GPL GAMEWEEK 2 WRAP: Hearts perfect, Samartex unbeaten as Kotoko back on track

Matchweek Two of the Ghana Premier League delivered another weekend of excitement, drama and standout performances, with several clubs recording important victories as the early-season battle began to take shape.

Hearts of Oak maintained their perfect start with a dramatic comeback win at Bibiani Gold Stars, while Asante Kotoko finally ended their long wait for a victory over Heart of Lions. FC Samartex 1996 also preserved their 100 percent record with a late win in Dormaa, while Berekum Chelsea, Karela United, Swedru All Blacks and Young Apostles all picked up valuable three points.

Here is a look at how each game unfolded.

Hearts of Oak moved to the top of the Premier League table after producing a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Bibiani Gold Stars 2-1 at Dun’s Park.

Gold Stars started brightly and took control of the contest in the opening stages. Their early pressure was rewarded in the 10th minute when experienced striker Kwame Opoku found the breakthrough, putting the hosts in front and giving Hearts plenty to think about.

The Phobians, however, gradually grew into the game and began to show the character that has been a feature of their impressive start to the campaign.

Their persistence finally paid off in the second half when Yaw Baafi finished calmly to bring Hearts level following excellent work from Kwaku Boateng Henry.

The momentum quickly shifted in favour of the visitors. Just five minutes after the equaliser, Baafi turned provider, setting up Boateng Henry, who made no mistake with his finish to complete the turnaround.

Gold Stars refused to surrender and pushed hard for a late equaliser. Their best opportunity came when they were awarded a penalty, but Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced a crucial save to deny the hosts and preserve his side’s lead.

The victory gives Hearts six points from their opening two matches after their emphatic 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea on the opening weekend.

For Gold Stars, the defeat brought an end to their impressive 19-game unbeaten run at Dun’s Park.

Asante Kotoko secured their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Heart of Lions at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The result was particularly significant for the Porcupine Warriors as it marked their first victory against Heart of Lions since 2015.

Kotoko made their intentions clear and eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Emmanuel Mamah got the decisive touch on Patrick Asiedu’s dangerous low cross to give the home side a deserved advantage.

Mamah continued to play a key role after the break, this time turning provider. In the 62nd minute, he set up Isaac Opoku Agyemang, who calmly finished to double Kotoko’s lead.

Heart of Lions refused to go down without a fight and were handed a lifeline late in the match when they won a penalty. Francis Odoom stepped up and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit.

Kotoko were then forced to defend with 10 men after Hamaid Fuseini received a straight red card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage and late pressure from Lions, Kotoko held firm to claim a crucial three points and give coach and supporters an important first win of the campaign.

FC Samartex 1996 continued their excellent start to the season with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Aduana FC at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park.

The match appeared destined to end without a goal, with both teams struggling to find the decisive moment in front of goal.

But just when it seemed the points would be shared, Samartex found a way to snatch victory.

Ebenezer Okrah struck in the fifth minute of added time after the visitors capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error.

The late winner sparked celebrations for the Timber Giants, who now have six points from their opening two matches following their 3-1 victory over Karela United on matchday one.

The win also underlined Samartex’s impressive record in Dormaa. They have now gone unbeaten in their last five Premier League visits to the venue, recording three wins and two draws.

For Aduana, it was a painful way to lose a match in which they had battled hard for a positive result.

Berekum Chelsea responded in impressive fashion to their opening-day defeat to Hearts of Oak by beating Dreams FC 3-1 at the Golden City Park.

The Bibires made a flying start, taking the lead after just three minutes through Abubakari Seidu.

Chelsea continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again in the 16th minute when Jonah Attuquaye doubled their advantage.

Dreams FC struggled to find a response for much of the game but managed to pull a goal back in the 75th minute through Abdul Razak Salifu.

The visitors then appeared capable of mounting a late comeback, but Chelsea remained composed and eventually put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.

Marvin Owusu found the net to make it 3-1 and secure a convincing victory for the home side.

After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Hearts on matchday one, Chelsea will be encouraged by the manner of their response.

Karela United recorded their first victory of the campaign after recovering from an early setback to beat Bechem United 3-1.

Bechem United took the lead in the 22nd minute through Kelvin Appiah, putting the visitors in a strong position.

Karela, however, refused to panic and gradually worked their way back into the contest.

Their persistence was rewarded before the break when Mohammed Zaidan restored parity, setting the stage for an entertaining second half.

Karela returned after the interval with renewed determination and eventually completed the turnaround when Wisdom Jonas put them ahead.

Bechem were unable to respond as Karela grew in confidence.

Substitute Joseph Bekoe then put the result beyond doubt with a spectacular late free-kick, sealing a 3-1 victory and giving Karela their first three points of the season.

Swedru All Blacks secured their first points of the campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Premier League debutants Debibi United.

The Black Magicians came into the game looking to recover from their opening-day defeat to Basake Holy Stars, while Debibi were hoping to build on their encouraging 2-2 draw against Asante Kotoko.

The decisive moment arrived in the 41st minute when John Andoh scored the only goal of the contest.

Debibi United pushed for an equaliser after the break but could not find a way through the All Blacks defence.

The result gives Swedru All Blacks an important first win of the season, while Debibi suffered their first defeat since gaining promotion to the top flight.

Despite the setback, the debutants have already shown signs that they can compete at this level following their opening-day draw against Kotoko.

Young Apostles also celebrated their first Premier League victory after edging Basake Holy Stars 1-0 at the Nana Abrefa Nketia VII Stadium.

The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead as early as the seventh minute through Samuel Prempeh.

Rather than allowing the early goal to change their approach, Young Apostles remained organised and disciplined, frustrating Basake Holy Stars for the remainder of the contest.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser but were unable to break down a determined Young Apostles defence.

The 1-0 victory gives Young Apostles their first three points of the campaign and maintains their unbeaten home record against Basake Holy Stars.

For the visitors, attention now turns to their next challenge when they host FC Ashantigold, with a response needed after suffering their first defeat of the season.

With two rounds of matches now completed, the early Premier League picture is beginning to emerge.

Hearts of Oak and FC Samartex 1996 have both made perfect starts, while Asante Kotoko have also opened their account with a significant victory. Other clubs have shown encouraging signs of recovery, ensuring that the race for points is already producing plenty of drama.

If Matchweek Two is anything to go by, the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season promises plenty more twists, late winners, comebacks and surprises as the campaign gathers momentum.