Eleven Wonders make their long-awaited return to the Ghana Premier League with a tricky opening-day away fixture against Basake Holy Stars at the AAK II Sports Arena in Ampain on Sunday afternoon.
The Sure Wonders were condemned to relegation despite annexing a 2-1 victory over Aduana FC during the final matchday of the 2021-22 season on 19th June, 2022, but the Sure Wonders are back in Ghana's top tier after emerging champions in the Division One League (DOL) Zone One 1B last term.
Match Preview
After three years away, Wonders are back in the Premier League after topping DOL Zone 1B in the 2024-2025 season and then won the promotion playoff against Real Tamale United (RTU) to secure a place in the Ghana Premier League
Nii Odartey Lamptey’s men lost just five of their 30 matches last season, but this will be a huge step up, shown by the fact Wonders racked up 40 points, placing 16th before being relegated in 2021-22.
Wonders’ results in Division One suggest they could be competitive, boasting a record of 15 wins, 42 goals scored and only 22 conceded. The Premier League, however, will pose a sterner challenge.
Holy Stars represent a tricky test on the opening weekend, as Eleven Wonders are yet to meet them in a match.
Basake Holy Stars possible starting lineup (4-3-3):
Asempa (GK); Boadi (C), Aboagye, Agyei, Asante, Author, Ibrahim, Arhin, Oteng, Teye, Yakubu
Eleven Wonders possible starting lineup (3-4-2-1):
Baah (GK); Ameyaw, Amamu, Oduro, Acquah, Hudu, Afurapoe, Simon, Lomotey, Milla, Zackaria
Team News:
Both clubs have dipped into the transfer market to strengthen their squads ahead of the new campaign.
Basake Holy Stars' exciting midfielder Fracis Oteng, formerly of Emina Sharks and Skyy FC is expected to bring pace and directness to their midfield.
Eleven Wonders, on the other hand, secured the services of forward Abdul Hakeem Milla, who joins from Tamale City. His versatility across the frontline gives new coach Nii Odartey Lamptey options. They also snapped up Mohammed Zackaria, a midfielder with a strong engine who could be key in bridging defence and attack.
We say: Basake Holy Stars 0-0 Eleven Wonders
This opening fixture feels like it could be cagey. Holy Stars will be determined not to start with a loss in front of their fans, while Wonders are unlikely to throw caution to the wind in their first game back at this level. With both teams still gelling after summer additions and wary of conceding, a low-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome.
Kickoff for this match is scheduled at 15:00 GMT, on Sunday September 14.
By: Pascal Amoah
