BY Issah Olegor
The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season opened over the weekend with familiar narratives unfolding for two of the country’s biggest clubs—Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
While Kotoko finally ended their long-running jinx at Berekum Chelsea, Hearts once again faltered on opening day, extending a decade-long run without a goal in season openers.
Kotoko Break Berekum Barrier
For years, Berekum Chelsea’s Golden City Park had been a fortress against Asante Kotoko.
Even under illustrious coaches like Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, who guided Kotoko to a historic league and FA Cup double, and Maxwell Konadu, whose sides thrilled with attacking football, the Porcupine Warriors repeatedly stumbled in Berekum.
The frustration was best captured in 2021, when Konadu’s second stint ended in heartbreak after Emmanuel Clottey’s last-gasp free kick denied Kotoko victory.
It was no surprise, therefore, that fans tempered expectations ahead of this season’s encounter.
On Sunday, however, Karim Zito’s men produced a disciplined performance to finally break the curse.
Young defender Musa Hamzatta, signed from Accra Lions in August, anchored the backline impressively despite Kotoko’s wealth of defensive options.
His composure in hostile territory showed why management invested in a 22-year-old with 45 league appearances under his belt.
The match was ultimately decided by Albert Amoah’s late strike, a clinical finish that sealed a precious away win.
The result not only gave Kotoko three points but also lifted the psychological burden of years of failure in Berekum.
The Rise Of Musa Hamzatta
Hamzatta’s arrival initially puzzled fans, given Kotoko’s depth in central defense with captain Samba O’Neil and experienced Zakaria Fuseini already in the squad.
But within weeks, the youngster has silenced doubters.
After scoring in Kotoko’s Champion of Champions triumph against Bibiani Gold Stars, he followed up with a commanding defensive display against Chelsea.
His pace, anticipation, and clean tackling have quickly made him a fan favorite, sparking fierce competition for starting roles in Kotoko’s backline.
Hohoe United Frustrate Hearts of Oak
If Kotoko were celebrating a breakthrough, Hearts of Oak continued their opening-day struggles.
Facing newly-promoted Hohoe United at home on Friday night, Didi Dramani’s men failed to find the net, stretching their unwanted streak to 10 years without scoring on the league’s opening weekend.
Hohoe United, coached by Tijani Abdul Bashiru (popularly known as TJ), executed a meticulous game plan to neutralize Hearts.
Anchorman David Oppong Afranie was tightly marked out of the game, while creative hub Abdul Karim—impressive during pre-season—was suffocated by the relentless Kwadwo Boamah.
Midfield conductor Richard Obeng orchestrated United’s transitions, while John Allossode locked down Hearts’ wide threat Martin Karikari.
The tactical discipline evoked memories of Liberty Professionals, the defunct club from which Hohoe United was born.
Tactical Missteps from Dramani
Critics, however, questioned Dramani’s tactical choices. Hearts lined up with five defenders, including Afranie as a makeshift midfielder—a move that stifled their own creativity.
The exclusion of Raphael Amponsah, a more natural fit for midfield control, raised eyebrows, as did the decision to leave George Paaku on the bench until the 65th minute.
The Phobians have now gone nine consecutive seasons without winning their opening fixture, last tasting victory in February 2016 when Sam Yeboah scored against New Edubiase.
For a club eager to reestablish dominance, the recurring jitters suggest deeper structural problems.
A Season of Contrasts Ahead
The contrasting fortunes of Kotoko and Hearts on opening weekend underline the unpredictability of the Ghana Premier League.
For Kotoko, the psychological boost of conquering Berekum could serve as a launchpad for a serious title push.
For Hearts, however, the familiar failings on matchday one raise pressing questions about coaching decisions, squad balance, and mentality.
