Samartex handed GHALCA Top Four spot after Hearts of Oak withdrawal

FC Samartex 1996 will replace Hearts of Oak in the 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament after the Phobians pulled out of the competition over scheduling concerns.

Samartex’s inclusion was confirmed by Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman John Ansah following Hearts’ decision to withdraw on Tuesday, 11 August.

Hearts said the dates for the tournament clashed with existing club commitments and came too close to the start of the new Ghana Premier League season, raising concerns about their preparations.

The Phobians had asked GHALCA to consider moving the tournament to different dates, but the association decided to keep the original schedule.

Ansah said maintaining the dates was important for the credibility and consistency of the competition, particularly for GHALCA’s relationship with its sponsors and partners.

“We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season,” Ansah told Asempa FM.

Samartex’s promotion means the club will now get the opportunity to test itself against some of Ghana’s leading sides ahead of the new campaign.

The decision also ends speculation over whether Nations FC could take Hearts’ place.

Nations FC will represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup but finished outside the top four in the previous league season.

Ansah said GHALCA was keen to maintain the competition’s established format.

“We have been sticking to the top four teams for the past three seasons now, and so even though Nations FC will play in the CAF Confederation Cup, they did not finish in the top four,” he added.

The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to run from 26 to 30 August, with Samartex now taking its place among the participating clubs.

For Samartex, the late invitation provides an unexpected opportunity to sharpen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

For Hearts, the focus will instead remain on their own preparations after deciding that protecting their pre-season programme was the best option.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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