Berekum Chelsea will kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a high-profile showdown at the Golden City Park on Saturday, September 13, as they host giants Asante Kotoko in what promises to be a captivating season opener.
This marks the fifth time since 2020 that the Porcupine Warriors visit Berekum and history suggests the hosts have reason to be optimistic.
Berekum Chelsea- Aiming for redemption
Last season was one to forget for Berekum Chelsea, who endured a disappointing campaign that saw them slump to 12th place, their lowest league finish since the 2013/14 season. With 12 wins, 8 draws, and 14 defeats, the Blues were far from their usual competitive selves.
Yet, Chelsea still found solace in their strong home record against Asante Kotoko. They are unbeaten in the last five Golden City Park meetings with the Porcupines (W2, D3). That run includes memorable victories in the 2022/23 (3-2) and 2023/24 (2-1) seasons, as well as three draws, underlining the difficulty Kotoko face when visiting Berekum.
Encouragingly, Chelsea opened last season with a home win, a narrow 1-0 triumph over Karela United, and will be hoping for another fast start to restore confidence and momentum heading into the new campaign.
Asante Kotoko- Ambitious and reinforced
Asante Kotoko approach the 2025/26 season in buoyant mood after a fruitful 2024/25 campaign. While they finished third in the league, the Porcupine Warriors enjoyed remarkable success in cup competitions, lifting the MTN FA Cup (a record-extending 10th title), the President’s Cup, the Champion of Champions and the Toyota Cup after defeating South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in Durban.
The Porcupines have also strengthened smartly during the off-season. New signings include Morifing Donzo from Guinea, former Chelsea man Hubert Gyau, Francis Acquah from Bechem United, and Lord Hilary Adabo from FC Samartex 1996. Crucially, they have retained all their key performers from last season, ensuring squad stability as they mount another title challenge.
Kotoko have proven to be quick starters in recent years, unbeaten in their last three league openers (W2, D1). They’ll be eager to maintain that run and begin the season on a high, though their historical struggles in Berekum remain a significant hurdle.
Head-to-Head - Fortress Golden City
Berekum Chelsea have established the Golden City Park as a fortress in this fixture. Since the 2020/21 season, they are unbeaten at home against Kotoko in five straight meetings. The record highlights Kotoko’s struggles in Berekum and sets the stage for another fiercely contested battle.
What to Expect
With Chelsea desperate to rebound from last season’s disappointment and Kotoko brimming with confidence after a silverware-laden campaign, Saturday’s clash promises high intensity and drama. The hosts will rely on their proud home record against the Porcupines, while Kotoko’s new recruits will look to make an immediate statement of intent.
The Golden City Park has witnessed thrilling encounters between these two sides in recent years, and with both clubs setting contrasting but ambitious targets for the new season, another captivating contest lies ahead.
GFA Communications