Reigning champions Bibiani Gold Stars opened their Ghana Premier League title defence with a 2–1 victory over Bechem United, while Asante Kotoko ended a 15-year wait for an away league triumph against Berekum Chelsea.
At Bibiani, Samuel Atta Kumi wasted no time in stamping his mark, putting the champions ahead in the 3rd minute after a sharp attacking move. He doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a composed finish, sparking early celebrations among the home fans.
Bechem United, however, responded almost instantly, with Darlvin Yeboah pulling one back just a minute later. Despite mounting pressure in the second half, the visitors could not find an equaliser as the Gold Stars defence stood firm to seal all three points.
The result provides Gold Stars with a timely boost as they turn their focus to continental football, where they will host Algeria’s JS Kabylie in a CAF Champions League qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, 20 September.
In Berekum, Asante Kotoko finally broke their long-standing jinx, earning a slender 1–0 win over Chelsea at the Golden City Park. After a tense and evenly contested first half, the Porcupine Warriors found the breakthrough midway through the second period.
Albert Amoah capitalised on a defensive lapse, drilling a low shot beyond Adu Emmanuel to hand Kotoko the decisive goal. The visitors then produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate Chelsea’s attempts at a comeback.
The victory marks Kotoko’s first away win against Berekum Chelsea in 15 years and gives them a strong start to the campaign. It also sets the tone for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash against Nigeria’s Kwara United on Sunday, 21 September.
Both sides will be hoping to carry their domestic form into continental competitions as Ghana’s representatives seek to make an impact on the African stage.
