Hearts of Oak climb to second, Kotoko slide further as GPL Matchweek 10 delivers thrills

Matchweek 10 of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season served up everything football fans could ask for — a commanding Hearts of Oak victory, a late collapse from Asante Kotoko, stoppage-time drama, and a tightening battle at the top of the table. Nine players were also recognised as NASCO Men of the Match across the weekend's fixtures, as announced by the Ghana Football Association.

Hearts of Oak send a warning, Kotoko in trouble

The biggest talking points of the weekend centred on the two most decorated clubs in Ghanaian football — and both stories could not have been more different in tone.

At the University of Ghana Stadium, Hearts of Oak delivered their most convincing performance of the season, dismantling Heart of Lions 3-0. Ransford Mensah wasted no time, putting the Phobians ahead inside just two minutes. John Antwi then took over, netting a brace to seal a resounding win that lifted Hearts to second place on the table with 20 points. Abdul Karim was named the NASCO Man of the Match for his efforts in the victory.

For Heart of Lions, the result was a damaging one. They drop to 16th place, firmly entrenched in the relegation fight with an increasingly difficult run of fixtures ahead.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko's difficult run of form continued in Berekum, where they suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park. Kotoko appeared to have done enough when Inusah Adam converted a penalty in the 60th minute to give them the lead. However, Zacharia Fuseini equalised five minutes later before Yussif Bayanalabe broke Kotoko hearts with a winner in the 90th-plus-one minute, sparking wild scenes among the home supporters. Emmanuel Ofosu took the Man of the Match award for Chelsea. The defeat means Kotoko have now gone three league matches without a win and sit in 10th place with just 13 points.

Medeama hold firm at the summit

Defending champions Medeama SC maintained their grip on top spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Swedru All Blacks at the TnA Park. Kingsley Braye's 38th-minute strike proved to be the difference, and Emmanuel Annor collected the NASCO Man of the Match honour for his display.

Hot on Medeama's heels are Port City FC, who are making quite the impression in what is their debut season in the top flight. Francis Gyetuah's 65th-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over Basake Holy Stars to keep Port City third on the table with 18 points. Gyetuah, unsurprisingly, took the Man of the Match award.

At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United produced their own share of late drama, beating FC Samartex 2-1 thanks to substitute Dennis Modzaka's goal deep in stoppage time — the 90th-plus-fifth minute — after Augustine Okrah's opener had been cancelled out by Gabriel Osei. Okrah was named Man of the Match for the Hunters.

Elsewhere, Karela United were held to a goalless draw by Vision FC in Friday's only fixture in Tamale, with Faisal Gariba earning the Man of the Match recognition for Karela. FC AshantiGold captain Kojo Twumasi was similarly honoured after his side drew 0-0 with Young Apostles at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi. Dreams FC shared the spoils with Debibi United in a 1-1 draw, with Bernard Kokonu picking up the Man of the Match award, while Bibiani Gold Stars were also held at home by Aduana FC — Claude Shooting Bortey claiming the individual honour for Gold Stars.

What this means for the title race and relegation battle

After ten matchweeks, the picture at both ends of the table is becoming clearer. Medeama SC, Hearts of Oak, Port City FC and FC Samartex occupy the top four positions, with the title race shaping up to be a compelling contest. Port City's rise in particular is a remarkable story — a newly promoted side competing comfortably among the league's elite will be one of the season's most fascinating subplots to follow.

At the bottom, however, the concern is real. Heart of Lions, Young Apostles and Dreams FC are all in the relegation zone, and with the halfway point of the season approaching, the pressure on those clubs to find results is mounting. For Kotoko, while they are not in immediate danger of going down, their current form is a source of genuine worry for supporters who expect a title challenge, not a mid-table drift.

• Hearts of Oak move to second place with 20 points after thrashing Heart of Lions 3-0.
• Berekum Chelsea beat Kotoko 2-1 with a 90+1 stoppage-time winner from Yussif Bayanalabe.
• Medeama SC lead the table, with Port City FC third on 18 points in their debut season.