Hearts of Oak began their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign in emphatic fashion after cruising to a commanding 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.
The victory brought an end to the Phobians’ frustrating 10-year wait for a Matchday 1 victory, having last won their opening league fixture in 2016.
Experienced forward John Antwi Duku was the star of the show, scoring twice in the first half to put Hearts firmly in control before Mamadou Kader and Ali Mohammed completed the rout after the break.
Head coach Nebojsa Kapor could hardly have wished for a better start to his competitive tenure, as Hearts combined attacking intent with clinical finishing to sweep aside the Bibires.
The Phobians needed just five minutes to break the deadlock.
Antwi was quickest to react to a loose ball inside the Chelsea penalty area and made no mistake from close range, sending the home side into an early lead.
The goal injected further confidence into Hearts, who continued to control proceedings and threaten the Chelsea defence with incisive attacking moves.
Their pressure paid off again before halftime when Antwi doubled his tally.
The veteran striker rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from new signing Alex Banso, powering his header beyond the goalkeeper to give Hearts a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Berekum Chelsea returned for the second half with greater attacking purpose and created opportunities as they attempted to reduce the deficit.
However, the visitors lacked the required composure in front of goal, with Hearts’ defence standing firm whenever the Bibires threatened.
Hearts remained dangerous on the break and eventually extended their advantage through Ivorian forward Mamadou Kader.
Kader connected with a superb cross from Rasford Mensah before calmly finishing to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond reasonable doubt.
The Phobians were not finished, however, and continued to push forward in search of another goal.
They were awarded a penalty late in the game, giving defender Ali Mohammed the opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet.
Mohammed kept his nerve from the spot, confidently converting the penalty to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
The result represents a dream start for Hearts of Oak and, more importantly, brings to an end a long-standing opening-day hoodoo that had followed the club for a decade.
Kapor will now hope the impressive performance serves as a springboard for a sustained challenge as Hearts look to establish themselves among the leading contenders in the new campaign.
Berekum Chelsea, meanwhile, face an early opportunity to respond when they host Dreams FC at the Golden City Park on Matchday 2.
Hearts of Oak will travel to Bibiani to take on GoldStars, with the Phobians aiming to maintain the momentum generated by their spectacular opening-day triumph.