreams FC will now focus on their FA Cup semifinal against Soccer Intellectuals on Thursday at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.

After recording a hard-fought goalless scoreline in the first leg in Cairo, Dreams FC were stunned 3-0 in the return leg of the semifinal clash of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Reacting to his side’s defeat, Zito said even though they created decent chances, but luck eluded his side. 

“We created decent chances, but lack eluded us against Zamalek. We started very well as a team but Zamalek were clinical and grabbed their chances,” he said on Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports Show.

“We did our best but it was not enough. Credit to Zamalek for their win. They are an experienced side in Africa. We have psyched the players up after the defeat, but we will come good as a team,” he added. 

Despite the setback, Dreams FC will face Soccer Intellectuals in their quarterfinal game in the FA Cup on Wednesday at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.

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The FA Cup champions were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup after a 0-3 loss in Kumasi on Sunday, April 28.

Before the return leg at the Baba Yara Stadium, Dreams offered free entry to the match.

Zito, speaking after the game, dismissed the idea that his players were overwhelmed by pressure from fans’ expectations.

“It’s not stage fright; if that was the case, it would have affected us in Cairo. My boys never thought we could get into this situation. In Cairo, the atmosphere was bigger than today” said the head coach.

Dreams will now focus on finishing the Ghana Premier League season strongly and aim to reclaim the FA Cup title, starting with a quarterfinal tie against Soccer Intellectuals.

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The Ghana Premier League side suffered a 3-0 loss at the Baba Yara Stadium in the second leg of their semifinal tie.

Zamalek took the lead early in the game when Hamza Mathlouthi scored in the 12th minute, exploiting a defensive lapse from Dreams on a set piece.

Samson Akinyoola doubled the lead for the Egyptian side 15 minutes later, adding pressure on the home team.

Despite creating some promising chances, Dreams FC couldn’t convert, and Zamalek went into halftime with a comfortable lead.

In the second half, Mostafa Shalaby extended Zamalek’s lead to three goals with a strike 15 minutes after the restart.

Although Dreams FC made late attempts to score, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and Zamalek ended their hopes of advancing with a convincing victory, ending Dreams FC’s impressive run in the competition.

Dreams FC now turn their attention to the Ghana Premier League where they have three outstanding games.

The Ghana FA Cup champions are gearing up to face Zamalek SC in the second leg of the CAF inter-club competition on Sunday.

In the first leg held at the Cairo International Stadium, Dreams FC managed to secure a goalless draw against the Egyptian giants.

As they prepare for the crucial second leg at the Baba Yara Stadium, Shardow emphasized the team’s determination to claim the trophy in their debut appearance.

“We were not given a chance to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup but look at where we are now,” he told Asempa FM on the Ultimate Sports Show.

“You have to feel it and as a team, we want to go all the way to win the ultimate. We are confident of doing that based on our performance in the competition,” he added. 

The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT. Dreams FC seeks to follow in the footsteps of Hearts of Oak, who became the second Ghanaian club to win the trophy in 2004 by defeating Asante Kotoko.

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The Ghana Premier League side will clash with the Egyptian side in the second leg of the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup. 

Dreams held the one-time Confederation Cup champions to a goalless draw game at the Cairo International Stadium last week in the first leg. 

With the second leg set to be staged at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 28, Shardow is confident of victory ahead of the big clash. 

“We are extremely confident that we will win against Zamalek on Sunday. Based on the training and the technical experience of Karim Zito, myself and the team are extremely confident of winning on Sunday,” he said in an itnerview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

The much-anticipated game is scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT. 

Meanwhile, Dreams FC has announced free entry to the Stadium except for the VIP and VVIP stands.

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Despite securing a goalless draw against the former champions at Cairo International Stadium last Sunday, Zito emphasizes the need for caution.

While acknowledging Zamalek’s dominance, Dreams FC’s resilience ensured they returned for the second leg on solid footing.

Ahead of the return leg at Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 28, 2024, Zito remains vigilant.

“We’ve put the first leg aside; we know it will be very difficult, it looks very frightening but it is not impossible”he told the media on Thursday.

His optimism shines through as he expresses readiness for any outcome, whether victory within regulation time or a potential penalty shootout.

“We are ready should the game travel to penalties, but we aim to end the game within 90 minutes” Coach Zito added.

In a bid to mobilise a significant turnout of football enthusiasts in Kumasi, the club has announced free entry to all stands except for the VIP and VVIP stands.

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The Ghana Premier League side is gearing up for their second-leg tie of the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal game against the Egyptian side at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 28.

Making their debut in continental competition, Dreams FC is vying for a spot in the final after holding Zamalek to a goalless draw in the first leg at the Cairo International Stadium last weekend.

With this crucial fixture possibly impacting Ghana’s allocation of slots in inter-club competitions, Dreams FC may receive a morale boost with the visit of Minister Ussif.

“It will be a significant surprise for Dreams FC before the match. Both the Minister and the Deputy will be in Kumasi,” Amofah shared in an interview on Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports Show.

“An elder does not come empty-handed when paying a visit. I assure the club that they will receive good news from the government” he added.

Dreams FC has maintained an unbeaten record at home in the competition and will rely on the support of their fans at the Baba Yara Stadium to navigate through this challenge.

The game has been scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT.

Meanwhile, Dreams FC has announced free gate entry for fans except for the VIP and VVIP sections.

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The Ghana Premier League side secured a goalless draw against the Egyptian team at the Cairo International Stadium last weekend.

In order to secure qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup final in their inaugural appearance in the tournament, Dreams FC needs a win in the upcoming match this weekend.

However, Zito in an interview expressed his belief that the second leg will pose greater difficulties.

“We had a meeting before the start of our training, acknowledging that this stage we are entering is more challenging than the first one and it’s more open. It’s not about us holding back. We are going all out to score but with caution,” Zito told Citi Sports.

The crucial match will take place at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 28, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Karim Zito and his team have arrived in Kumasi to prepare for the highly anticipated game.

Meanwhile, Dreams FC have announced free gate entry for fans except for the VIP and VVIP sections.

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