Hearts of Oak have ended their decade-long wait for a Ghana Premier League Matchday 1 victory after recording an emphatic 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Veteran striker John Antwi Duku was the standout performer, scoring twice as the Phobians made a dominant start under head coach Nebojsa Kapor.
Hearts took control from the beginning and broke the deadlock in the fifth minute when Antwi reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the penalty area to put his side ahead.
The experienced forward doubled the advantage before halftime, heading home a cross from new signing Alex Banso to give Hearts a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
Berekum Chelsea improved after the interval and created opportunities to reduce the deficit, but the Bibires lacked the finishing quality to punish the hosts.
Hearts remained a threat on the counterattack and added a third goal through Ivorian international Mamadou Kader, who calmly finished a cross from Rasford Mensah.
The Phobians completed the rout in the closing stages after being awarded a penalty. Defender Ali Mohammed confidently converted from the spot to seal the 4-0 victory.
The result brings an end to Hearts of Oak’s long-standing Matchday 1 jinx, with their previous opening-day league victory coming in 2016.
Hearts will next travel to Bibiani to face GoldStars, while Berekum Chelsea will host Dreams FC at the Golden City Park.
