The first leg of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) double header match between Asante Kotoko and Kpando Heart of Lions comes off at the Ohene Djan Stadium today.

The game which has come to known as the ‘SWAG match’ is an annual event on the domestic football calendar and is played in celebration of the contributions made by the sporting media group.

The two sides billed for the first leg go into action minus certain key players on national duty with the Black Stars at the first ever African Nations Championship in Ivory Coast.

Lions will be without Edmund Owusu Ansah and Daniel Yeboah. But Asante Kotoko will have do without Michael Ofosu Appiah, Kwadwo Poku, Samuel Inkoom, Jordan Opoku and Stephen Manu.

Despite their absence both coaches have an opportunity to field equally good sides but will have their full squads for the second leg which could really decide the tie.

For Kotoko’s Isaac Opeele Boateng, the SWAG match presents him with a fine opportunity to win his first domestic silverware as he continues his charge to lead the Porcupine Warriors to a successful title defence.

The same can be said of Lions' coach, Paa Kwesi Fabin after a rather disastrous exit in their debut Champions League appearance.