Matchday 1 Review: Debutant shocks Hearts while Kotoko breaks Karela jinx.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season kicked off on Saturday delivering unexpected results, and impressive performances from debutants.
On Saturday In their Ghana Premier League debut, Vision FC showed resilience and determination, earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw against experienced Berekum Chelsea at the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Stadium in Tema on Matchday 1. The newcomers started brightly, with their attacking trio causing problems for the Chelsea defense. However, they couldn't capitalize on their early dominance, failing to create clear-cut chances. Berekum Chelsea, seeking to exploit Vision's inexperience, gradually gained control, but a solid Vision FC defense thwarted their attacking efforts. As the game progressed, both teams created half-chances, but neither could find the breakthrough, resulting in a stalemate. 15-year-old Labaran Majeed Alidu was adjudged the man of the match after an impressive league debut for Vision at left-back.
Defending league champions, Samartex, demonstrated their title-winning mettle with a resilient 0-0 draw against Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium in a tightly contested encounter, the champions showcased their defensive prowess, absorbing Dreams FC's pressure and creating sporadic counter-attacking opportunities. Dreams FC, eager to upset the champions, dominated possession but struggled to break down the visitors' solid defense. The champions' goalkeeper Kofi Baah made several crucial saves to deny Dreams FC's attackers, while their backline marshalled by James Sewornu stood firm to earn the champions a point.
On Sunday, Debutant Holy Stars FC made a dream start to their Ghana Premier League campaign, defeating giants Hearts of Oak 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The newcomers struck early, after Prince Tweneboah header home the opener as early as the 2nd minute. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Holy Stars players and fans. Hearts of Oak, seeking to regain dominance, pushed hard for an equalizer but found the Holy Stars' defense resolute. Despite enjoying possession, Hearts of Oak's attacking efforts were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and Holy Stars' determined defending. As the game wore on, Holy Stars' confidence grew, and they nearly doubled their lead but were denied by an excellent Benjamin Asare save. The debutant held on for a famous win against a struggling Phobians.
At the Naa Sheriga Sports Center Asante Kotoko broke their Karela Jinx with a 1-0 win. The Porcupine Warriors broke their six-game winless streak against Karela United to secure maximum points. Albert Amoah's wonderful 36th-minute strike gave Kotoko a first-half lead. Karela United, seeking to extend their dominance over Kotoko, pushed hard for an equalizer but found the visitors' defense solid. Kotoko's goalkeeper, Mohammed Camara made several crucial saves to deny Karela's attackers, ensuring his team's first win in six games against the Northerners and picking up the man of the match award.
Medeama SC marked the inaugural league match at the newly constructed T&A Stadium in Tarkwa with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Accra Lions on Sunday evening. The only goal of the game came in the 56th minute when Osah Bernardinho Tetteh converted a penalty kick with precision, sending the Accra Lions goalkeeper the wrong way. The penalty was awarded after a handball incident in the box, and Medeama's striker made no mistake from the spot. Accra Lions pushed hard for an equalizer but found the Medeama defense solid, with goalkeeper and captain Appiah Kubi making several crucial saves to secure the win.
RESULTS AT A GLANCE:
Dreams FC 0-0 Samartex
Vision FC 0-0 Berekum Chelsea
Hearts of Oak 0-1 Holy Stars
Aduana fc 1-1 Heart of Lions
Karela United 0-1 Asante Kotoko
GoldStars 2-1 Legon Cities
Nsoatreman 2-0 Young Apostles
Nations FC 0-0 Bechem United
Medeama SC 1-0 Accra Lions