GPL 2025/26: Defending Champions Gold Stars to open season at Home to Bechem United

Story By Citisports On August 4, 2025, 5:39 PM

Defending champions Gold Stars FC will kick off their 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title defence with a home fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani. The much-anticipated encounter sets the stage for what promises to be another exciting season of top-flight football in Ghana.

Accra Hearts of Oak, looking to bounce back from a mixed 2024/25 campaign, begin their journey with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United. Meanwhile, fierce rivals Asante Kotoko will hit the road to face Berekum Chelsea in their opening fixture.

Match Day 1 also features tricky away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC will visit league debutants Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.

Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC will begin their campaigns away from home—visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Last season’s runners-up, Heart of Lions, host Dreams FC on the opening weekend, while Karela United entertain Aduana FC.

Key Fixtures and Derbies

The first leg of the iconic Accra Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko clash is set for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Another highlight will be the Ashanti Derby, as Nations FC host Asante Kotoko on Match Day 9, before travelling to Kumasi for the return leg on Match Day 26.

The Volta Derby makes a long-awaited return as Hohoe United host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, with the reverse fixture taking place on the final day of the season—Match Day 34—in Kpando.

Brong Ahafo Regional Clashes

A string of Brong Ahafo derbies will add fire to the league calendar:

Young Apostles face Bechem United (Match Day 5), Berekum Chelsea (Match Day 7), and Aduana FC (Match Day 16), with reverse fixtures on Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively.
Aduana FC take on Bechem United (Match Day 9) and Berekum Chelsea (Match Day 11).
Bechem United will square off with Eleven Wonders (Match Day 14), and later face Berekum Chelsea (Match Day 17).
Berekum Chelsea host Eleven Wonders at the Golden City Park on Match Day 16.

Western Rivalries

Medeama SC host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture on Match Day 23.
Medeama also welcome Basake Holy Stars on Match Day 15, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32.
FC Samartex visit Basake Holy Stars on Match Day 14, with the reverse Western Derby scheduled for Match Day 31.

Season Schedule and FIFA Calendar Alignment

The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season will commence on the weekend of September 12, 2025, and conclude on the weekend of May 23–24, 2026. This scheduling aligns with the FIFA international calendar and ensures completion before the start of the 23rd FIFA World Cup, set for June 11 to July 19, 2026.

With Congress scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Ghana Football Association is committed to starting the Premier League season on time and ensuring its timely conclusion.

Matches will predominantly be played on weekends, with midweek dates reserved for any outstanding fixtures, following the format of the 2024/25 season.