<<Print>>The wait is finally over as football loving fans will once again witness the excitement of the Ghana Premier League this weekend.
Football fans in Ghana from all walks of life would gather in Sogakope to see their beloved teams as West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), host Kumasi Asante Kotoko after five months of league absence in the Ghana.
After chalking up an impressive season in the league last year and being able to stay up in the league, WAFA would be hoping to continue the form they exhibited, which saw them unbeaten in the hands of the former league champions Asante Kotoko.
Drawing 0-0 with the porcupine warriors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in week eight (8) and beating them in Week 23 in the reverse fixture in Sogakope last season.
For coach David Duncan and his Asante Kotoko, having been the busiest in the transfer market, beefing up their squad with the likes of Kwame Boateng from Accra Great Olympics, Theophilus Nyame from Sekondi Hasaacas , Bennet Ofori from Berekum Chelsea, Burkinabe import Halipha Sedogo, goalkeeper Ernest Sowah from Don Bosco-DR Congo and former Berekum Chelsea right back Samuel Kyere.
On the other hand, Coach John Killa and his WAFA Side were not as busy as Kotoko, with only three signings, former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Philemon McCarthy and Ibrahim Tanko from Mighty Jets, will rely heavily on promoting their academy products to battle the experienced Kotoko.
Aside the signings, the game will be decided on tactical prowess taking into consideration the track record of both coaches. Coach Duncan still poses as one of the best tacticians in Ghana, but yet to win the premiership and the 52-year old coach will be seeking to re-write the history by commencing the journey to the ultimate.
On the other hand, Dutch trainer John Killa would be looking forward to be reunited with his former goalkeeper Felix Annan who had to return to his parent club after serving a season long loan with the Sogakope lads, but the greatest task will be, to pick up the pieces from where they ended last season and start their new season on a high note by beating Kotoko and sending warning to the rest of the premier league campaigners.
In all a total of six matches have been played between the two sides, with both sides winning two each, whilst the remaining two ended in a draw.
MATCH FACTS
- Kotoko are yet to win at Sogakope.
- WAFA have managed one home win in match Day 1 games since 2004.
- Asante Kotoko have managed only one away win in match Day One games since 1999.
- The first time WAFA lost at home in the GPL is 30th May 2004 against Heart of Oak.
- WAFA has lost eight out of 52 home games so far in the GPL since 2004.
- Kotoko have kept 211 clean sheets out of 465 games in the GPL since 1999.
- WAFA’s worst performance in the GPL is 15th (was relegated with 32 points in the 2006/2007 season).
- Kotoko’s worst position in the GPL is 11th out of a 15 club league in the 1970 league season but since 1999 is 7th with 38 points in the 2002 season.
Taking into consideration the quality composition of Kotoko, which is a combination of experience and youthful players, as against the fluid play of WAFA is a clear indication of an uncompromising game.