Ghana Premier League review: Hearts, Kotoko likely to start on strong note
After a long hold up, the new football season is here with players and clubs geared up for the Ghana Premier League which kicks off this weekend.
Fans frustrated by the delay will finally have the chance to see their teams and some new signings beginning with all nine games starting at 3 pm on Sunday.
Kumasi Asante looks set to start the 2019/2020 league on a high note when they open the doors of the Baba Yara Stadium to Techiman Eleven Wise for their first local league game since June 2018.
The Porcupine Warriors are riding high from last week’s victory over arch-rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak, who they needled to lift the President Cup.
Unless the unimaginable happens, Kotoko looks too good to overrun the Techniman boys and claim their first three points.
Prediction: Kotoko 3 vs Eleven Wonder 1
Elsewhere in the Ashanti Region, AshGold will have their hands full as they welcome comeback kids, Accra Great Olympics.
Olympics takes delight in spoiling the party for big teams and in this game they look likely to pull a surprise.
In the days of old, just the mere mention of former Hearts of Oak kingpin, Bernard Don Bortey, will scare the living hell out of every defence. But age has caught up with the slippery midfielder, who claims he still has a heart and feet of steel.
But in Obuasi, AshGold has a fortress that looks unpenetrable. On a bad day, the miners will draw but if everything goes well, they could carry the day.
Prediction: AshGod 1 vs Olympics 1
In Accra, Hearts of Oak will want to use Berekum Chelsea as atonement for their loss against Kotoko last Sunday.
Hearts Coach, Kim Grant will want to show that his offseason preparations were not a fluke.
The Phobians look likely to pick the three points
Prediction: Hearts 2 vs Berekum Chelsea 1
At the Carl Reindorf Park in Dansoman, Liberty Professionals will be in a game of equals with former Legon City FC (formerly Wa All-Stars).
LCFC looks a more inspired side after a Saturday of rain of logistics for the club formerly owned by disgraced erstwhile Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Apart from being rebranded, Legon City received a new bus, jerseys and other equipment from their owners.
If that gesture should count for anything on the field, then LCFC could snatch victory. But then, the venue is Dansoman, a waterloo for many a club.
Prediction: Liberty 1 vs Legon City 1
At the Cape Coast Stadium, Ebusua Dwarfs face Medeaman in an encounter that the venue is likely to tilt the result in favour of the Abontua Bontua boys.
Medeama lacks impressive away record since joining the premiership in 2010.
Prediction: Dwarfs 1 vs Medeama 0
Dreams FC will welcome premiership returnees, King Faisal. Dreams FC is likely to pick the three points at the Dawu Park where they have been a nightmare for many visiting clubs. King Faisal needs extra energy from their promotion from Division One courtesy the 18-club system to stand the firepower of Dreams FC.
Prediction: Dreams FC 2 vs King Faisal 0
In Dorma, Aduana FC will seek to give their owner, the Dormahene, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II, a befitting gift to crown the year he is celebrating two decades on the throne.
Tema-based Inter Allies is therefore likely to travel to the Bono Region for nothing.
Prediction: Aduana 2 vs Inter Allies 0
Balance, flair, youthful exuberance will be on display at the CAM Park in Ellembele where Karela FC will host WAFA. However, WAFA is likely to go back to home to Sogakope empty-handed.
Prediction: Karela 2 vs WAFA 0
In Bechem, Bechem United will take on Elmina Sharks. There is no side to choose from the encounter. It is a game likely to end in a draw.
Prediction: Bechem United 0 vs Elmina Sharks 0.