At long last, the wait for Ghana Premier league soccer is over and there is no better way to start it than a game at Sogakope where arguably the most entertaining footballing side on the land face the most in-form team on the land.

Kotoko and WAFA begin the first of 192 league matches in the 2016 league season in what is expected to be one of the closest and tightest leagues in years.

The build-up to the fixture has been dominated by uncertainty concerning the start due to further legal wrangling but the artistry set to be displayed on the pitch by the two sides will quickly eradicate any doubts.

The last fixture between both sides ended 1-0 in favor of the Sogakope side with a Majeed Ashimeru strike but the major talking point was the way and manner the academy boys outplayed, out passed and dominated the Porcupine Warriors winning them several admirers in the process.

Fast-forward a few months, and today’s fixture is certainly expected to follow a different script. Kotoko have bought and bought well in the off season and anything short of a title triumph will be perceived as a failure.

The Kumasi side have put together one of the best squads on the land and despite the hammer blow handed them with the loss of midfielder Jackson Owusu, they are still in the reckoning for the title.

Kotoko’s preseason form has been nothing short of excellent blowing teams away with both their full string side and reserve sides. This has culminated in the Porcupine Warriors winning the Akwasi Dae Cup, SWAG Cup and G6 trophy.

However, this will count for nothing when the league starts and WAFA are expected to provide them the reality test they much need.

Duncan is all too aware of this, and has asked fans to measure their expectations of the side.

“All the teams have an equal measure of quality player. When you take the Kotoko team for example, not many of them make the cut for the local Black Stars.The rest of them are elsewhere, by that benchmark we can’t call this team the finished article or the best team on the local scene.We should just work hard and forget hype. You don’t expect us to go easy and win games.”

WAFA have arguably been weakened from last season as key performers Felix Annan and Zakaria Mumuni departed for Kotoko and Aduana Stars respectively. However, John Killa’s side are expected to produce the next set of youngsters who will continue to thrill and entertain just like the departed players.

The academy side acquired the services of former goalie Philemon McCarthy and striker Ibrahim Tanko who will provide the needed experience and maturity in the side when the going gets tough.

TEAM NEWS:

John Killa has put a settled team during the off season and he is expected to continue with it. Ghana international Samuel Tetteh missed part of the preseason due to trials abroad so it is uncertain whether he will play a part from the start. Captain Martin Antwi has been in impressive form during the off season and is expected to carry the team forward alongside Gideon Waja, Majeed Ashimeru and Ibrahim Tanko.
Predicted line-up: Abalora-Mohammed Alhassan, Ibrahim Abubakar, Stephen Boye, Richmond Lamptey- Kennedy Boateng, Gideon Waja, Majeed Ashimeru, Charles Boateng, Martin Antwi- Ibrahim Tanko.

KOTOKO

Kotoko’s team news has been dominated by talks of Jackson Owusu’s horrifying injury but ex Heart of Lions midfielder Kwadwo Poku is expected to fill the void vacated by Jackson. The other injury concerns for the Porcupine Warriors are strikers Dauda Mohammed and Kwame Boateng. Aside that, David Duncan’s headache should be his starting keeper. Will he give Felix Annan an emotional return with his former side or will he stick with tried and tested Eric Ofori Antwi or will he go for experience in Ernest Sowah. The backline is expected to contain captain Amos Frimpong and Ahmed Adams while new signings Edwin Tuffour Frimpong, Evans Quao and  Richard Osei Agyemang will be knocking on the  door of the coach to make their competitive debut. Eric Donkor will maintain his place on the left side of midfield with new signing Bennett Ofori expected on the right. Obed Owusu is expected to start upfront and could be paired with Elvis Amoh up top.

MATCH FACTS

MATCH FACTS:

Head to Head:

Total matches played = 6

WAFA wins = 2

Drawn games = 2

Asante Kotoko wins = 2

*WAFA are unbeaten in their last two league fixtures against Asante Kotoko.

They have one win and one draw.

*Asante Kotoko were team with most away wins in the Ghana Premier League last season. Five wins.

*West African Football Academy have never lost at home to Asante Kotoko in the league before.

(P3 W2 D1 L0)

*Asante Kotoko lost only five league matches at away last term.

(W10 D4 L1)

Commentary of key games from around the country will be on the Joy Sports Arena from 3pm, Sunday on Joy 99.7FM.  There'll be live social media updates on our Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Hashtag is #joysports