GPL Matchday 1: Hearts of Oak hit Chelsea for four; Kotoko and Port City held
he 2026/27 Ghana Premier League is underway, and Matchday 1 delivered exactly what a new season should: a statement win from one of the traditional giants, a stubborn point from a newly promoted side against one of the biggest clubs in the country, a few tidy 1-0s, and an early reminder that the title race will not be straightforward.
Matches were spread across Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 5–6 September weekend. Dreams FC versus defending champions Medeama SC was postponed, so eight games produced the first points of the campaign.
Hearts of Oak 4-0 Berekum Chelsea — the result that set the tone
Hearts of Oak produced the weekend’s clearest statement. At the University of Ghana Stadium, they dismantled Berekum Chelsea 4-0, with veteran striker John Antwi scoring twice in the first half (4th and 37th minutes). A late goal from debutant Kader Mahmoud and a stoppage-time penalty from Ali Mohammed completed the scoreline.
New Bosnian coach Nebojsa Kapor could hardly have asked for a better competitive start after the Democracy Cup disappointment against Kotoko. The performance had the hallmarks of a side that has added cutting edge up front while remaining organised. Hearts immediately sat at the top of the table and sent an early warning that they intend to be serious contenders rather than also-rans.
Debibi United 2-2 Asante Kotoko — the story of the weekend
If Hearts provided the polish, Debibi United provided the romance. Newly promoted and playing their first-ever Premier League match at Golden City Park in Berekum, they held Asante Kotoko to a 2-2 draw. Dogo Yakubu gave Kotoko an early lead, but Richard Owusu scored twice after the break to put the debutants ahead. Hubert Gyau scrambled home a late equaliser to rescue a point for the Porcupine Warriors.
It was not the start Eric Tinkler wanted. Kotoko arrived with the feel-good factor of the Democracy Cup win and were expected to brush aside the newcomers. Instead they were made to work for a point against a side that looked organised, brave, and capable of hurting bigger teams. Debibi’s result instantly became the feel-good story of the opening round and a warning that the three promoted clubs will not be pushovers.
The rest of the results
Vision FC began with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Young Apostles. Setsofia Aketey scored twice and Naziru Alhassan added the other. It was a professional, controlled performance that put Vision among the early leaders.
FC Samartex 1996 also looked sharp, beating Karela United 3-1. Edwin Kofi Asamoah, Isaac Afful and Meschack Sowah Adjetey found the net. Samartex have been consistent in recent seasons and this was the kind of result that suggests they will again be in the mix for a top-six finish.
Bechem United produced one of the more significant results by beating last season’s runners-up Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0, with Darlvin Yeboah scoring the only goal. Gold Stars will feel they should have taken more from the game; instead, they start with zero points.
Basake Holy Stars edged Swedru All Blacks 1-0, Heart of Lions and Aduana FC played out a goalless draw in Kpando, and the two other newly promoted sides, Port City FC and FC AshantiGold ’04, shared a 1-1 draw. Zak Musah put AshantiGold ahead; Port City captain Hamza Zakari equalised after his goalkeeper had made a double save from a penalty. Both clubs will take the point as a useful start to life in the top flight.
Early table picture and talking points
Hearts of Oak, Vision FC and Samartex sit at the top after winning. Kotoko, Debibi, Port City and AshantiGold all have a point. Gold Stars and Karela already have ground to make up.
Several themes already stand out:
- Hearts look the most complete of the traditional big clubs on this evidence. Antwi’s movement and finishing give them a focal point they sometimes lacked last season.
- Newly promoted sides are competitive. Debibi’s draw against Kotoko is the headline, but Port City and AshantiGold also showed they belong.
- The postponed Dreams–Medeama fixture matters. Medeama start their title defence later than everyone else; that can be a blessing or a curse depending on how the other results settle.
- Coaching changes are already visible. Kapor’s Hearts looked organised and direct. Tinkler’s Kotoko looked a little disjointed after taking the lead.