GHALCA Top 4: Hearts of Oak defeat Asante Kotoko but GoldStars clinch title
Hearts of Oak secured a commanding 2-0 victory over sworn rivals Asante Kotoko in the final round of the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 competition, but it was Bibiani GoldStars who lifted the trophy on the head-to-head rule.
The Phobians, seeking redemption after inconsistent results against Kotoko in recent years, came out with intensity at the University of Ghana Stadium. Their slick passing and high pressing paid off almost immediately.
In just the 4th minute, youngster Frank Duku finished off a superb 15-pass sequence by sliding the ball between goalkeeper Ibrahim Mohammed’s legs to break the deadlock.
Kotoko pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Hearts’ compact defensive organization kept them at bay.
The Phobians almost doubled their advantage early in the second half when Martin Karikari’s powerful half-volley was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by substitute keeper Mohammed Camara.
Hearts eventually put the game beyond doubt in the 73rd minute as Emmanuel Amankwah rose highest to nod home from a corner, sparking jubilant celebrations in the stands.
Despite the victory, Hearts fell short of the title as GoldStars edged the standings on head-to-head advantage, having finished level on points with the Accra giants.
The Top 4 competition provided all four participating clubs with a valuable platform to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, with plenty of positives for both winners and runners-up.
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