By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) 2024-25 season kicked off over the weekend with exciting matches that saw five teams secure victories, eight teams earn draws, and five teams suffer defeats.
In a stunning upset, newly promoted Holy Stars handed Hearts of Oak a 1-0 defeat at home, with the lone goal scored in the second minute. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko started strong with a 1-0 win away against Karela United FC, thanks to Albert Amoah’s first-half strike.
The opening week’s results showcase the competitiveness and unpredictability of the 18-team GPL, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Hearts of Oak began the new GPL season with a disappointing 0-1 defeat to newly promoted Basake Holy Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium, a scoreline that depicts the unpreparedness of the team for the season ahead, just like it ended the previous one.
Prince Tweneboah scored Basake Holy Stars’ first-ever Premier League goal in their 1-0 win at giants Accra Hearts of Oak in their debut 2024-25 campaign.
The Phobians, who have battled to avoid relegation in the past two campaigns, now face the possibility of another tough season after losing to a side with no top-flight experience.
Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko SC kicked off their 2024-25 season on a high note by securing a hard-fought 0-1 victory over their long-standing rivals, Karela United FC, at the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre in Nareligu, North East Region.
This triumph not only earned the Porcupine Warriors their first three points of the campaign, but also ended a challenging seven-game winless streak against Karela. The decisive moment came in the first half, courtesy of a new signing, Albert Amoah, who marked his debut with a crucial goal.
Reigning GPL champions, FC Samartex were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Nsoatreman FC moved top of the GPL table after a comfortable 2-0 win over Young Apostles FC at home on Sunday. Even though five teams are currently with three points, only Nsoatreman scored two unanswered goals over the weekend, giving them a goal advantage over the others.
A goal in each half propelled Yaw Preko’s side to their first win of the new season at the Nana Konamansah Park. Mohammed Abdul Rahman opened the scoring for the home side before Collins Kofi Kudjoe added the second on the stroke of full time from a superb free kick.
At the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Ashanti Region, Nations FC and Bechem United shared the points after a goalless draw of 0-0.
Aduana FC was fortunate to grab a 95th-minute equaliser at home to secure a 1-1 draw. Mustapha Yakubu, in the 81st minute, put the Lions ahead; but Emmanuel Marfo ensured the spoils were shared.
Gold Stars FC fought back to beat Legon Cities 2-1 at the Duns Park in Bibiani. The Miners took the lead through Samuel Atta Kumi’s second-minute strike before Dennis Adomah equalised two minutes into the second half.
Gideon Anaba scored the match-winner in the 72nd minute to help Gold Stars FC record their first home win of the season.
Medeama SC secured a lone-goal victory over the Accra Lions. Bernardinho converted a penalty in the 56 minutes to ensure the three points were safe at the TnA Stadium.
GPL Week 1 Results
Saturday
Dreams FC 0-0 FC Samartex
Vision FC 0-0 Berekum Chelsea
Sunday
Hearts of Oak 0-1 Basake Holy Stars
Karela United 0-1 Asante Kotoko SC
Nsoatreman FC 2-0 Young Apostles
Aduana FC 1-1 Heart of Lions
Goldstars 2-1 Legon Cities
Nations FC 0-0 Bechem United
6pm: Medeama SC v Accra Lions
