Five Talking Points from Opening Matchday of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season burst into action on Saturday, September 7, 2024, with nine electrifying matches unfolding across various stadiums, setting the tone for an exhilarating campaign.
The curtain closed on game week one of the current season at Tarkwa’s state-of-the-art T&A stadium, where Medeama S.C edged out Accra Lions with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Here are some key stats from the opening round of fixtures.
Invincible Nations FC on home soil
Nations FC maintained their perfect home record in the Ghana Premier League, remaining unbeaten since their debut in the 2023-24 season after their goalless draw yesterday against Bechem United.
The Abrankese-based club has maintained an unblemished home record, remaining the only team in the top flight with no loss since the start of last season with an impressive 10 wins and 8 draws in 18 matches at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex under the guidance of coach Kasim Mingles.
Nations FC’s draw against Bechem highlights their continued dominance at home, transforming their stadium into an impenetrable fortress that opposing teams struggle to conquer.
Kotoko end winless run against Karela
Kotoko began their campaign on a high note, edging Karela United 1-0 on the road to claim a crucial away victory.
Kotoko have found it tough to secure wins against Karela United in recent times. The Porcupines had struggled during Karela’s days at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park in Ainyinase and had still failed to record a win in the last four years.
Kotoko’s last triumph over Karela United dates back to the 2020-21 season when they secured a convincing 2-0 win.
Since their last win in the 2020-21 season, Kotoko’s subsequent visits to Karela have yielded a dismal record of two defeats and a draw, with no victories to show.
Hearts of Oak’s poor run on match day one shows no signs of ending
Hearts of Oak experienced a shocking loss to Basake Holy Stars, the newest team in the Ghana Premier League, in their season opener at the Accra Sports Stadium today, September 8, 2024.
Hearts of Oak’s recent loss to Holy Stars marks a disappointing start to the season, continuing a streak of unsuccessful Matchday One performances since the 2015/16 season.
2016/17 season
Inter Allies 0:0 Hearts of Oak
2020/21 season
Aduana 2:0 Hearts of Oak
2021/22 season
Hearts of Oak 0:0 Legon Cities
2022/23 season
Aduana 1:0 Hearts of Oak
2023/24 season
Real Tamale United 1:0 Hearts of Oak
2024/25 season
Hearts of 0:1 Holy Stars
The last time Hearts of Oak won or scored a goal in the opening round fixture of the GPL was 2015/16 season when they beat New Edubiase at home.
The Phobians’ slump has continued unabated, with the team unable to record a win or score a single goal.
Hearts of Oak’s opening fixtures have been a cause for concern, with the team conceding 5 goals and failing to score any in the last 6 seasons, a streak they’ll be eager to break.
The era of Hearts of Oak’s superiority over newcomers has drawn to a close
Hearts of Oak experienced a shocking loss to Basake Holy Stars, the newest team in the Ghana Premier League, in their season opener at the Accra Sports Stadium today, September 8, 2024 courtesy of a lone goal from Prince Tweneboah.
Sunday’s defeat against Holy Stars marked a historic turning point for Hearts of Oak, as their four-year unbeaten run against newly promoted Ghana Premier League teams finally came to an end.
Hearts of Oak have a stellar record against newcomers in the Premier League, with six wins and one draw in their last seven matches, scoring 12 goals and only conceding three ¹. This impressive run showcases their ability to adapt and thrive against fresh opposition.
Goals scored
The current season of the Ghana Premier League has seen the lowest number of goals scored on match day one compared to the previous four seasons.
2020/21 season – 25 goals scored
2021/22 season – 17 goals scored
2022/23 season – 11 goals scored
2023/24 season – 14 goals scored
2024/25 season – 10 goals scored
The second round of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15, 2024.
