Matchday Three of the Premier League delivered a weekend of contrasting fortunes, as Hearts of Oak dropped their first points of the season, Asante Kotoko extended their unbeaten start with a draw at FC Samartex 1996, while Debibi United and Port City FC recorded historic first top-flight victories.
Bibiani Gold Stars also produced the weekend’s biggest result, rallying to defeat ten-man Dreams FC 3-2 at the Tuba Astro Turf, while Aduana FC and Basake Holy Stars secured important wins.
Hearts of Oak 0-0 Bechem
Hearts of Oak dropped their first points of the season after being held to a goalless draw by Bechem United at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Phobians had entered the contest seeking a third consecutive victory after impressive wins over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars, but were unable to break down a disciplined Bechem defence.
Despite controlling large spells and creating opportunities, Hearts lacked the cutting edge to find a breakthrough. The result ends their winning run but extends their unbeaten start to three matches, with the Phobians remaining top of the table.
Bechem United leave Legon with a valuable point and will next host Dreams FC.
FC Samartex 1996 1-1 Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign after securing a point in a 1-1 draw with FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
Goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad was instrumental for the Porcupine Warriors, saving a 66th-minute penalty before Emmanuel Mamah headed Kotoko into the lead in the 75th minute.
Samartex responded eight minutes later through Christian Agyenim Boateng to level the contest and preserve their unbeaten home record.
The result leaves Samartex second on the table, level on points with leaders Hearts of Oak, while Kotoko sit fourth with five points. The Porcupine Warriors remain without an away victory this season.
Dreams FC 2-3 Bibiani Gold Stars
Bibiani Gold Stars produced a stunning comeback to beat ten-man Dreams FC 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Tuba Astro Turf.
Dreams raced into an early lead through Razak Salifu before being reduced to ten men following Chris Yaovi Guede's 40th-minute dismissal.
Michael Nkoah equalised for Gold Stars in the 69th minute, only for Mohammed Shaban to restore Dreams' lead four minutes later. The Miners responded again, with Evans Adomako levelling in the 81st minute before Bernard Kesse struck in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback.
The victory gives Gold Stars their first win of the campaign, while Dreams continue to wait for their first three points.
Aduana FC 2-1 Karela United
Aduana FC secured their first victory of the season in dramatic fashion, defeating Karela United 2-1 at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.
Stephen Amankona put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the 41st minute, but Nyaba Iddi Mahfuz restored parity for Karela in the second half.
With the game heading towards a draw, Mohammed Shawkan struck in the seventh minute of added time to snatch all three points for Aduana and provide a timely response to their previous stoppage-time defeat to Samartex.
Debibi United 3-0 Young Apostles
Debibi United made history by recording their first-ever Ghana Premier League victory with a commanding 3-0 win over Young Apostles at the Debibi Presby Park.
Kwadwo Obeng Jnr set the newcomers on their way with an early goal before adding a second in the 34th minute. Debibi completed the scoring before half-time to secure a memorable victory in front of their home supporters.
The result marks a significant milestone for the debutants, while Young Apostles were unable to build on their Matchday Two victory over Basake Holy Stars.
Basake Holy Stars 1-0 Ashantigold 04
Basake Holy Stars bounced back from their Matchday Two defeat with a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Ashantigold 04 at the AAK II Sports Arena in Ampain.
Joseph Hudson scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute as Holy Stars capitalised on their first-half pressure.
Ashantigold pushed for an equaliser after the break but found the home defence difficult to breach, suffering their first defeat of their maiden Premier League campaign.
Port City 2-1 Berekum Chelsea
Port City FC celebrated their first-ever Premier League victory after defeating Berekum Chelsea 2-1 at the Nana Boamah Darko II Park in Kukurantumi.
Francis Gyetuah opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Jamal Haruna restored parity for Chelsea in the 66th minute.
Gyetuah completed his brace in the 79th minute to restore Port City's lead and seal a historic first top-flight victory for the newcomers.
The result gives Port City an important boost as they continue their maiden Premier League campaign, while Chelsea suffer their second defeat of the season.