Hearts of Oak Defeat Kotoko, but Bibiani GoldStars Clinch 2025 GHALCA Top 4 Title
Accra Hearts of Oak ended their 2025 GHALCA Top 4 campaign on a high note with a convincing 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, but it was Bibiani GoldStars who ultimately walked away with the trophy on head-to-head advantage.
The highly anticipated clash, staged at the University of Ghana Stadium, saw the Phobians dominate proceedings from start to finish as they delivered one of their most commanding performances against the Porcupine Warriors in recent years.
Hearts made their intentions clear right from kick-off with swift, free-flowing football that unsettled Kotoko’s backline. The pressure paid off inside just four minutes, when youngster Frank Duku capped a dazzling 15-pass move by calmly slotting the ball between goalkeeper Ibrahim Mohammed’s legs to hand the Phobians the lead.
Kotoko attempted to respond with spells of possession, but Hearts’ compact defensive organisation ensured the Porcupine Warriors found little joy in the final third.
After the interval, Hearts nearly doubled their advantage through Martin Karikari, whose fierce half-volley was spectacularly tipped onto the crossbar by substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
The Phobians, however, would not be denied for long. In the 73rd minute, defender Emmanuel Amankwah rose highest to connect with a corner, powering his header beyond Camara to seal a deserved 2-0 triumph. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Hearts faithful, who turned the Legon venue into a sea of yellow, red, and blue.
Despite Hearts’ impressive display, it was Bibiani GoldStars who were crowned champions of the mini-tournament. They finished level on points with the Phobians but edged them out on head-to-head record to lift the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 trophy.
The competition has once again proven valuable for all four participating clubs, offering coaches and technical teams a vital opportunity to assess their squads and sharpen strategies ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
