Accra, Ghana – The 2023/24 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) is all set to kick off with an exciting lineup of fixtures for the opening weekend at various league centres.
Accra Hearts of Oak, the 21-time league champions, will begin their campaign away from home as they face Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on Friday.
The Phobians, who had a forgettable season in the last campaign, are eager to start afresh, led by their new coach, Martin Koopman.
However, they face a tough challenge from RTU, a team that defeated Hearts of Oak twice last season and boasts a strong home record against the Phobians.
Hearts of Oak's new signings, including Kashala Ramos, Kofi Agbeshimah, and Kelvin Asibey, will be eager to make an impact, and the return of midfielder Aziz Nurudeen adds to their optimism.
In a clash of titans, record league titleholders Kumasi Asante Kotoko, with 24 titles to their name, will host Kpando Heart of Lions at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. This fixture renews their longstanding rivalry.
Asante Kotoko faced some off-season turmoil with new management and a coach coming on board to lead a successful season. Coach Prosper Ogum seeks an impressive performance from Kotoko, backed by impressive signings like Kalo Ouattara and Benard Somuah.
Heart of Lions makes a return to the league after an eight-year hiatus and aims to challenge the Porcupine Warriors as they have done in the past.
Accra Great Olympics, narrowly escaping relegation on the last day of the previous season, aims for a strong start against Bofoakwa Tano at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Bofoakwa Tano, returning to the elite division after 16 years, seeks to maintain their Premier League status with a dream start.
Legon Cities, saddened by the sudden death of goalkeeper Sylvester Sackey, kick off their campaign against Karela United at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
Newly appointed head coach Paa Kwesi Fabin targets a top-place finish for Legon Cities, who narrowly avoided relegation last season.
The match between reigning GPL champions Medeama and FA Cup holders Dreams FC has been postponed to next Wednesday due to their involvement in CAF's club competitions.
Full fixture list for week one:
Tamale: RTU vs Hearts (Friday)
Accra: Great Olympics Vs Bofoakwa Tano (Saturday)
Accra: Legon Cities Vs Karela (Sunday)
Sunyani: Berekum Chelsea Vs Bibiani Gold Stars (Sunday)
Samreboi: Samartex 1996 Vs Aduana Stars (Sunday)
Nsoatre: Nsoatreman FC Vs Bechem United (Sunday)
Kumasi: Kotoko vs Heart of Lions (Sunday)
Tarkwa: Medeama vs Accra Lions (Wednesday)
Dawu: Dreams vs Nations FC (Wednesday)
Reporting by Simon Asare. Editing by Mariam Aminu.
