UMB Division One League: Semper Fi, WAFA and Accra Lions open with victories

Semper Fi FC began their 2026/27 UMB Division One League campaign with a 2-1 away win over former Premier League side Okwawu United FC at Carl Reindorf Park on Sunday.

The result gave last seasons runners-up an early boost, with Kofi Boakye Yiadom providing the decisive contribution. He scored twice before half-time to establish a commanding position for the visitors.

Boakye Yiadom opened the scoring in the 12th minute, putting Semper Fi ahead early in the contest. He struck again on the stroke of half-time to give his side a two-goal advantage at the interval.

Okwawu United responded with greater urgency after the restart and eventually pulled a goal back in the 78th minute. Quophy Nyame Berima reduced the deficit with an excellent finish from inside the box, but Semper Fi held on to claim all three points.

WAFA SC also started the new campaign with an away victory, recovering from a goal down to beat Golden Kick SC 2-1 at the Tuba AstroTurf on Saturday.

Golden Kick made the stronger start and took the lead in the 20th minute. Midfielder Shaban Abubakar found the net with a powerful long-range effort to put the hosts in front.

WAFA restored parity shortly before half-time when Eyram Sappor finished with a fine volley in the 42nd minute. The visitors then completed the turnaround in the 62nd minute through Michael Nyantakyi, whose spectacular strike moved WAFA into the lead.

That goal proved to be the winner as WAFA secured a maximum return from their opening fixture.

Accra Lions FC, another former Premier League side, also recorded a winning start after defeating Golden Warriors FC 2-0 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday.

Isaac Yawson broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, giving Accra Lions a 1-0 lead at the interval. Golden Warriors pressed for an equaliser after the restart, but Accra Lions resisted the pressure and protected their advantage.

The home side finally put the outcome beyond doubt in stoppage time, when Diarra Abdoulaye scored a second goal to complete the 2-0 victory.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS