In a release dated Monday, May 11, 2026, the club said it remains committed to resolving the matter in a professional and mutually respectful manner, stressing that recent engagements between both sides have included formal submissions through legal representatives and discussions in line with court procedures.

According to the statement, Hearts of Oak have already submitted a settlement proposal through Mr. Hiddink’s legal team, describing the move as part of efforts to bring closure to the case in the best interest of all parties involved.

The club also acknowledged circulating reports and alleged private conversations attributed to the former technical director, describing such developments as unfortunate and a potential distraction from ongoing efforts to reach a peaceful settlement. Management, however, indicated it would not be drawn into public commentary on the matter.

Hearts of Oak further emphasized that throughout the process, they have acted transparently and in good faith, with a focus on protecting the long-term interests and reputation of the club while respecting the rights of the other party.

At this stage, the Ghanaian giants say they are awaiting an official response from Mr. Hiddink and his representatives regarding the proposed settlement, while urging supporters and stakeholders to remain calm and patient as discussions continue.

The Board and management expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved swiftly and amicably, reaffirming their commitment to stability, progress, and the continued success of the club.

Statement below:

The Phobians were held to a goalless draw by Aduana FC at the Accra Sports Stadium in their Matchday 32 fixture of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Despite controlling large portions of the encounter and creating several scoring opportunities, Hearts of Oak failed to find a breakthrough as Aduana FC’s defence stood firm throughout the contest.

Speaking after the game, Dramani admitted his players struggled with making the right choices in decisive situations, which ultimately cost them all three points.

“I think that it’s part of the sporting event where you have challenges, and you have learning curves. I believe this is part of the learning, and we will deal with the challenges,” he said.

“It is still decision-making. I have said it from day one. I think we need to improve our decision-making.”

The experienced trainer also emphasised the need for constant development and humility as the season approaches its conclusion.

“I think what is important in football is that you always need to improve and you need to be humble enough to agree that there is work to be done and you have to grow,” he added.

The draw officially ends Hearts of Oak’s hopes of winning the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title.

Hearts of Oak will now turn attention to their next fixture against FC Samartex at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex on Matchday 33.

Gaspar, who assumed his role in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arrived in Ghana over the weekend as part of his early assessment of goalkeeping options for the national team.

His visit to the Phobians is aimed at monitoring first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, while also engaging with goalkeepers coach Fatau Dauda.

He is expected to be present at the Accra Sports Stadium for the match as he continues his evaluation of potential national team prospects.

The exercise forms part of a wider technical plan to assess and strengthen Ghana’s depth in the goalkeeping department ahead of the global tournament.

Addressing the players during his visit, Gaspar delivered a strong motivational message, urging them to maintain elite levels of focus and consistency throughout the season.

He stressed that real development requires full commitment in every aspect of the game.

“Every day is the World Cup, every time you step on the pitch, and you cross the line, it’s the World Cup,’ he said.

“When you bring your body and when you bring your brain, your mind, and you bring your heart and bring your soul, your growth, your development will fly. Remember, every day is the World Cup,” Gasper added.

Speaking in an interview with Graphic Sports, the outspoken football administrator said the underperformance of both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko stems largely from poor decision-making and a lack of strategic direction.

“The challenges facing Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are fundamentally a leadership responsibility,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said.

He argued that the decline of the traditional giants cannot be attributed to player quality alone, insisting that deeper structural and administrative issues are undermining their competitiveness.

Once dominant forces in the Ghana Premier League, both clubs have in recent seasons struggled for consistency, with several emerging teams now matching or surpassing them in performance.

Their difficulties have been even more pronounced on the continental stage, where early exits from CAF interclub competitions have become increasingly common—a sharp contrast to their historic dominance in African football.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe maintained that without more strategic, accountable, and forward-looking leadership, efforts to restore the two clubs to their former glory are unlikely to succeed.

“I have been monitoring our local league, and the standard of play remains very low,” he told Graphic Sports.

His comments add to growing concerns about the quality and competitiveness of the domestic top flight, which was once widely regarded as a strong platform for producing some of Ghana’s finest football talents.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe pointed to deeper structural challenges as key factors behind the decline, including weak player development systems, declining coaching standards, and inconsistencies in match officiating.

He warned that without urgent reforms, the league risks further loss of appeal both locally and internationally.

His remarks come against the backdrop of underwhelming performances by Ghanaian clubs in continental competitions—a trend many analysts link to the weakening standards of the domestic league.

The outspoken administrator insists that restoring credibility will require a coordinated national effort, including increased investment in youth development, improved infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of professional standards.

The Phobians conceded a late goal to suffer a 1-0 defeat to Vision on Saturday in the Matchday 29 games, dealing a blow to their title ambitions as they failed to close the gap on the teams above them.

Speaking after the game, Didi Dramani noted that it was a tightly fought encounter that saw a few chances created, insisting there was no game flow.

“It was an open game, and either side could win the game, and I think that everyone will be disappointed because we came to play to try to win the game, and so if you don’t get the outcome that you need, you should be disappointed,” he said.

“I’m not sure there will be a team that could have won this game here. So there were so many factors that wouldn’t give us a chance to go in there, and we needed a flow of the game, and there was no flow of the game,” he added.

The defeat leaves the Rainbow Club third in the league standings, failing to catch up with the top two as they fall 7 points behind league toppers Medeama SC.

With five games left, Hearts of Oak will now turn its attention to Karela United as the Phobians hope to return to winning ways to improve their title ambitions.

The Phobians are set to face Vision FC at the Nii Adjei II Sports Complex on Saturday, April 11, in a crucial Matchday 29 encounter.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Dramani urged his side to remain focused and consistent as the season approaches its decisive phase.

“We are just six matches from the end of the season, and we know how important this weekend’s game and the rest of our games are,” he told Hearts TV.

“Ours is to continue with what is ahead of us and keep the pressure on the two clubs that are ahead of us. We just want to mount pressure on them and then concentrate on our matches,” Didi Dramani added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Hearts head into the game buoyed by a return to winning ways after edging Young Apostles 1-0 last weekend, ending a five-game winless streak.

The Rainbow Boys, currently third on 46 points, are targeting another victory against 13th-placed Vision FC as they chase league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, who sit five points ahead at the summit.

The Phobians have moved back to the Accra Sports Stadium as renovation works continue at the Legon Sports Stadium.

The switch appears to have boosted their fortunes, with Hearts securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Young Apostles in their Matchday 28 fixture on Sunday, ending a run of winless games.

Speaking after the match, Dramani lauded the quality of the pitch, noting that it enhances the standard of play and allows teams to express themselves.

“The Accra Sports Stadium has the best pitch in Ghana. If you are a football-loving person, you want to play on a very good pitch so that you can pass the ball,” he said.

“In the past, when we were going to play at the Accra Sports Stadium, we had to train on smaller grass pitches just to prepare. This is the best pitch you can have in Ghana.

“If you have the chance to play matches here, you can always give your best. I hope all our pitches in Ghana become like this,” he added.

The victory lifted Hearts of Oak to third place on the league table with 46 points, narrowing the gap to leaders Bibiani Gold Stars to five points and keeping their title ambitions alive.

Attention now shifts to their Matchday 29 clash against Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, where the Phobians will aim to build on their recent momentum.

The former Dreams FC goalkeeper was knocked unconscious in stoppage time moments after dealing with what appeared to be a routine save.

Agbasi received immediate medical attention on the pitch before being stretchered off and transported by ambulance to the stadium’s clinic for further care.

Head coach Didi Dramani, speaking after Hearts’ narrow 1-0 victory, confirmed the goalkeeper’s condition had improved significantly.

“He is fine now. The medics responded to the situation quite well and on time, so he was revived in no time.”

The coach added that Agbasi remains under close medical observation, stressing the importance of careful monitoring following such incidents.

“He could not come to the post-match conference because it was too soon for him. You cannot underestimate these things. You think you are fine, but you really need to be monitored for a while.”

Despite serving primarily as a second choice this season, Agbasi has made 11 league appearances for Hearts of Oak.

The Phobians will now shift focus to their Matchday 29 fixture against Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex next weekend.

The claims surfaced on Friday, with reports from the team’s camp in Vienna suggesting that two Rolex watches and an amount of $2,250 belonging to a team official had gone missing ahead of Ghana’s friendly against Austria.

In a sharply worded statement issued on March 28, the Ghana Premier League side described the allegations as “entirely false, misleading, and defamatory,” firmly denying reports attributed to an unnamed online platform.

The club revealed it had engaged the Ghana Football Association over the matter, with both parties united in dismissing the claims.

“The club has engaged directly with the Ghana Football Association, and both parties confirm that there is absolutely no truth to these claims,” the statement said.

Hearts of Oak further indicated that it has taken legal action by reporting those responsible for the perpetrators, including the alleged content creator, to law enforcement agencies and relevant regulatory bodies for investigation and possible sanctions.

The club also sought to calm concerns about Asare’s state of mind, stressing that the goalkeeper remains “in excellent condition, fully focused, and not in any way affected by these baseless claims.”

Statement below:

Hearts concluded by urging supporters and the general public to disregard the reports, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of their players.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have arrived in Stuttgart for their second international friendly against Germany on March 30, as they look to bounce back from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria.

According to a statement issued by the Parliamentary Service, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, will lead the launch at a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 GMT.

The event will take place at the Justice D. F. Annan Auditorium within Parliament House in Accra.

The statement noted that this year’s launch is expected to mark another milestone in what has become one of Ghana’s symbolic sporting initiatives.

Since its inception, the Democracy Cup has evolved into a platform that combines football with governance, reinforcing national identity while encouraging civic responsibility. Organisers say the competition continues to harness the unifying power of sport to promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion across the country.

The upcoming ceremony is expected to draw a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, Members of Parliament, representatives from the sporting fraternity, corporate partners, sponsors, and members of the diplomatic community.

Beyond Ghana’s borders, the Democracy Cup is gaining international recognition, with growing partnerships aimed at enhancing its global appeal.

The Parliamentary Service indicated that further details about participating clubs, fixtures, and prize packages will be announced in the lead-up to the launch.

Invitations have been extended to the public and key stakeholders to confirm attendance as preparations gather momentum for what organisers describe as an exciting and impactful edition of the competition.

In the first edition of the Democracy Cup, Asante Kotoko defeated Hearts of Oak. In the second edition, Hearts of Oak beat rivals, Accra Great Olympics. 

The third edition of the Democracy Cup is expected to draw a larger crowd and more dignitaries, with the venue for the game expected to be announced soon. 

The move comes amid ongoing redevelopment works at the University of Ghana Stadium, which had served as the club’s temporary home since November 2025.

During that period, the Phobians managed six points from five matches, showing early promise before a dip in form.

Under head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, Hearts opened their campaign at the University of Ghana venue with three consecutive victories but were later held to four straight goalless draws.

The return to their traditional base means Hearts will host five of their remaining eight fixtures at the Accra Sports Stadium, with three matches to be played away.

Currently fourth in the standings, the Rainbow Club trail league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars FC by six points as the title race enters its final stretch.

Following a frustrating stalemate against Heart of Lions FC, Hearts will be aiming to rediscover their winning touch when they take on Swedru All Blacks FC in their Matchday 27 encounter this weekend.

The result lifts the Phobians into third place for now, but it does little to mask their recent struggles. They are now without a win in four matches and have scored just once in that stretch, leaving their position vulnerable with Aduana FC still to play this weekend.

Chances were at a premium in a game defined more by structure than attacking flair. Hearts saw more of the ball but lacked the sharpness in the final third, with both sides managing just a single shot on target across the 90 minutes.

Lions, meanwhile, leaned on their impressive home form, matching Hearts’ intensity and discipline while carrying the greater threat from set pieces. They forced eight corners compared to Hearts’ two, as the sweltering conditions also took their toll, prompting a cooling break during the match.

The point moves Lions up to ninth on 34 points, though their standing remains subject to change depending on other results. Hearts now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Swedru All Blacks, while Lions prepare for a trip to face Young Apostles.

In another fixture, there was late drama as Techiman Eleven Wonders staged a spirited comeback to earn a draw against FC Samartex at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

Samartex raced into an early lead through Gabriel Osei just five minutes in and doubled their advantage when Emmanuel Marmah reacted quickest to a rebound after a missed penalty. But the hosts rallied in the second half, with Kofi Asamoah netting twice—including a late equaliser—to secure a vital point.

Despite the fightback, Eleven Wonders remain rooted to the bottom of the table, while Samartex are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after surrendering a two-goal lead.

The Phobians have gone three matches without victory—drawing twice and suffering one defeat—a dip in form that has dented their Ghana Premier League title ambitions. They currently sit fourth on the table with 41 points.

Attention now turns to their Matchday 26 fixture, where Hearts of Oak will face Heart of Lions at the Kpando Sports Stadium on Friday, March 20.

In a pre-match interview, Dramani emphasised the need for sharper attacking play, insisting that converting chances will be key to turning results around.

“We need to be very clinical in the final third, and this is what we’ve been working on,” he told Hearts TV.

“We’ve been working on our offensive play in terms of finding the right positioning and then finding the right structure and being positive and being very consistent in our ability to create more chances,” he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Since making his senior national team debut in March last year, Asare has established himself as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to guard the posts in the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany later this month.

In an interview with 3Sports, Asare called on fans to rally behind the team and expressed confidence in his ability to handle tough opponents.

“It’s my job, so I am ready for any match we want to play,” the experienced shot-stopper said.

“Once I have been called upon, all that’s left for me to do is to do my part and support the country. We have qualified, and we want to make our supporters happy. We are a big country and will compete against other big countries. God’s time is the best, so when it’s my time, I will do my job. We just need the support of Ghanaians to achieve positive results,” he added.

Asare is the only home-based player in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for the March international friendlies.

The Black Stars will face Austria at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna on March 27 before traveling to Stuttgart to take on four-time world champions Germany on March 30.

The Phobians have gone three league matches without a win, with their last victory coming against rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Speaking in an interview on Ultimate Sports Show on Asempa FM, Atuahene said the team’s current form is worrying despite the efforts of head coach Didi Dramani.

“Hearts of Oak is falling apart, and it is very sad. Didi Dramani is really working hard to help the team, but nothing seems to be working,” he said.

“They miss a lot of chances, and football is all about utilising chances because you might not get another, so it’s sad,” he added.

Hearts of Oak currently sit fourth on the league table with 41 points, level with Aduana FC and five points behind league leaders Medeama SC.

The Phobians will look to return to winning ways when they face Heart of Lions on March 22 in their Matchday 26 fixture as they attempt to revive their title challenge.

Asare, who plays for Accra Hearts of Oak, made his senior debut for the Black Stars in March last year and has since established himself as an important figure in the team. The former Accra Great Olympics goalkeeper has become the first-choice shot-stopper for the national side following his performances during Ghana’s qualification campaign.

Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Shatta Wale praised Asare’s growing influence and the excitement he is generating among fans.

“They have to. The buzz he is bringing to the World Cup — right now no one is talking about any other player than the goalkeeper. We need that,” he said.

He added that the momentum surrounding the goalkeeper should not be overlooked.

“Sometimes we downplay certain things, but I tell people when you are fixing a puzzle, God makes it funny, but humans want it to be serious. It can’t be too serious and then you go and make mistakes,” he noted.

“I think we should advocate for him to go to the World Cup,” he added.

Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament and have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23. They will wrap up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

As part of preparations for the tournament in North America, the team is scheduled to hold a training camp in March with friendly matches against Austria and Germany. Additional warm-up games against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2 are also planned.

After group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, Ghana will be aiming for a stronger performance this time around. Head coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad for the tournament on June 1.

The Phobians were held to a 0-0 stalemate at the University of Ghana Stadium in their Matchday 25 fixture of the Ghana Premier League. The result extends Hearts of Oak’s winless run to three matches since their triumph over rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Speaking after the game, Dramani acknowledged that his side needs to improve in the final third but insisted that earning a point was still a positive outcome.

“We still need to improve in our decision-making. It’s still work in progress. We could have lost the game, so it’s always better to have a point rather than none at all,” he said.

Hearts of Oak currently sit third in the league standings with 41 points, five behind leaders Medeama SC. They will look to return to winning ways when they face Heart of Lions in their Matchday 26 clash at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

The Phobian Club comes into the game after a 2-1 loss to Bibiani GoldStars, a result that Dramani says the team is determined to bounce back from.

Speaking ahead of the clash at the University of Ghana Stadium, Dramani highlighted the danger posed by Basake’s wingers, Prince Tweneboah and Gideon Quaison.

“It’s a very strong side. They play through very good wingers in the persons of Prince Tweneboah and Gideon Quaison, and they are very direct,” Dramani said.

“They try to put balls in the box, crosses, and so all that we need to do is to try to shut them off. We need to respond positively in that game,” he added.

The match is set to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

The reigning champions will host the Phobians at DUN’s Park in a Matchday 24 fixture, buoyed by last weekend’s impressive 2-1 away victory over Heart of Lions.

That result has injected fresh belief into the squad as Gold Stars intensify their push to retain the Ghana Premier League title.

Oti Manu believes the hard-fought win on the road has provided the perfect platform ahead of the visit of the Accra giants.

“It was very crucial…It was very difficult to win an away match. We are the best club in the (Ghana) Premier League in home matches, but we should do well if we want to win the league,” he told Citi Sports.

He credited head coach Fritz Schmid for sharpening the team’s mindset since taking charge two months ago, revealing that the Swiss trainer has placed significant emphasis on psychological preparation.

“Fritz Schmid has done refresher training courses with the players since he arrived two months ago, so psychologically, the team was up to the task to win that match [against Lions]. We are really ready to welcome Hearts of Oak on Sunday,” Oti Manu, who also serves as the Deputy Communications Director of the club, added.

Kick-off at DUN’s Park is set for 15:00 GMT.

The Phobians are set to host Chelsea in their Matchday 23 fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, as they look to build on recent momentum.

Hearts go into the encounter buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday — a result that trimmed the gap between themselves and league leaders Medeama SC to five points.

Speaking to the club’s media team ahead of the clash, Adamu said the derby triumph has injected renewed belief into the squad.

“We are very confident [ahead of the game against Berekum Chelsea], especially after the win we had in the super clash against Kotoko, last week; it has motivated us so well, and I know we will want to keep the consistency so we are well prepared for that game,” Adamu said.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

The Phobians will host Chelsea at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in their Matchday 23 fixture of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League, with kick-off set for 15:30 GMT.

Speaking ahead of the clash on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dramani acknowledged the threat posed by their opponents but stressed his team’s determination to maintain their winning momentum.

“We are coming up against a compact and very defensively oriented side in Berekum Chelsea,” he said.

“If you look at where they sit on the league log, it will be a demanding game. We are aware of what they can do on the day, but we will work to ensure we get the result.

“I’ll call on the fans to come in their numbers to fill the stadium and support the team,” he added.

Hearts of Oak, fresh from a victory over Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium last weekend, will be aiming to build on their recent resurgence.

In Sunday’s Super Clash at Baba Yara Stadium, the Phobian side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their fierce rivals. Baba Adamu’s 15th-minute header proved decisive, giving the Rainbow Club the edge.

Hearts of Oak, however, had to play the remainder of the match with a numerical disadvantage following Emmanuel Amankwah’s dismissal for a second yellow card.

“Hearts of Oak players were adaptive against Asante Kotoko because we kept changing after the red card, and we stuck to our structure,” Dramani told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

The win lifts Hearts of Oak to second place on the Ghana Premier League table with 39 points, five behind leaders Medeama SC. The team will aim to extend their winning streak when they host Berekum Chelsea in Matchday 23 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

His comments follow the Rainbow Club’s hard-fought 1-0 triumph over rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash at Baba Yara Stadium. The win reduced the gap to league leaders Medeama SC to just five points, reigniting Hearts’ title ambitions.

Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dramani expressed optimism about his team’s prospects:
“We have a lot of matches to play, and what we have to do is win and put pressure on the league leaders. We are looking at our learning path and improving on what we are learning. It’s a marathon race, and our objective is to win all our matches,” he said.

Hearts of Oak will look to maintain their momentum when they host Berekum Chelsea in Matchday 23 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Asare, who secured the role of Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper after making his national team debut in March 2025, was instrumental in Hearts’ 1-0 victory over Kotoko in the Super Clash at the Baba Yara Stadium, despite his side playing with 10 men.

He has since kept nine clean sheets and conceded just four goals in 12 Ghana Premier League matches.

Despite his impressive domestic form, Maradona believes the step up to the global stage is significantly greater.

“People praise the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper [Benjamin Asare], but let’s be honest, he is not at the level of the Black Stars,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“The World Cup isn’t a concert. You need an experienced goalkeeper.

“He deserved the Man of the Match award against Kotoko, but that is not the World Cup. I am not saying he should not go to the World Cup, but to be number one, Ghana needs an experienced goalkeeper,” he added.

As preparations continue, the Black Stars are scheduled to face Austria on March 27 and Germany three days later in international friendlies.

Head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on June 1, ahead of Ghana’s opening match against Panama on June 17, followed by fixtures against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

The Phobians climbed to second place on the league table following a gritty 1–0 victory over rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The result leaves Hearts five points behind leaders Medeama, but firmly in the title race.

Reflecting on the Super Clash, Dramani highlighted his side’s tactical discipline and focus.

“We appreciated their [Kotoko] strengths and understood our own strengths, and we knew there would be moments when we would control the game,” Dramani said in a post-match interview.

“The most important thing is to maintain consistency and keep winning matches.

“If you want to become champions, we have to win games; it is not about how you play.”

Hearts of Oak will look to build on their momentum this weekend when they host Berekum Chelsea in their Matchday 23 fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The 22-year-old custodian was in fine form during Sunday’s Super Clash, helping the Phobians secure a 1-0 victory over rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium. Baba Adamu’s first-half header proved decisive, while Hearts held on despite being reduced to ten men after Emmanuel Amankwah’s early sending-off.

Asare, who has already impressed during World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches, said he is focused on delivering strong performances on football’s biggest stage, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“I hope to continue these performances at the World Cup,” Asare told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show. “It was a good game against Asante Kotoko, but we were determined to win and take revenge.”

The goalkeeper also clarified that the presence of Black Stars coach Otto Addo and the technical team at Baba Yara Stadium did not influence his display.

“Otto Addo and the Black Stars technical team had no hand in my performance yesterday. I was fully focused on delivering for the team, and I only realised after the game that they had come to support me,” he said.

Hearts of Oak will look to extend their strong form when they face Berekum Chelsea in Matchday 23 action at the University of Ghana Stadium this weekend.

The Porcupine Warriors had hoped to reverse recent setbacks—league defeats to Heart of Lions and an FA Cup exit to Aduana FC—in front of their home crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

However, a first-half header from Baba Adamu proved decisive for Hearts of Oak, despite the visitors being reduced to ten men after Emmanuel Amankwah received a second yellow card.

In a statement on social media, Kotoko acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat but promised fans a strong response. 

“We are hurt, but we will definitely bounce back stronger. Thank you all for your massive support,” the club said.

Kotoko will look to return to winning ways when they travel to face Young Apostles in Matchday 23 at the Wenchi Sports Stadium this weekend.

The Accra-based side strengthened their championship push with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in Sunday’s Super Clash at the Baba Yara Stadium.

A first-half header from Baba Adamu proved decisive, moving Hearts closer to league leaders Medeama SC in the title race.

Reflecting on the club’s prospects, Asare expressed optimism about their chances.

“Yes, anyone can still win it. If you look at the top four or five teams, it’s all about determination on the field. If we continue to win our matches, we have a great chance,” he said.

“Winning the league would be a huge opportunity for us, and I believe most of the players deserve it. This win today will help us be more aggressive and focused in our upcoming matches,” Asare added.

The victory lifts Hearts of Oak to third place on the league table with 39 points. They will aim to maintain their momentum when they host Berekum Chelsea on Matchday 23 at the University of Ghana Stadium this weekend.

Eleven Wonders suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Vision FC at the Swedru Sports Stadium. Faruk Mohammed, Labaran Majeed Alidu, and Sherif Mohammed Iddrisu scored from the spot to hand Vision a comprehensive victory.

At TNA Park, league leaders Medeama SC were held to a 1-1 draw by Aduana FC. Salim Adams gave Medeama the lead in the 19th minute, but Seidu Saana equalized for Aduana in the 66th. Medeama had a late chance to snatch all three points when Yussif Mubarik stepped up for a penalty in the 90th minute, only for goalkeeper Prince Osei to deny him.

Bechem United secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Young Apostles at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park. Augustine Okrah’s 61st-minute strike proved decisive after a goalless first half.

Berekum Chelsea edged Heart of Lions 2-1 at Golden City Park. Prince Anane opened the scoring from the spot in the 24th minute, and the home side doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Etse Dogli pulled one back for Heart of Lions in the 72nd minute but could not prevent the loss.

Defending champions Bibiani GoldStars cruised to a 3-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars. Razack Sanou and Arthur Justice put the home side in control before Kumi Attah sealed the win in the 70th minute.

Dreams FC were stunned by Karela United at the Tuba Astro Turf, falling 1-0 to a last-minute goal from Aihassan Ali in the 90th minute.

Hohoe United earned a 2-1 victory against Nations FC, with William Oduro and Lawson Bekui putting the home side ahead in the first 11 minutes. Raymond Oko Grippman scored a consolation for Nations in the 36th minute.

Swedru All Blacks narrowly defeated FC Samartex 1-0 at the Swedru Stadium. After a goalless first half, Zayat Abubakari converted a penalty to hand the home side all three points.

The much-anticipated clash between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak ended in a 1-0 victory for the Phobians. Mohammed Adamu’s first-half header proved decisive as Kotoko finished with 10 men following Emmanuel Amankwah’s early red card.

Medeama SC, Hearts of Oak, Bibiani GoldStars, and Aduana FC occupy the top four positions in the league table. Meanwhile, Basake Holy Stars, Hohoe United, and Eleven Wonders remain in the relegation zone.

Full Results:

Eleven Wonders 0-3 Vision FC

Medeama SC 1-1 Aduana FC

Bechem United 1-0 Young Apostles 

Berekum Chelsea 2-1 Heart of Lions

Bibiani GoldStars 3-0 Basake Holy Stars 

Dreams FC 0-1 Karela United

Hohoe United 2-1 Nations FC

Swedru All Blacks 1-0 FC Samartex 

Asante Kotoko 0-1 Hearts of Oak

The Porcupine Warriors are eager to bounce back after consecutive defeats — a league loss to Heart of Lions followed by an FA Cup Round of 16 exit at the hands of Aduana FC — and see the showdown as an opportunity to restore confidence.

Kotoko welcome Hearts of Oak to the Baba Yara Stadium this evening in the Matchday 22 fixture, with kick-off set for 17:00 GMT. Only a single point separates the two sides on the league table, adding extra significance to the contest.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Owusu hinted at a renewed intensity from his squad, stressing that attitude rather than personnel would define Kotoko’s response.

“It’s going to be the same (Kotoko), just the motivation has changed,” he said.

“The boys have raised their levels, they know what happened was not good, and they don’t want it to happen again, so the difference you are going to see is how bad they want it,” he added.

Kotoko head into the clash in fifth place, just behind fourth-placed Hearts, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter in Kumasi.

The Phobian side will face their long-time rivals this Sunday at Baba Yara Stadium in a pivotal Matchday 22 clash.

With only a single point separating the two teams in the league standings, Ben Emunah urged the squad to assert their superiority over the Porcupine Warriors.

Speaking at the Kpobiman Training Complex, he told the players: “We are better than Kotoko, that’s why we’re ahead of them.

“Now go out there on Sunday and deliver, because we are the best-performing away side,” he added. 

The highly anticipated encounter is set to kick off at 17:00 GMT.

The Rainbow Club will face their rivals on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in the highly anticipated Super Clash, part of Matchday 22.

Currently seven points adrift of the top spot, Dramani told the club’s media that securing a win is crucial to staying in contention.

“Matches involving Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, devoid of the standards, everybody knows the importance of it, and more importantly, we want to keep the pressure on the league leaders, and so the points at stake are so important to us,” he said.

“We are very focused in terms of what to do in order to be able to achieve that standard of gaining three points,” Dramani added.

Kick-off for the showdown is set for 17:00 GMT.

Zito stepped down following Kotoko’s exit from the FA Cup, where they lost 4-2 on penalties to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors had earlier suffered a 3-1 league defeat to Heart of Lions FC, leaving them fifth on the Ghana Premier League table with 35 points—just one behind Hearts of Oak.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Dramani reflected on Zito’s decision, suggesting it was consistent with his career pattern.

“It’s normal. This is not the first time he has walked off from the coaching industry, and this is not going to be the last time. It’s always like that, and it’s very unfortunate when people don’t understand how the rudiments of the game go,” he told Joy Sports.

“Unfortunately, coaches are not responsible for the outcomes of games. But many times they are perceived to be responsible for the outcomes of games. We are very much responsible for the way our teams play, perform, and behave, but the outcome is sometimes very difficult to control because you don’t control the decisions the players make,” he added.

The two rivals will meet again this Sunday in Matchday 22 of the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors will host Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday in the Super Clash, one of the headline fixtures of Matchday 22 in the ongoing Ghana Premier League.

Kotoko head into the encounter still reeling from their FA Cup exit after suffering a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Aduana FC in the Round of 16.

The setback was followed by the resignation of head coach Karim Zito, prompting the club to appoint Prince Yaw Owusu as interim head coach, assisted by Hamza Obeng.

Speaking to Kessben FM, Amoah dismissed claims that players were unhappy with Zito prior to his departure.

“No player wanted Karim Zito out before he resigned. Such speculations should be disregarded,” the striker said.

Amoah added that the squad is determined to channel recent disappointment into a strong response in Sunday’s derby.

“We were actually looking forward to using Sunday’s game against Hearts of Oak to make things right, but what happened happened,” he said.

The highly anticipated Super Clash kicks off at 17:00 GMT.

Hearts of Oak will travel to the Baba Yara Stadium for Matchday 22, where they face the Porcupine Warriors.

Speaking to Akoma FM, Nelson insisted that Hearts view the venue as familiar ground and are determined to overturn Kotoko’s recent dominance in the fixture.

“I always say Baba Yara is our ground. This is our home. It is true that Kotoko have had the upper hand over us in recent years, but this season we are determined to rewrite history,” he said.

Nelson emphasized that Hearts are approaching the game with focus and confidence in their preparation.

“We are coming to Kumasi this weekend with one objective — to make a difference. By this time next week, we will be talking about the result, and I can confidently say, from my heart and from what I have heard from the technical team, that we are well prepared.”

He also highlighted the motivation and awareness among the players regarding the significance of the encounter.

“The players have been psyched up, and they know what this game means. Our finishing has not been the best, and Kotoko’s finishing has not been the best either, but I believe this Sunday will mark a turning point. There will be a shift in the winning side,” he added.

While refraining from predicting an exact scoreline, Nelson made his expectations clear:

“I will not predict whether it will be 2–0, 1–0 or any scoreline, but one thing is certain — Accra Hearts of Oak must win on that day.”

The Super Clash is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 GMT.

Asare, who joined Hearts of Oak ahead of the 2023/24 season, earned his maiden Black Stars call-up in March 2025. He made his debut in a 5-0 victory over Chad, keeping a clean sheet.

“Over the past two months, I have been visiting league venues and speaking with coaches and players. The best player I have seen is Benjamin Asare, and he is the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper,” Schäfer told Medeama FM.

The German trainer also encouraged locally based players to raise their performance levels if they want to secure a place in the national team.

“The heart of football in Ghana is in the local league, not only with players in Europe. I urge all players to work hard if they want to earn a call-up into the Black Stars,” he added.

Asare has been instrumental for Hearts of Oak in recent weeks. His performances helped the Phobians remain unbeaten in January, with the club currently sitting third on the league table.

The goalkeeper kept three clean sheets in three games during the month, earning a nomination for the Ghana Premier League Goalkeeper of the Month award for January.

Emunah was unveiled as the Ghana Premier League side’s Managing Director this week, taking over from Dr. Delali Anku-Adiamah, whose contract was not renewed following its expiration last month.

During a visit to the squad at the Kpobiman Training Centre on Thursday, Emunah spoke candidly with the players.

“My words are very few. What I want to tell you is that I am one of you. I had a dream to be a footballer. I have played before, but unfortunately, I had to stop early,” he said.

“I have been privileged, and that is what I always say, because my whole professional career has been in football. I understand what it takes to do football, and I understand what it takes to be a good footballer. But as we know, this club and its history—if you serve this club wholeheartedly, heaven will favour you as well,” Emunah added.

The Phobians are currently preparing for their highly anticipated Matchday 22 clash against bitter rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium next Sunday.

Before his appointment at Hearts, Emunah spent eight years with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in various capacities. In 2020, he became the GFA’s Club Licensing Manager, having previously served as a Safety and Security Officer for both CAF and the GFA.

Prior to his tenure at the GFA, Emunah worked as a broadcast journalist and held administrative roles in regional sports governance, including as Deputy Administrative Manager at the National Sports Authority in the Central Region and later as General Secretary of the Western Regional Football Association.

Since 2020, he has also played significant roles for CAF across inter-club competitions, AFCON qualifiers, the African Nations Championship (CHAN), and the African Games.

The Phobians hosted the Hunters at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday in their Matchday 21 Ghana Premier League fixture.

Despite enjoying large spells of possession and controlling much of the game, Hearts of Oak failed to break down Bechem United’s defence, settling for a 0-0 stalemate.

Reflecting on the result, Dramani admitted his frustration, noting that the visitors appeared content to play on the counter.

“For them, they will say it’s a fair result because right from the onset, we could see that is what they wanted to do — to sit back and go on the break,” he said.

“We could have also lost the game because in such situations it’s really tough. I think we were disappointing,” Dramani added.

The draw leaves Hearts of Oak fourth on the Ghana Premier League table with 36 points. The Phobians will look to bounce back when they face rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

After 20 matches in the 2025/26 season, the Phobians sit fourth on the table with 35 points.

While the gap at the summit is notable, Dramani believes the campaign is far from decided and has called for patience, belief, and consistency from both his players and the club’s supporters.

“This is a marathon league, and we remain very positive. We will continue to stay consistent and keep improving,” he told Akoma FM.

“There are still many matches to play, and anything can happen,” Dramani added.

Hearts of Oak endured an inconsistent start to the season but have found their rhythm in the second round, putting together an impressive five-match winning streak.

Dramani’s side will look to extend that momentum when they host Bechem United in their Matchday 21 fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium, as they continue their push up the league standings.

The Phobians, who were hosted by bottom-placed Eleven Wonders at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday, recorded their biggest win of the season thanks to goals from Mawuli Wayo, Martin Karikari and Kelvin Osei Asibey.

The victory lifted Hearts of Oak into the league’s top four.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Dramani was far from satisfied with the overall performance and admitted after the game that the display fell short of his expectations.

“I wasn’t too happy a person,” the Hearts coach said.

While acknowledging the importance of the clean sheet and margin of victory, Dramani stressed that his side must improve in key areas, particularly decision-making and efficiency in front of goal.

“I think it is good that we had our first 3-0 win, but we still need to be more clinical. We need to be more conventional and also make the right decisions in very key moments,” he explained.

The coach also pointed to tactical shortcomings, especially in the team’s defensive organisation and approach without the ball.

“For me, I focus more on the small details of the game, both in terms of our defensive structure and having a clear identity of what we have to do when we don’t have the ball, especially when we need to win it in higher positions.

“These key aspects are things I don’t take lightly. I really emphasise them,” he added.

Hearts of Oak currently sit fourth on the league table with 35 points and will shift focus to a tough Matchday 21 encounter against Bechem United this weekend.

The two teams will face off on Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in what promises to be a pivotal encounter.

Speaking in a pre-match interview, Dramani stressed that Eleven Wonders remain a quality side, insisting their relegation-zone position does not reflect the strength of their squad.

“I think the position of Eleven Wonders should not deceive people. They have one of the finest squads in the league,” he said.

“They play fluid football and keep the ball well, so we will try as much as possible to create spaces and take advantage of the vulnerabilities they present.”

The former Black Stars assistant coach added that while Hearts of Oak will respect their opponents, they will also look to capitalise on any weaknesses.

“We will respect what they have, but we will also exploit their inability to defend as a team,” he added.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

The partnership was marked by a donation of Rexona’s newly launched products to the entire Hearts of Oak team at the club’s sports complex in Pobiman.

The gesture is aimed at supporting the players both on and off the pitch while strengthening the relationship between the two brands.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Unilever’s International Manager, Onyx Adjei, expressed his excitement about the partnership. He noted that Unilever’s decision to collaborate with Hearts of Oak is driven by a desire to promote and uplift local football.

“We believe in supporting local sports, and Hearts of Oak is a strong brand in Ghana and Africa. This partnership is part of our contribution to football development,” he said.

Mr Adjei further urged the players to raise their performance levels and strive to compete consistently on the continental stage, particularly in the CAF Champions League.

On behalf of the club, Madam Philips Mensah, Operations Manager of Accra Hearts of Oak, expressed her appreciation to Unilever for the support. She assured the sponsors that the team is committed to working harder and improving performance to make a strong impact in African competitions.

“We are grateful to Unilever for this partnership. The team is determined to gel well and represent Ghana proudly in Africa,” she stated.

Also present at the event was Robert Amamoo, Marketing Manager of Daddy Ash Limited, a key distributor of Rexona deodorant. He expressed his delight at being part of the partnership and commended both the management and players of Hearts of Oak for embracing the collaboration.

Unilever’s management further assured Hearts of Oak of increased sponsorship support should the club qualify for the CAF Champions League, a move that has been welcomed by fans and stakeholders.

The partnership is expected to boost player morale and strengthen the bond between corporate Ghana and local football as Hearts of Oak continue their pursuit of domestic and continental success.

Emunah’s journey in Ghanaian football administration began in 2016 as Western Regional Secretary at the GFA.

He later became Regional Administrative Manager of the Western Region Football Association, a role he held until 2020.

He then moved to national-level positions, serving as National Safety and Security Officer and Club Licensing Manager between 2020 and 2024.

At Hearts of Oak, Emunah will succeed Delali Anku-Adiamah, who served as Managing Director from February 2024 to December 2025.

In his new position, he will oversee all club operations, liaise with key football governance bodies including the GFA and the Premier League Board, and report directly to the club’s Board of Directors while working closely with the Executive Chairman.

The move comes as Hearts of Oak seek to address lingering administrative challenges, with Emunah expected to spearhead improvements in governance and operational efficiency at the storied Accra-based club.

Recent reports alleged that the Ghana Premier League giants owe GH¢11,000 for matches and training sessions at the facility between 2016 and 2018.

The reports further suggested Hearts of Oak would be denied access to the stadium for their Matchday 19 clash against Dreams FC on Friday unless the amount is paid.

Reacting to the claims on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Opare Addo maintained that the club has fully settled all financial obligations to the university.

“The claimed debt by UG Sports Stadium is about GHS11,000 for matches and training from 2016 to 2018, even though we had left halfway through the season,” he said. 

“Our records, confirmed by our then club accountant Hon. Hackman Seidu, show that all payments to UG Sports Stadium have been settled.”

He added that Hearts of Oak remains open to resolving the matter, provided credible evidence is presented.

“If the University of Ghana has a claim, they should provide proof, and we will settle it if verified,” he added.

Opare Addo expressed confidence that discussions with UG authorities will lead to a resolution, allowing the fixture against Dreams FC to be played at the Legon venue.

“Our game against Dreams FC will definitely be reconsidered to take place at the University of Ghana. That’s our venue, we can’t keep switching venues,” he added. 

The Matchday 19 encounter is scheduled to kick off at 15:30 GMT on Friday.

Dramani, a former Black Stars assistant coach, was appointed ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season on a two-year contract, replacing Abubakar Ouattara.

His tenure has faced early challenges, with Hearts of Oak exiting the FA Cup. However, the club remains in the Premier League title race, sitting fifth with 31 points after 18 matches, six behind leaders Medeama SC.

The team’s struggles have been exacerbated by a transfer ban covering the next three registration windows, following unresolved payments owed to former technical director Rene Hiddink.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dramani acknowledged the constraints but insisted he is giving his all despite being unable to strengthen his squad.

“I am doing my best for Hearts of Oak,” he said. “I just don’t know how to pretend. If I say I will work with you, I will do it. This is my apex as a coach, and this is the best I can do.”

Hearts of Oak returned from the mid-season break with a win and will look to continue their momentum when they host Dreams FC on Sunday in a Matchday 19 fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium.

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The Ghana Premier League side is currently barred from registering or selling players after failing to settle unpaid wages owed to former technical director Rene Hiddink.

The Dutch coach, who joined the Phobians in 2023 but left after eight months, dragged the club to FIFA over what he described as an unfair termination of his contract.

FIFA subsequently ruled in Hiddink’s favour, ordering Hearts of Oak to pay $150,000 within 90 days. The club’s failure to comply with the directive has resulted in a transfer ban spanning the next three transfer windows.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dramani admitted the situation has been challenging but stressed that his focus remains on on-field matters while management handles the off-field issues.

“My work is on the pitch while the hierarchy of the club deals with the external issues, but I hope the transfer ban will be resolved so I can bring in players who can help strengthen the team,” he said.

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Agbasi, a former Dreams FC shot-stopper, has been one of Hearts’ standout performers since making his debut against Swedru All Blacks in November last year. His omission from the squad for the Phobians’ Matchday 18 encounter, however, sparked speculation among fans and pundits.

In his absence, Benjamin Asare returned to the starting lineup after spending weeks on the sidelines, as Hearts recorded a narrow 1-0 victory at the Hohoe Sports Stadium. Mawuli Wayo scored the decisive goal to secure all three points for the Accra-based side.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Dramani was quick to dismiss any rumours surrounding Agbasi’s omission, explaining that the decision was taken purely for the player’s welfare.

“Solomon Agbasi wasn’t on the bench against Hohoe United because I gave him a mental and physical break,” Didi Dramani said.

“The mental break meant not being on the bench at all, so he could properly rest,” he added.

The Hearts coach also expressed confidence in both Agbasi and Asare, backing the duo to earn call-ups to the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Asare, Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper since his debut in March 2025, maintained his spot throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. However, the former Great Olympics shot-stopper struggled for consistent playing time after sustaining an injury during an international friendly against South Korea in November last year. He returned to action in Hearts’ hard-fought 1-0 win over Hohoe United.

In Asare’s absence, Agbetsi stepped up impressively. The former Dreams FC goalkeeper made his Hearts of Oak debut against Swedru All Blacks on November 15 and has since established himself as the team’s preferred option between the posts.

“Benjamin Asare and Solomon Agbetsi must be in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup. Both of them have been at the Black Galaxies, and with how they are performing, both of them must be in the squad,” Didi Dramani told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“Hearts of Oak have been in a similar position before. Both of them are performing, and they must be there,” he added.

Didi Dramani also confirmed that Benjamin Asare remains the club captain. The coach is expected to start Asare in Hearts’ upcoming Matchday 19 clash against Dreams FC at the University of Ghana Stadium.

Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo, is scheduled to announce the final World Cup squad on June 1.

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Didi Dramani, who took charge ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, has faced mounting scrutiny as the Phobians struggled for consistency in the first round of the campaign.

However, Hearts of Oak began the second half of the season on a positive note, securing a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Hohoe United on Saturday to ease some of the pressure.

Reflecting on his tenure, the former Black Stars assistant coach emphasised that the club’s hierarchy continues to back him.

“It’s’s the board that employed me, so if they were not happy with me, they would have informed me to quit or sacked me,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

“For me, what is important is that we always meet, regardless of a win or a loss. We need to evaluate what we are doing so we can share ideas. It should not always be one-sided. I always want to learn and improve on what I do as a coach,” Didi Dramani added.

Hearts of Oak will now aim to sustain that momentum when they host Dreams FC in their Matchday 19 fixture on Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium.

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