Match Overview

The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season kicked off with an unexpected stalemate as Hearts of Oak faced debutants Hohoe United at the Accra Sports Stadium. Despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match, Hohoe United held firm to earn a valuable point in their first-ever top-flight fixture.

First Half: Hohoe United's Resilience

From the outset, Hearts of Oak dominated possession, pressing high and creating several early chances. However, Hohoe United's defense, led by captain Kweku Asuandze Baffoe, remained resolute. The visitors' goalkeeper, Samuel Amoah, was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep the Phobians at bay.

Despite the pressure, Hohoe United's counter-attacks posed occasional threats, with midfielder Isaac Asante orchestrating play from the middle of the park. Hearts of Oak's Salifu Ibrahim and Benjamin Afutu Kotey struggled to break down the disciplined defense, and the first half ended goalless.

Second Half: Hohoe United Reduced to Ten

The second half saw Hohoe United's defender, Kwame Osei Bonsu, receive a red card for a late challenge on Hearts of Oak's Dennis Nkrumah-Korsah. Reduced to ten men, Hohoe United shifted to a more defensive setup, with all players behind the ball.

Hearts of Oak intensified their attacks, with Ibrahim and Kotey testing Amoah with long-range shots. However, the goalkeeper's excellent reflexes and the defenders' commitment ensured that the Phobians couldn't find the back of the net.

Post-Match Reactions

Hearts of Oak's head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, acknowledged the challenges faced during the match but remained optimistic. He commended his team's effort and emphasized the importance of patience in their attacking play.

On the other hand, Hohoe United's coach, Tijani Abdul Rahim Bashiru, expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their discipline and determination. He noted that earning a point in Accra was a significant achievement for the newly promoted side.

The 0-0 draw marked a frustrating start for Hearts of Oak, who have now gone seven consecutive seasons without scoring in their league opener. For Hohoe United, the result was a commendable introduction to top-flight football, showcasing their resilience and potential.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with Hearts of Oak aiming to find their scoring touch and Hohoe United seeking to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.