Kotoko begin Premier League campaign with Berekum Chelsea showdown

The Ghana Premier League officially roars back into action this weekend, and one of the biggest fixtures on the opening day will see record champions Asante Kotoko lock horns with Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park in Berekum.

The Porcupine Warriors, 24-time league winners, will be looking to kick-start their season on a positive note after an inconsistent pre-season that left fans with mixed emotions. 

Having finished bottom of the four-team Top 4 competition, Kotoko appeared to lack cohesion and sharpness. 

But just when doubts began to mount, the Kumasi giants silenced critics by putting up a commanding display to defeat Bibiani Gold Stars in the Super Cup final, a victory that restored confidence and rekindled belief in their title ambitions.

Head coach Abdul Karim Zito insists that their pre-season struggles should not define their outlook for the season, expressing optimism that Kotoko would make a strong impact in the domestic campaign.

In preparation for the new campaign, Coach Abdul Karim Zito has overseen a significant squad overhaul, bringing in fresh faces to bolster every department of the team. 

Among the new arrivals are Hubert Gyau and Zackaria Fuseini from Berekum Chelsea, Francis Acquah from Bechem United, Seth Kwadwo, and goalkeeper Aziz Haruna Dari. 

Other additions are Walid Fuseini, Philip Amoh, Joseph Amoah, Hilary Adabo, Shayibu Abubakari, and Morifing Donzo, all expected to strengthen the squad and reignite Kotoko’s title challenge.

Club insiders say the new signings have blended well with the old guard, and the technical team believes they can provide the spark needed for a serious push towards reclaiming the league title.

Zito’s Super Cup triumph is seen as a huge motivation for the Porcupine Warriors, who will be eager to start the campaign on a winning note.

Berekum Chelsea are preparing to make a bold statement of their own. Last season was one to forget for the Berekum-based club, as they struggled for consistency and finished in the lower half of the table. 

Determined to turn things around, they have opted for a quieter transfer strategy but have still brought in experienced names to stabilise the squad.

Their key signings include Emmanuel Ofosu from Dormaa Unity, experienced goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi, and Frank Amankwah from Karela United. While not headline-grabbing acquisitions, Chelsea believe these players can bring balance and leadership to the team.

Matches between Kotoko and Chelsea have always been fiercely contested. In 34 previous meetings, Kotoko have recorded 13 wins, Chelsea nine, with the rest ending in stalemates. Kotoko have netted 28 goals and conceded 26 across those encounters.

However, the Golden City Park has often been a fortress for Chelsea, with Kotoko managing just four victories there in their history.

These statistics show the difficulty of the task ahead for the Porcupine Warriors, who must overcome both Chelsea’s resilience and the passionate Berekum crowd.

Elsewhere, defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars will begin their title defence against Bechem United at the Dun’s Park.

Gold Stars, who will represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League, are expected to use the game as a perfect test ahead of their continental campaign. 

Coach Frimpong Manso, who guided the team to a Top four pre-season triumph, will be keen on a strong start before their home fans.

Tomorrow’s fixtures also promise excitement. Heart of Lions will host Dreams FC at the Kpando Stadium, a venue where Lions turned into a fortress last season on their way to a top-four finish. 

Vision FC welcome FC Samartex 1996 to the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex in Tema, while Aduana FC travel north to face Karela United at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.

Elsewhere, Basake Holy Stars will host newly promoted Eleven Wonders at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park, and Young Apostles will welcome Medeama FC to the Wenchi Sports Stadium. 

Nations FC will also be in action at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex as they face another new entrant, Swedru All Blacks.