Ghana Premier League: Bashir Hayford hails player discipline as Heart of Lions edge Dreams

Heart of Lions opened their 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dreams FC at the Kpando Stadium on Sunday.

Club captain Ebenezer Abban converted from the penalty spot in the first half to hand the Lions all three points, with Dreams unable to mount a comeback.

Head coach Bashir Hayford praised his players for executing the game plan and staying disciplined throughout the contest.

“Dreams has been a bogey club for us and it was not easy beating them,” Hayford said after the match.

“I am happy with the instructions I gave to my attackers that they should control the ball, and when they enter the 18-yard box, they should not panic because there’s another option if they are brought down. And that was the only goal of the match.”

The victory is a morale boost for Heart of Lions, who finished second in last season’s league with 60 points. They will next face newly promoted Eleven Wonders at the Ohene Ameyaw Stadium.