Hearts of Oak overturned a first-half deficit to beat Gold Stars 2-1 at Duns Park in Bibiani, extending their perfect start to the Ghana Premier League season to two wins from two and drawing an immediate parallel to the club’s title-winning form of a decade ago.
The Phobians were made to work for the result after a sluggish opening period allowed the home side to break the deadlock. Head coach Nebojsa Kapor did not shy away from the shortcomings, but praised his side’s response after the interval, crediting a shift in tempo, composure in possession, and character for turning the contest decisively in Hearts of Oak’s favour.
We opened the game very bad. We conceded the goal, sorry, congratulations to the player who kicked the ball in the net. That was very good intention from him and good action. But how we allowed our opponents’ solutions and actions, that was the same as how we considered them. That wasn’t good.” Nebojsa Kapor -Hearts of Oak Head Coach
Kapor’s men regrouped at the break, and the change was immediate and visible. Hearts of Oak pressed higher, moved the ball with greater urgency, and began to dictate the rhythm of the match in a manner the coach said reflected his true vision for the team.
From the start of the second half, this team was looking like how I prefer. We played very quickly, very fast, and found a lot of solutions. I think we deserved this victory, and congratulations to my players they showed very serious heart, and I’m sure that also changed this game on our side.” Nebojsa Kapor – Hearts of Oak Head Coach
Two second-half goals turned the deficit into victory, sending the travelling Phobians support into celebration and lifting Hearts of Oak to the summit of the early-season standings on maximum points.
Banso Injury Scare
The victory was tempered by concern over an injury to Alex Banso, whose withdrawal during the match prompted questions after the final whistle. Kapor urged caution while offering a note of optimism over the winger’s condition.
It’s too early and we don’t want to rush about this, but I hope his injury will not surprise us. This will not be an injury where he misses so many matches. I’m praying he will be okay, but we are going to do everything the medical team suggests. I hope he will be good, and you will see him on the ground very soon.” Nebojsa Kapor – Hearts of Oak Head Coach
A full assessment from the club’s medical team is expected in the coming days, with Kapor stressing that no risks would be taken with the player’s recovery.
Echoes of 2016
Beyond the three points, the result carries historical weight. Hearts of Oak’s win at Duns Park means the club has now opened a league season with back-to-back victories for the first time since 2016, when the team began the campaign under then-head coach Kenichi Yasuhashie.
Remarkably, the parallel extends beyond the bare results. In both instances, the second win of the campaign arrived against opposition from Ghana’s Western Region, a coincidence that has not gone unnoticed among supporters tracking the club’s form.
Perfect Starts, A Decade Apart
2016
Week 1: Hearts of Oak 1–0 New Edubiase
Week 2: Medeama SC 0–2 Hearts of Oak
2026
Week 1: Hearts of Oak 4–0 Berekum Chelsea
Week 2: Gold Stars 1–2 Hearts of Oak
Ten years on and under a different head coach, Nebojsa Kapor’s Hearts of Oak have replicated the feat, this time opening with a commanding 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea before overturning a deficit away at Gold Stars, just as their 2016 counterparts did against Medeama SC.