Kotoko Opens League Defence

Kumasi Asante Kotoko open their defence of the 2007/2008 Premier League when they clash with city rivals King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this weekend.

The Fabulous lads who looked unstoppable last season are set to face stiff opposition from Alhaji Grunsah's side who have sworn to defeat them.

It will be Coach Maurice Cooreman's first match in the premier league and he will be relying on the formidable attacking option of newly-recruited Frederick Quayson, Alex Asamoah from AshGold and midfielder Agyemang Badu as well as old forces Eric Bekoe and Kojo Poku.

On the other hand, Faisal will be depending on the heroics of former Asante Kotoko star Baba Armando Adamu as well as Abraham Basit and goalkeeper Osei Boateng to cause a stir. Alhaji Grunsah's side will however miss the services of nimble-footed Enoch Ebo Andoh, who is presently with the Starlets in Gambia.

By far, it will be a difficult match to predict as Coach Rashid Iddi of Faisal fired a salvo yesterday saying his side will silence Kotoko.

Africa Champions League debutants, Heart of Lions face a difficult task at Berekum when they play Arsenal who were undefeated at the Golden City Park last season.

However, Victor Ahiakpo's side will be counting on the experience of new recruits Dan Yeboah and Kofi Nti Boakye, both formerly of Liberty Professionals to run away with victory.

In other matches, Liberty Professionals will welcome newly promoted Bechem Chelsea to the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium- a match which coach Jones Attuquayefio describes as a difficult one because both sides have similar style of play.

New entrants Sekondi Eleven Wise also face a difficult task at Abrankese against Kessben FC.

Tema Youth who did massive recruitment also lock horns with Swedru All Blacks at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium at Cape Coast while RTU trek to the Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium to play as guests to AshGold.

Sekondi Hasaacas also welcome Wa All Stars to the Essipong Sports Stadium.

The match between Hearts of Oak and newly promoted Great St. Mirren however takes place on Monday at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium due to renovation works at Miren's original grounds, the El Wak Sports Stadium. By Charles Nixon Yeboah