The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season kicks off with an intriguing clash between Bibiani Gold Stars and Legon Cities at Dun's Park on Sunday afternoon.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Bibiani Dun’s Park, kicking off at 3 PM. Both teams enter the season with renewed energy, having made fresh signings to strengthen their squads.
MATCH PREVIEW
Last season saw both sides embroiled in a relegation battle, with Gold Stars narrowly finishing 11th, just three points above the drop, while Legon Cities finished 13th, a mere point away from relegation. Survival was hard-earned, and they will be determined to avoid a similar fate this season.
Gold Stars hold the psychological edge, having remained unbeaten in their last six encounters against Legon Cities. In their last meeting at Dun's Park, Gold Stars secured an emphatic 4-2 victory.
The return fixture ended in a 1-1 stalemate, further cementing their dominance over the Royals.
In preparation for the new season, Gold Stars aim to build on their recent home form, having secured 2 wins in their last 3 matches across all competitions.
This unbeaten record against Cities since their promotion will boost Gold Stars' confidence, but Legon Cities will be looking to break that streak. A win in this opener could provide them with the morale boost needed to shape a better season.
With both teams knowing how critical a good start is, fans can expect a competitive and tense encounter.
Conversely, Legon Cities faced challenges, as they suffered 3 losses in their previous 6 fixtures.
Historically, the matchup leans in favor of Bibiani Gold Stars, who have claimed victory in 4 of their last 6 encounters against Legon Cities. Both teams look to start their season on a positive note.
TEAM NEWS
Bibiani Goldstars lost the service of players like Yahaya Adramani, Samuel Amofa, Mawuli Wayo to Hearts of Oak, Abednego Tetteh who joined Heart of Lions and forward Prince Kwabena Owusu.
However, they have also made some numerous additions including goalkeeper Emmanuel Kobi from Bofoakwa Tano, Dafie Mohammed Humin, Samuel Atta Kumi, Philip Ofori among others with coach Frimpong Manso very satisfied with his squad going into the season.
With Legon Cities, despite losing players like Samuel Tenadu to Kotoko, Kwabena Boateng to Hearts of Oak, Stephen Appiah Asare, Joseph Mereku and others, have also introduced some talented figures to strengthen their team.
Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin's side have recruited several players including Ishmael Amoah, Nana Amanfo Adu-Gyafi, Baffour Yamoah Holifield, Isaac Quagraine, Abdul Rauf, Dennis Adoma, Dennis Boamah and Ghana U20 star Fatawu Ganiwu
Legon Cities coach Paa Kwesi Fabian has kept the core of the team that featured last season and will be aiming to start on a positive note.
Goldstars probable lineup:
Emmanuel Kobi (GK), Gideon Anaba, William Dankyi, Kelvin Oppong, Vincent Atinga, Appiah Maccarthy, Sadat Mohammed, Emmanuel Appau, Roland Frimpong, Alex Aso, Charles Gyamfi Kamara
Selorm Honu (GK), Suraje Yusif Kamal, Twum Foster, Abdul Rauf, Aaron Quartey, Frank Akoto, Fatawu Ganiwu, Augustine Dosu, Alidu Mohammed, Dennis Adoma, Nana Amanfo Adu-Gyamfi,
PREDICTION
We say: Goldstars 2-1 Legon Cities
KICKOFF: 15:00GMT (3:00pm)
