ACCRA, Ghana— Accra Hearts of Oak ended five seasons of frustration on opening day with a commanding 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea in their Ghana Premier League opener at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday, as debutant John Antwi scored twice and head coach Nebojsa Kapor hailed his side's mindset.
The Phobians had failed to win on matchday one since the 2021/22 season, a run that included a 0-0 draw with Legon Cities in 2021/22, a 1-0 loss away to Aduana Stars in 2022/23, a 1-0 defeat away to Real Tamale United in 2023/24, a 1-0 home loss to Basake Holy Stars in 2024/25, and a 0-0 draw at home to Hohoe United last term.
Kapor, who is not new to the Ghana Premier League having previously managed Tema Youth, Bechem United and Medeama SC before joining Hearts on a two-year deal this summer, said he deliberately avoided discussing that record with his players.
"Yeah, the feeling is good," Hearts of Oak coach Nebojsa Kapor said. "I don't concentrate too much about previous results, sometimes it puts pressure on the players. But we are really happy."
His new striker gave him plenty to be happy about. John Antwi, the former Al Ahly, Pyramids and Dreams FC forward who switched from Dreams FC to Hearts of Oak this season to address last season's shortage when Hearts scored just 25 goals and conceded 15, marked his debut with a brace in the 4th and 37th minutes.
"He's not a new face in the Ghana Premier League, you know him and what he can do and this is the reason he is here," Kapor said of John Antwi.
Hearts could have led by more at the break. Raphael Amponsah saw a powerful strike from outside the 18-yard box brilliantly saved by Berekum Chelsea goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi in the 21st minute. The home side finished with 11 shots, six on target, and 53% possession to Chelsea's six shots, one on target.
Kapor believes the performance reflects a shift in mentality.
"Our mindset is going up and I am sure we will continue in this path," the Hearts of Oak coach added.
Kader Mamadu made it 3-0 in the 88th minute before Ali Mohammed converted a 90+2 minute penalty to complete the rout.
Despite Antwi's debut double, Kapor is keen to manage expectations around the Hearts of Oak striker.
"We are not putting pressure on him," Kapor said. "If he continues working hard as he does in training, more goals will come for John Antwi."
Hearts of Oak will next travel to face Bibiani GoldStars on matchday two of the Ghana Premier League.
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