Accra Hearts of Oak capped off their GHALCA Top 4 campaign with a spirited 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday, but it was Bibiani GoldStars who walked away with the trophy thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
At the University of Ghana Stadium, the Phobians looked sharp and purposeful from the first whistle, determined to end the tournament on a high.
Their dominance paid off just four minutes into the contest when teenager Frank Duku finished off a flowing 15-pass move by slotting the ball through goalkeeper Ibrahim Mohammed’s legs.
Hearts continued to dictate play after the break, and nearly doubled their lead when Martin Karikari’s thunderous half-volley was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by substitute goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
The second goal eventually came in the 73rd minute as Emmanuel Amankwah rose highest to head home from a corner, sealing victory and sending the Hearts supporters into raptures.
Despite the convincing win over their fiercest rivals, Hearts were denied silverware, with GoldStars crowned champions of the 2025 pre-season competition on head-to-head advantage.
The Top 4 tournament has served as an important build-up for all four participating clubs as they prepare for the upcoming 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign.
