Hearts of Oak delivered the standout performance of the opening weekend, thrashing Berekum Chelsea 4-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon to storm to the top of the Ghana Premier League table.
John Antwi stole the show with a brilliant first-half brace, scoring inside four minutes before adding his second in the 37th minute. Debutant Kader Mahmoud made it three late on, while Ali Mohammed converted a penalty in stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory.
The result gave Bosnian coach Nebojsa Kapor the perfect start to life with the Phobians, who sent an early warning to their rivals with one of the most dominant displays of the weekend.
Kotoko held by Debibi despite late rescue
As Hearts celebrated a statement victory, Asante Kotoko endured a frustrating afternoon in Berekum, drawing 2-2 with newly promoted Debibi United.
Dogo Yakubu gave the Porcupine Warriors an early lead, but Debibi produced a spirited second-half comeback through a Richard Owusu brace. Kotoko eventually rescued a point when Herbert Gyau struck from a goalmouth scramble.
It was far from the ideal start for Eric Tinkler's side, while Debibi emerged from their Premier League debut with a performance that suggested they will not be easy opponents this season.
Samartex cruise as Bechem and Holy Stars win narrowly
FC Samartex 1996 also made an impressive start, beating Karela United 3-1. Edwin Kofi Asamoah opened the scoring before Isaac Afful and Meschack Sowah Adjetey put the result beyond doubt, with Jonas Wisdom's late strike proving only a consolation for Karela.
Bechem United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bibiani GoldStars, with Darlvin Yeboah scoring the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time.
Basake Holy Stars also needed a late winner to begin their campaign with maximum points, as Francis Oteng Gyetuah struck in the 82nd minute to seal a 1-0 victory over Swedru All Blacks.
**Lions and Aduana settle for a point **
Elsewhere, Heart of Lions and Aduana FC played out a goalless draw in Kpando, with neither side able to find the breakthrough in a tightly contested opening-day encounter.
**Debutants share spoils **
Port City FC marked their historic Premier League debut with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against fellow newcomers FC Ashantigold at the Daasebre Boamah Darko II Park on Sunday.
Ashantigold took the lead through Zak Musah in the first half and had a golden opportunity to extend their advantage from the penalty spot early after the break. However, Port City goalkeeper Abdul Aziz produced a superb double save to keep his side in the contest.
The hosts made the most of that reprieve in the 66th minute when captain Hamza Zakari rose highest to head home the equaliser and secure a memorable point in Port City's first-ever Premier League fixture.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough as the historic clash between the two debutants ended level.
Port City will next face defending champions Medeama SC, who will be away on international duty, while FC Ashantigold return to Obuasi to host Vision FC.
GFA Communications
