Accra Shooting Stars set to compete in the Gothia Cup following a strong performance in a friendly match against the German team Spvgg Erkenschwick.

Accra Shooting Stars caught the interest of supporters from the German club Spvgg Erkenschwick following a commendable performance in a friendly match against the Oberliga team. The Ghanaian outfit, featuring their U19 squad, fell 3-1 to their German counterparts but delivered an exhilarating display that showcased their maturity on the field. As they prepare for the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the team seems well-equipped for the youth tournament that attracts elite clubs and scouts from around the world. In a match structured into three 30-minute halves, Accra Shooting Stars provided a solid challenge for Spvgg, with the first half ending without any goals. The well-organized Shooting Stars created difficulties for the German side, and had they capitalized on their opportunities, they might have entered halftime with a lead. However, after a series of substitutions by Spvgg, they gained the upper hand in the second half. Accra Shooting Stars managed to equalize through Kwerku Boadu before ultimately conceding two more goals. Spvgg's head coach, Nassir Maylar, recognized the effort of Accra Shooting Stars, stating that they presented a challenge that even an Oberliga team might find tough to handle. "We will probably hardly encounter an opponent in the Oberliga with a better transitional game than these boys from Ghana. Therefore, it was a very good friendly match for us. In the opening minutes, I genuinely feared they would overwhelm us," he remarked post-match. Recently, Accra Shooting Stars formed a partnership with German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, where both teams engage in exchange programs for their youth squads. "The boys are currently training with us and will be taking part in a significant tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden, next week. They initially intended to play a friendly in Norway before that, but faced challenges with entry and visas. That’s why I reached out to Nassir Malyar, and he was immediately supportive," said Michael Rutten, the Head of Coaching for Dortmund's youth team. In the meantime, Shooting Stars will kick off their Gothia Cup campaign against Swedish club Stala IF on July 13, followed by a match against French team FC MNVDB 2 on July 14. They will conclude their group stage with a matchup against Lunden OBK on July 15.