Ashantigold opened their first premier league match on a bright note as they beat Liberty Professionals 1-0 at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium courtesy prolific striker Shaibu ?Owen? Yakubu who was adjudged the best player cum goal king in the just ended GT gala tournament.

The deadlock was however broken in the 35th minute when enterprising Kwaku Sarpong initiated an attack from the midfield and laid a pass to Alfred Arthur on the left flank who did not hesitate and released the ball to Shaibu in the 18yard box. Shaibu Yakubu controlled well and placed the ball at the wrong side of Patrick Antwi setting the Len Clay Stadium alive.

Liberty accepted the challenge and lifted their game but the well-knitted defence of Ashgold comprising Adamu Mohammed, Joseph Jackson, skipper Kofi Amoako and strongman Kwaku Wiafe contained all the dangerous situations depriving Liberty from finding the equalizer.

Liberty Professionals effected substitutions when they brought on Yaw Adams, Essuman Mustapha and Commey Shardrack for Eric Bekoe, Daniel Gyamfi and Felix Baffoe. The changes however worked to perfection when Liberty seized the midfield making things rather difficult for the attackers of Ashgold. Ashgold also brought on Alfred Arthur for injured Nasir Lamine, Gabriel Opoku-Ware taking over from Kwaku Sarpong and Issahaku Zakari for Adamu Mohammed.

The ding-dong battle continued with both sides missing chances upon chances until referee William Agbovi brought proceedings to an end.