A Dream test for Kotoko

The long-awaited Ghana Premier League (GPL) 2021/2022 returned yesterday after 140 days of respite and saw debutants Accra Lions take on Elmina Sharks in a very cagey contest at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The action continues this weekend across all game centres with the top-liner being an evening fixture tonight between Dreams FC and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Under new gaffer Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, the Porcupine Warriors will be eager to thrill their expectant fans to some spectacular football, following their massive buys as they start their campaign in a cagey game tonight.

New signings including Stephen Amankona, Joseph Amoako and Cameroonian forward Mbella Franch Thierry are expected to give the Fabulous a flamboyant debut.

On Sunday, defending champions Hearts of Oak will look to put their CAF Champions League disappointment behind them as they open their title defence against Legon Cities FC at the Accra Sports Stadium – a venue the Phobians have not tasted defeat since the appointment of Samuel Boadu.

But the question still remains; can the Royals halt the Rainbow boys?

At the renovated Dun’s Park in Bibiani tomorrow, new entrants Gold Stars will have their share of the cake when they slug it out with Berekum Chelsea. The Golden Boys will be aiming to cement their stay in the top-flight as they have kept hold of stars including Prince Owusu Kwabena, Ernest Kusi who played an integral role in their truimph as Division One League Champions in Zone 2.

But can Chelsea do without the services of star man Stephen Amankona, who is now a Porcupine?

At the Ohene Ameyaw Park, Eleven Wonders, handled by ex-Ghana International Yaw Acheampong, will hope to start their season on a flyer when they play Ashanti Gold in Techiman.

Elsewhere, West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) will hope to go a step higher on the table this season (finished third last season with 56 points) as they travel to Kumasi to play King Faisal at the renovated Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Real Tamale United (RTU) will try to put on a fine display on their return to the elite division when they battle it out with Great Olympics at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.

Bechem United and Medeama SC will look to claim the maximum points at stake when they square off at the Nana Fosu Gyeambour Park in Bechem.

Tomorrow at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase, impressive Karela United FC will go neck-to-neck with Aduana Stars at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase to climax the first round of games.

BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY