Ghana Premier League: Kotoko begin campaign with narrow win at Berekum Chelsea

Asante Kotoko opened their 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign with a slim 1-0 win at Berekum Chelsea on Saturday.

⚽ Asante Kotoko celebrates their win against Berekum Chelsea 🔥🔥#GPL #GPL2025 #GPLisBack pic.twitter.com/XYH0sO0Vs7

— 🇬🇭 Ghana Premier League (@GhanaLeague) September 13, 2025

A scrappy first half characterized by cynical tackles and wild shoves saw minimal goal scoring opportunities created by both sides.

Kotoko, who are the FA Cup holders, were dealt a huge blow in the 24th minute when Kwame Opoku got injured with his place taken by Morifing Donzo. The Guinean attacker made his presence felt, posing occasional threats in Berekum Chelsea’s final third.

For a moment, Kotoko thought they had found the opener with Emmanuel Antwi’s tap-in from close range but that effort was adjudged offside in the 36th minute, eventually ending the first half barren.

Both clubs returned for the second half in search of the opener, however the finishing touch to their opportunities were not clinical enough.

Berekum Chelsea were left off the hooks in the 72nd minute when Emmanuel Antwi’s strike from outside the box was headed goal bound but goalkeeper Emmanuel Adu saved the day for the home side.

Kotoko later found the lead through Albert Amoah who latched on to Hubert Gyau’s pass to beat Berekum Chelsea keeper Emmanuel Adu in the 79th minute.

Albert Amoah’s goal against Berekum Chelsea pic.twitter.com/rqSSDfc64m

— Shaban Mohammed (@ShabanMo9) September 13, 2025

The Porcupine Warriors, per the result, broke the jinx of consistent poor performances at the Golden City Park where they had not won in 13 prior games.

In another opening fixture on Saturday, defending champions Gold Stars nailed Bechem United by 2-1 at the Duns Park.

The opening fixture of the season saw debutants Hohoe United hold giants Hearts of Oak to a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Week 1 Results

Friday Sept 13

Hearts of Oak 0-0 Hohoe United

Saturday Sept 13

Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Kotoko

GoldStars 2-1 Bechem United

Sunday Sept 14

Heart of Lions vs Dreams FC
Holy Stars vs Eleven Wonders
Karela vs Aduana
Nations vs All Blacks
Vision vs Samartex
Young Apostles vs Medeama

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