2025/26 GPL Matchday 2 Report: Heart of Lions roar to emphatic victory against Wonders as Hohoe United’s Premier League home debut ends level

In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Heart of Lions delivered a statement performance on Saturday, overpowering their opponents with a resounding 4-1 victory at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex. The match was a masterclass in offensive efficiency, leaving no doubt about the team’s current form and ambition for the season. From the first whistle, the Lions exhibited a level of cohesion and intent that their hosts struggled to contain, setting the stage for a memorable afternoon for the travelling supporters.

The outcome of the match was effectively decided in a devastating two-minute spell midway through the first half. The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute by the lively Paul Atta, who found the back of the net to give the visitors a deserved lead. Before the home side could even regroup, their deficit was doubled just moments later. In the 25th minute, Freeman capitalized on the momentum, slotting home a second goal to send the Lions into a commanding early lead and silence the home crowd.

Despite the two-goal cushion, Heart of Lions maintained their discipline and control throughout the second half. Any hopes of a dramatic comeback from the home side were briefly ignited when Kofi Asamoah managed to pull one back in the 69th minute. However, the goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation, as the Lions’ defense swiftly shut down any further threats, demonstrating a resilience that matched their attacking flair.

Any lingering suspense was extinguished in the closing stages of the game. As the clock ticked towards full time, legendary Ghanaian striker Ishmael Addo, entering the fray as a substitute, rolled back the years with a classic poacher’s goal in the 86th minute. This decisive strike not only secured the three points but also served as a poignant moment for fans of the domestic game. The scoring was capped in emphatic fashion deep into stoppage time by Kojo Kuma, who put the final exclamation point on a 4-1 rout.

This dominant victory is no isolated incident but rather a continuation of a formidable start to the campaign. On matchday one, the Lions secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Dreams FC. When combined with this latest triumph, the statistics paint a picture of a team in peak condition: a perfect six points from two matches, five goals scored, and only one conceded. This powerful opening suggests a squad with a potent blend of a stout defense and a multi-faceted attack.

As the league table begins to take shape, Heart of Lions have firmly positioned themselves as a team to watch. Scoring five goals in two matches is a testament to their firepower, while consecutive clean sheets until the final whistle in this game highlight their defensive solidity. With momentum firmly on their side, the Lions are not just winning; they are doing so with a style and confidence that marks them as serious contenders early in the season.

HOHOE UNITED 1-1 YOUNG APOSTLES
The Hohoe Sports Stadium witnessed a historic chapter in Ghanaian football on Saturday, as Hohoe United hosted their first-ever Ghana Premier League home fixture. The matchday two clash against Young Apostles was more than just a game; it was a celebration of a community’s arrival on the nation’s top-flight stage, culminating in a hard-fought 1-1 draw that saw both sides share the points.

The home side electrified the packed stadium shortly after the halftime break. Just two minutes into the second half, Abass Ganiu carved his name into the club’s history books, firing home to score Hohoe United’s inaugural Premier League goal on home turf. The landmark 47th-minute strike sent the passionate local fans into a state of delirium and seemed to set the stage for a perfect storybook ending.

However, the visiting Young Apostles had other plans. Demonstrating impressive resilience, they weathered the storm and found their equalizer in the 74th minute. Substitute Opoku emerged as the impact player for the Apostles, coming off the bench to cancel out Ganiu’s historic goal and silence the home crowd, ensuring his side would not leave empty-handed.

While the final whistle brought with it a sense of slight deflation for the home supporters who had hoped for a victory, the day ultimately belonged to history. The result may reflect mixed emotions, but nothing can erase the significance of the occasion—a day when Hohoe United truly arrived in the Ghana Premier League, claiming their first home point and a moment their fans will never forget.