Ghana Premier League Kicks Off with Thrilling Matches: Hearts Soar, Kotoko Stumble!

The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season kicked off with a series of captivating matches, setting an exciting tone for the campaign. Newly promoted teams made their mark, while established clubs demonstrated their early season form, highlighted by dramatic comebacks and dominant performances across various venues.

One of the most thrilling encounters of the opening weekend saw newly promoted Debibi United produce a spirited performance to hold Asante Kotoko to a 2-2 draw at the Berekum Golden City Park. Kotoko initially took the lead in the 15th minute through Yakubu Dogo, who finished clinically after receiving a through ball from Hubert Gyau. However, Debibi United returned from the half-time break with renewed purpose. Richard Owusu levelled the score for the home side in the 49th minute with a well-taken free-kick. Owusu then struck again in the 73rd minute to complete his brace, putting Debibi United in front for the first time at 2-1. The prospect of a memorable victory for the debutants against one of Ghana's biggest clubs was short-lived, as Hubert Gyau restored parity for Kotoko in the 79th minute amidst a goal-mouth scramble, securing a point for the visitors. The draw marked the beginning of new head coach Eric Tinkler's tenure with Kotoko and an encouraging start for Debibi United following their promotion from the Division One League.

Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak commenced their 2026/27 GPL campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Stadium. Veteran striker John Antwi made an immediate impact on his debut for the Phobians, scoring twice in the first half (5th and 37th minutes) to give Hearts a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. The hosts continued their relentless pressure after the recess, eventually extending their advantage when Abdul Kader Kourama netted in the 86th minute. To cap off a dominant display, Ali Mohammed scored from the penalty spot three minutes later, making it four for the Accra-based side. This emphatic win handed new Hearts coach Nebojsa Kapor his first competitive victory and provided a significant boost after their recent Democracy Cup defeat to rivals Asante Kotoko.

Elsewhere in Week One, other teams also registered important results. Bechem United enjoyed a winning start to the season with a 1-0 victory over champions Bibiani Gold Stars at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, courtesy of Darlvin Yeboah’s first-half strike. Basake Holy Stars also began their campaign on a positive note, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Swedru All Blacks, with Francis Oteng Gyetuah scoring in the second half. Fellow newcomers Port City FC and FC AshantiGold ’04 shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with Zak Musah giving FC AshantiGold ’04 the lead before Hamza Zakari levelled for Port City. Vision FC kicked off their season in style with a resounding 3-0 victory over Young Apostles FC, featuring a brace from Setsofia Aketey and a goal from Naziru Alhassan. Additionally, FC Samartex 1996 defeated Karela United 3-1, while Heart of Lions and Aduana FC played out a goalless draw.

Following the opening round of matches, Asante Kotoko currently sit sixth in the league table, with newly promoted Debibi United immediately behind them. The initial results highlight the competitive nature of the Ghana Premier League, promising an exciting season ahead for fans. Upcoming fixtures will see Kotoko host Heart of Lions, while Debibi United faces another challenge against Bechem United.