Gyau’s Late Header Secures A Point In Berekum

Hubert Gyau’s 79th-minute header rescued a point for Asante Kotoko as they opened their 2026/2027 Ghana Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Debibi United. 

The newly promoted Premier side, who were having their first taste of Ghana’s elite football competition, played away from home at the Golden City Park in Berekum. 

Head Coach Eric Tinkler, who was taking charge of his first league game, made two changes to the side that won the Democracy Cup a week ago, with forward Dogo Yakubu coming in for Ivorian winger Eric Gbetta, who didn’t make the matchday squad due to a late fitness concern. Lord Hilary Adabo was also given the start ahead of Abdoul Kader in midfield, alongside Richard Boadu, who was also making his second debut for the club. 

18-year-old right back Emmanuel Sanja, who joined Kotoko from Vision FC, started the game, making his debut for the Warriors. 

Dogo Yakubu had Kotoko in the lead in 15 minutes of the first half as he scored from Hubert Gyau’s well-timed pass from the edge of the box. 

Yakubu’s opener was equalised by Richard Owusu five minutes into the second half from a well-taken free kick. The goal spurred the home side on as they eventually took the lead in the 74th minute when Richard Owusu got his brace on the afternoon, connecting perfectly to a cut-back pass inside the box. 

Tinkler effected some attacking changes with Walid Fuseini, Donzo and Opoku Agyemang all introduced as the Warriors mounted pressure for the equaliser. Kotoko’s threat was rewarded with a goal just before the 80th minute when Donzo flicked the ball into Gyau’s path, and the new number 10 nodded it home to give Tinkler’s men the equaliser. 

The South African gaffer felt his side didn’t stick to the plan throughout the game but admitted that the 2-2 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. 

Kotoko will now regroup and prepare for Heart of Lions next Sunday.