GPL: Three intriguing week one matches you don’t want to miss

The 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League officially kicks-off on Friday, October 29 with some interesting fixtures to look out for on game week 1.

The first week of the new season begin with newcomers Accra Lions FC facing of Elmina Sharks FC on Friday and ends on Sunday at the Aliu Mahama Stadium where Real Tamale United will mark their long return to top flight football against Great Olympics.

Here are top three matches on the week one lineup.

Dreams FC vs Asante Kotoko SC

The Still Believe lads will seek revenge after Asante Kotoko completed the double over them during last season. The last time in Dawu, Imoro Ibrahim’s beautiful half volley from just outside the box earned the Porcupines all three points.

The game this time will be staged at the Accra Sports Stadium after the GFA’s Club licensing committee rejected the Theatre of Dreams for not being up to standard and thus Dreams FC has resorted to the National Stadium in Accra for their home games.

Kotoko walks into the game with a host of new faces including the leader at the dugout, Prosper Ogum Nateh who would want to start his new journey with a win.

Dreams FC, on the other hand, lost some key figures during the offseason transfer window but their recruitment put the fans in an anticipatory mode of how the team will fare this season. Black Stars and AFCON U-20 best player Fatawu Issahaku, Black Stars B and former Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed, and Liberty Professionals marksman Kwaku Karikari have all joined to give the team a new look.

The game is set at 3 PM kickoff time on Saturday, October 30 and will be live on Startimes Adepa Channel.

Hearts of Oak vs Legon Cities

The last meeting between the two sides ended 2-1 in favour of the eventual league winners Hearts of Oak while the defeat put Legon Cities in a relegation threat. However, the latter managed to escape the fall.

On Sunday both sides go head to head against with Hearts looking like the obvious favourite to carry the day but a surprise by the Royals must not be ruled out. The Phobians had CAF Champions League qualification games mixed with their pre-season schedule and hence look better conditioned than their opponents in terms of players teams with high profiles to prepare for the season.

Unfortunately for Hearts, they got humbled 6-2 on aggregate by Wydad Athletic Club and have dropped into the confederations Cup.

The fans would want to see how Samuel Boadu’s charges will react to the embarrassing 6-1 defeat in Morocco or will their woes be deepened by Legon Cities on the opening day of the 21/22 season.

The match will be live on Startimes adepa channel at 3PM kickoff time.

Karela United vs Aduana Stars

Karela United return to the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park(CAM) after serving a home band in the latter part of last season for assaulting a referee.

The CAM Park has not been friendly to away sides in terms of picking up at least a draw. Aduana Stars on their last visit were hunted by goal king winner Diawisie Taylor who scored twice to complete a comeback over the away side after going down early through Bright Adjei’s strike.

Taylor after a remarkable season with Karela has secured a move to the Egyptian Premier League.

New Coach Bismark Kobby Kyei will eye a win on his first home game as Aduana will fight for a maiden win in Aiyinasie.