Asante Kotoko Climbs to Third in GPL as Mukarama Abdulai Returns to Black Queens for Olympic Qualifiers

Ghanaian football witnessed a weekend of significant milestones as Asante Kotoko secured a vital victory in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), while the national women’s team, the Black Queens, welcomed back a star striker for their upcoming Olympic qualifying campaign. In Kumasi, a solitary strike from Isaac Opoku Agyemang propelled the Porcupine Warriors to third place in the league standings. Simultaneously, Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren announced the return of Mukarama Abdulai to the Black Queens squad, marking a major turning point for the forward after a two-year absence due to injury.

The clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium saw Asante Kotoko bounce back from a recent setback with a disciplined 1-0 performance against Karela United. Opoku Agyemang’s early goal set the tone for the match, allowing the home side to dictate play during the initial stages. Although Karela United mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the second half, Kotoko’s defensive resilience ensured they secured all three points. This win provides a significant boost for the Kumasi-based club, positioning them as serious contenders early in the 2026/27 season as they wait for the conclusion of other weekend fixtures to confirm their final standing.

On the international stage, the Black Queens are intensifying preparations for their LA 2028 Olympic Games qualifying matches against Mauritius. The headline news from the squad announcement is the inclusion of Mukarama Abdulai, whose long-awaited return follows a difficult recovery period. Coach Björkegren has also recalled four other experienced players and handed maiden call-ups to two newcomers, signaling a strategy to blend veteran leadership with fresh talent. Having received a bye in the first round, the Queens are looking to make a strong statement as they begin their journey toward the Olympic Games.

Looking ahead, the Black Queens are scheduled to play the first leg against Mauritius on October 8, followed by the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 13. Success in these fixtures is critical for Ghana’s hopes of returning to the global Olympic stage. Meanwhile, in domestic football, Asante Kotoko’s ascent to the top three puts pressure on their rivals at the summit of the table. As the GPL season progresses and the national teams pursue international glory, Ghanaian football fans can expect a high-stakes month of action across both the club and national levels.