AshantiGold's Gyamfi Junior hits hat-trick glory as GPL Matchweek 2 crowns eight stars

David Gyamfi Junior has announced himself as a formidable attacking threat in Ghana's top flight after a scintillating performance that saw him score the first perfect hat-trick of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. The FC AshantiGold forward inspired his side to a commanding 3-1 victory over Vision FC at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, earning the NASCO Man of the Match award and a 32-inch television in the process.

Gyamfi Junior's three-goal haul overshadowed a consolation free-kick from Vision's Sheriff Mohammed, cementing his status as one of the standout performers in Matchweek 2 of the season. His clinical finishing has already made him a player to watch as the campaign develops.

Strong starts across the league

Asante Kotoko finally opened their account for the season with a crucial 2-1 win over Heart of Lions at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, with Joseph Amoah earning plaudits for his midfield control. Emmanuel Mamah and Isaac Opoku Agyemang scored Kotoko's goals, whilst Francis Odoom's late strike proved merely consolation for the visitors.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Swedru All Blacks FC continued impressing with a narrow 1-0 victory over Debibi United FC at the Swedru Sports Stadium. Eric Wiafe Darkwah dictated proceedings from midfield, with John Andoh's first-half goal proving decisive. At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea bounced back spectacularly from their opening 4-0 hammering by Hearts of Oak, thrashing Dreams FC 3-1 at home. Jonah Attuquaye was unplayable throughout, earning the NASCO award for his commanding display.

Karela United FC demonstrated resilience following their opening defeat by hammering Bechem United FC 3-1 at home, with Wisdom Jonas Manyina orchestrating the rout. Away from home, defending champions FC Samartex secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aduana FC at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa. Zakari Musah's controlling performance earned him Man of the Match honours, with substitute Ebenezer Okrah clinching victory with a dramatic 95th-minute winner.

Hearts of Oak maintained their perfect record with a 2-1 comeback win at Bibiani Gold Stars, with goals from Yaw Amankwah Baafi and Henry Kwaku Boateng arriving within three minutes of each other in the second half. Despite the loss, Kwame Opoku's display impressed sufficiently to earn NASCO recognition. Young Apostles FC recorded their first win, edging Basake Holy Stars FC 1-0 at the Wenchi Sports Stadium, with midfielder John Atta Junior Afram earning the award for his controlling performance.

Why it matters for Ghana

Matchweek 2 painted an encouraging picture of Ghana Premier League depth and quality. The emergence of Gyamfi Junior as a clinical finisher provides hope that the league continues producing world-class talent capable of attracting continental and international attention. The strong performances across multiple clubs—from newly-promoted sides like Swedru All Blacks to established powerhouses like Hearts of Oak and Kotoko—suggest a competitive season ahead.

The NASCO Man of the Match award system also highlights individual excellence and provides valuable recognition for players performing at their peak, creating healthy competition and motivation across clubs. Matchweek 2 produced 21 goals across eight fixtures, demonstrating attacking prowess throughout the league. The only postponement involved Medeama SC's fixture against Port City FC due to continental CAF Champions League commitments—a reminder that Ghana's clubs remain engaged in regional competition.