From Gyamfi's Hat-Trick to Antwi's Goals: Five GPL players making an early impact

The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season is still in its early stages, but several players have already caught the eye with impressive performances.

From an emerging forward announcing himself with a perfect hat-trick to experienced attackers and midfielders delivering for their respective clubs, the opening matches have produced some encouraging individual displays.

Here are five players who have surprised and stood out so far.

1. David Gyamfi Jnr – Ashanti Gold

David Gyamfi Jnr, popularly known as King Diego Maradona, has made an early statement with Ashanti Gold.

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The Atonsu Gyinase native and former Kumasi High School student scored the first hat-trick of the 2026/27 season as Ashanti Gold defeated Vision FC 3-1 on Match Day 1.

2. John Antwi – Hearts of Oak

At 34, John Antwi is showing that experience can still make a major difference in the Ghana Premier League.

The veteran striker joined Hearts of Oak after serving as captain of Dreams FC last season and has made an immediate impact.

Antwi has scored two goals in two games, but his contribution extends beyond finding the net.

His movement and positioning create space for Hearts' attacking midfielders, while his experience provides leadership for the younger players around him.

For a team looking to build a potent attack, Antwi's influence could prove valuable throughout the campaign.

3. Emmanuel Mama – Asante Kotoko

Emmanuel Mama has also enjoyed a promising start following his move to Asante Kotoko from Samartex.

The forward has scored two goals so far, including one against his former club when Kotoko faced Samartex on Matchday Three.

Scoring against a former club always carries an added layer of significance, but Mama's early goals have also given Kotoko another attacking option as the season develops.

4. Seidu Saana – Aduana FC

Aduana FC's midfield has been another area of interest, with Seidu Saana emerging as one of the players making an impression.

The midfielder combines energy, composure and intelligence in the middle of the park and has already opened his account for the season.

Saana scored his first goal of the campaign in Aduana FC's 2-0 victory over Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium.

His ability to contribute defensively while also offering creativity and a goal threat has made him one to watch in the early weeks of the season.

5. Derrick Atta Afriyie – Bechem United

Bechem United defender Derrick Atta Afriyie has quietly put together one of the better defensive starts of the campaign.

The centre-back has helped Bechem United keep three clean sheets in their opening four matches.

The only match in which the side conceded was their Matchday Two encounter against Karela United, when Bechem shipped three goals.

With the defender playing a key role in Bechem's defensive solidity, Atta Afriyie's form has been one of the pleasant surprises of the opening weeks.

The season is still young, and there is plenty of football to be played.

But if their early form is anything to go by, Gyamfi, Antwi, Mama, Saana and Atta Afriyie are five names worth keeping an eye on as the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign unfolds.

FKA/EB

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