Accra Hearts of Oak announced their arrival in the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League in resounding fashion on Sunday, routing Berekum Chelsea 4-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.
The comprehensive victory hands new Bosnian manager Nebojsa Kapor a dream start to his tenure in the capital, while delivering a harsh opening-day reality check for Kwaku Danso’s reconstructed Chelsea side.
It took the Phobians barely four minutes to break the deadlock. Veteran striker John Antwi pounced on a loose ball during a goalmouth scramble inside the area, firing low to set the tone for the afternoon.
Chelsea nearly found a way back into the contest following a rare lapse in concentration from Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, whose miscued control gifted Jonah Attuquaye a golden chance. However, the forward squandered the opportunity, blasting his shot wastefully over the crossbar.
That missed lifeline proved fatal. Hearts capitalized on their defensive let-off and tightened their grip before the break, with Antwi rising highest in the 37th minute to powerfully head home his second of the match and double the advantage.
The second half brought little relief for the visitors, as Kapor’s men continued to dictate the tempo and probe for more.
Substitute Kader Mahmoud put the result beyond all doubt in the 86th minute, marking his debut in style by glancing home a pinpoint cross from Ransford Mensah to make it 3-0.
There was still time for further gloss when Ali Mohammed calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to cap a dominant display.
The statement victory vaults Hearts of Oak straight to the summit of the league table after the opening round of fixtures. The Phobians will look to maintain their momentum when they face Bibiani GoldStars next, while Chelsea return to home turf to regroup against Dreams FC.