GHALCA TOP 4 round one review: Gold Stars and Hearts of Oak record wins as Kotoko beaten

The Ghana League Club Association’s top 4 commenced on Wednesday afternoon, where Premier League champions Bibiani Gold Stars defeated Asante Kotoko 2-1.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the exact venue for the competition, the University of Ghana Sports Stadium was confirmed as the venue for the mini-tournament on Friday.

Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars opened the competition with a blockbuster match. Albert Amoah, in the 17th minute, gave Asante Kotoko a deserved lead to put Frimpong Manso’s side in a tight corner.

The Porcupine Warriors’ slim lead was cancelled via a penalty kick six minutes later. Star striker Samuel Attah Kumi kept his cool and scored from the 12 yards where goalkeeper Camara had no chance to save it.

The game ended 1-1 at halftime, with a fierce contest expected in the second half.

An embarrassing own goal by Kotoko put Gold Stars ahead in the 65th minute. Goalkeeper Camara hilariously failed to deal with Henry Ansu’s pass from the back, which ended in a goal.

The own goal unsettled the Porcupine Warriors, with the Miners taking a psychological advantage to protect their 2-1 lead.

Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s Hearts of Oak recorded a slim 1-0 win over Bashir Hayford’s Heart of Lions.

The clubs on last Sunday faced each other in a friendly game where Hearts of Oak defeated the Kpando-based club 2-0.

Phobia once again defeated Heart of Lions, who finished second in the league long in the 2024-25 season, signalling how the club has improved under Didi Dramani.

Ransford Mensah’s strike separated the two sides.

Phobia on Friday will host Bibiani Gold Stars, whilst Asante Kotoko will entertain Heart of Lions.

Bibiani Gold Stars sit on top of the Top 4 long ahead of Hearts of Oak on goal difference. Heart of Lions sit in third whilst Asante Kotoko occupy the bottom slot.

Changes are expected in the league table after matchday 2.