Basake Holy Stars midfielder Francis Oteng capped a decisive individual performance with the Player of the Match award after inspiring his side to a narrow 1-0 victory over Swedru All Blacks in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign.
The midfielder produced the defining moment at the Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Sports Arena in Ampain on Sunday, finding the back of the net in the 80th minute to secure maximum points for Coach Abdulai Gazale’s charges.
In a closely fought encounter, both sides displayed commendable tactical discipline, with neither team willing to relinquish control of the midfield or expose themselves defensively.
Chances were at a premium throughout the opening stages as the visitors remained compact and disciplined, while Basake Holy Stars patiently searched for a way through the resolute Swedru All Blacks rearguard.
The deadlock was finally broken with just ten minutes of regulation time remaining.
Oteng rose to the occasion when his side needed inspiration, producing a composed finish in the 80th minute to give the hosts a priceless advantage.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations inside the Ampain arena and ultimately proved sufficient to hand Basake Holy Stars all three points on the opening weekend.
Having taken the lead, the Holy Stars displayed composure and defensive resilience during the closing stages, successfully frustrating the visitors’ attempts to restore parity.
Oteng’s match-winning contribution earned him the MVP accolade, adding further distinction to an impressive outing and underlining his potential importance to Gazale’s side throughout the campaign.
The victory provides Basake Holy Stars with an ideal platform from which to build, but Gazale will be mindful that consistency will be crucial if his side are to turn an encouraging opening result into a sustained challenge in the league.
With three points already secured, Holy Stars will now look to sharpen their attacking play, maintain their defensive solidity and build the confidence required to compete strongly over the course of the season. For a side with ambitions of making its mark in the 2026/27 campaign, Sunday’s victory offers more than just three points it is an early statement of intent.
Attention now shifts to their next league assignment against Young Apostles, where Basake Holy Stars will be expected to carry the same resilience and competitive edge into another demanding fixture as they seek to establish themselves among the teams to watch in the early stages of the campaign.