FC Samartex 1996 will replace Hearts of Oak in the 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament following the Accra-based club’s decision to withdraw from the competition.
Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), John Ansah, confirmed that Samartex, who finished fifth in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League, will take the place of the Phobians.
Hearts of Oak announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, August 11, citing a clash between the tournament dates and the club’s existing programme, as well as concerns over preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.
According to Mr Ansah, Hearts of Oak had written to GHALCA requesting a change to the scheduled dates of the tournament.
However, he stressed the importance of maintaining consistency with the competition’s arrangements, particularly in building confidence among corporate partners and sponsors.
“Hearts of Oak wrote to us to change the date, but consistency is key in building the confidence of the corporate world,” Ansah told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He confirmed that FC Samartex had consequently been selected to fill the vacant spot.
“We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season,” he said.
Mr Ansah also explained why Nations FC, despite qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, will not participate in the GHALCA Top Four Tournament.
“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 explained.
The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26 to 30.
