Hearts of Oak’s winless run in Ghana Premier League season openers stretches to seven campaigns

Hearts of Oak’s struggles in Ghana Premier League season openers continued on Friday as their 0-0 draw with Hohoe United stretched the club’s winless run on matchday one to seven consecutive campaigns.

The Phobians have not recorded a victory in an opening-day fixture since the 2016/17 season, a barren streak that underlines their recent slow starts.

According to Ghana Premier League data, the sequence began in 2017/18 with a goalless draw against Inter Allies.

It resumed in 2020/21 when Hearts fell 2-0 to Aduana FC, followed by another 0-0 stalemate with Legon Cities in 2021/22.

In 2022/23 they again lost to Aduana, this time 1-0, before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Tamale United in 2023/24.

The pattern continued last season when Basake Holy Stars shocked the capital club 1-0 in Accra at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Friday’s draw at the Accra Sports Stadium with newly promoted Hohoe United makes it seven opening-day games without a win.

Despite often being among the pre-season favourites, Hearts have repeatedly stumbled out of the blocks, undermining early momentum in their league campaigns.

The club’s supporters will be hoping the team can quickly recover from another frustrating start to mount a serious title challenge this term.