The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ended dramatically with title celebrations, survival battles, controversy, and standout performances marking an unforgettable final day.
All Blacks Shock Kotoko to Escape Relegation
Asante Kotoko ended their season on a sour and controversial note after suffering a shocking 2-1 home defeat to Swedru All Blacks in a tense final-day encounter that carried huge relegation implications.
Coming into the match, All Blacks were firmly trapped in the relegation battle and needed victory at all cost to preserve their top-flight status. The pressure surrounding the fixture was already intense before kickoff, especially following allegations that a match official had reportedly facilitated a meeting between representatives of the visitors and Kotoko officials prior to the game. Although no evidence has been produced and no official report has confirmed wrongdoing, the final result is likely to fuel further speculation among supporters and observers.
Kotoko appeared to be in control in the opening half and took the lead in the 45th minute through an own goal by Tutu Clement, sending the home crowd into celebration at halftime. However, the complexion of the match changed dramatically after the break as the desperate visitors responded with urgency and determination.
Richard Mensah restored parity in the 56th minute before William Danquah completed the turnaround with the winning goal in the 68th minute, silencing the Kotoko faithful and handing All Blacks a priceless victory that ultimately secured their survival.
The defeat capped a disappointing campaign for Kotoko, who finished 8th on the table with 49 points despite boasting one of the league’s best defensive records. For All Blacks, the victory lifted them to 15th place with 45 points, completing a remarkable escape from danger on the final day.
Tension boiled over after the final whistle as angry home supporters reacted furiously to the outcome. The atmosphere around the stadium reportedly became hostile, forcing Kotoko players to be escorted out secretly in an ambulance for their safety amid fears of crowd trouble.
While the result officially stands as a crucial survival victory for All Blacks, the controversy and allegations surrounding the game are certain to dominate post-season discussions unless clarity is provided by the relevant football authorities.
Chelsea Edge Bechem in Five-Goal Thriller
Berekum Chelsea ended their Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over regional rivals Bechem United in an entertaining final-day clash.
With both sides safely clear of relegation and out of the title race, the match was about finishing strongly and improving their final league positions. Chelsea rose to the occasion, moving up to seventh place with 50 points, while Bechem finished 10th after a difficult season.
The hosts took control in the first half through a quick double from Abubakar Seidu in the 35th and 37th minutes. Bechem pulled one back before halftime through Augustine Okrah.
Chelsea restored their two-goal cushion in the 85th minute via Owusu Marvin before Okrah added a late consolation. Chelsea held firm to seal the win.
Atta Kumi Hits Six as Gold Stars Run Riot
Bibiani Gold Stars ended their Ghana Premier League campaign in sensational fashion with a dominant 8-3 victory in a breathtaking final-day encounter highlighted by a historic individual performance from Samuel Atta Kumi.
The high-scoring contest exploded into life after a competitive first half that ended 2-1, but the second half turned into a one-sided attacking exhibition as Gold Stars completely overwhelmed their opponents with six additional goals to close the season emphatically.
At the centre of the destruction was Atta Kumi, whose extraordinary six-goal haul instantly became one of the standout individual performances of the Ghana Premier League season. The prolific forward displayed ruthless finishing, intelligent movement, and remarkable composure in front of goal as he repeatedly punished the opposition defence throughout the contest.
His remarkable tally not only powered Gold Stars to victory but also secured him the league’s top scorer award, crowning what has been a superb campaign for the striker. Scoring six goals in a single top-flight match is a rare achievement and further underlines his growing reputation as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Ghanaian football.
Phobians Hit Four past Champions Medeama
Hearts of Oak produced one of their finest performances of the season as they defeated newly crowned champions Medeama 4-2 in an entertaining Ghana Premier League final-day showdown.
The result ensured Hearts finished third on the table with 54 points, rounding off the season with renewed confidence and momentum ahead of the next campaign.
Hearts made a dream start when Issah Hamza. opened the scoring just four minutes into the game, setting the tone for an energetic display from the hosts. The forward doubled his tally in the 56th minute after Hearts had carried their slim first-half advantage into the break.
Although Medeama responded through Braye Kingsley. in the 63rd minute to reduce the deficit, Hearts continued to attack with purpose and intensity. An own goal in the 78th minute restored the home side’s two-goal cushion before Wayo Mawuli. added a fourth in the 86th minute to effectively put the contest beyond reach.
Medeama managed a late consolation through Mensah Jacob. deep into stoppage time, but it did little to take away from Hearts’ dominant display.
Despite suffering defeat, Medeama still finished top of the table with 62 points after an impressive title-winning campaign that saw them record 17 victories and score 52 goals.
Nations Win But Still Go Down
Nations FC closed their Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, but the result ultimately proved insufficient as they still suffered relegation on a heartbreaking final day.
Knowing only a win would give them any chance of survival; Nations approached the encounter with urgency and determination. Their positive start paid off in the 15th minute when Sarpong Antwi found the breakthrough goal, sending hope and belief through the team and supporters as the pressure mounted elsewhere in the relegation battle.
The early strike separated the two sides at halftime, with Nations showing resilience and discipline to protect their advantage heading into the second half. Despite creating a few promising moments after the break, they were unable to extend their lead, leaving the outcome of their survival hopes dependent on results from other venues.
The visitors pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Nations defended resolutely and managed to hold on for all three points in what became a tense and emotional contest.
Despite their victory, Nations still finished inside the relegation zone and were condemned to the drop after an inconsistent campaign that saw them struggle to build momentum throughout the season.
By Jesse Otoo
gpl rESULTS
Asante Kotoko 1:2 Swedru All Blacks
Berekum Chelsea 3:2 Bechem United
Bibiani Gold Stars 8:3 Eleven Wonders
Hearts of Oak 4:2 Medeama
Holy Stars 1:4 Dreams
Karela 0:1 Nations FC
Vision 3:0 Aduana
Young Apostles 2:0 Samartex
Heart of Lions 3:0 Hohoe United
