Gold Stars win GHALCA Top 4 after dramatic final, Hearts deepen Kotoko's woes
Bibiani Gold Stars pulled off a stunning comeback to win the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament, edging Hearts of Oak on head-to-head despite the Phobians’ morale-boosting victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko yesterday.
The Miners needed a late lifeline against KpandoHeart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium — and found it in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Substitute Sampson Aduku rose highest to head home Emmanuel Adjei’s pinpoint cross, cancelling Al Fawzi’s first-half strike after Gold Stars’ goalkeeper had spilled a routine corner.
With the score tied 1-1, the contest went straight to penalties. Lions, who had dominated large spells and wasted glorious chances, faltered under pressure.
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Kobi, jittery in the first half, turned hero with a decisive save as Gold Stars triumphed 4-3 in the shootout.
The bonus points from that win carried them above Hearts, who had briefly topped the standings after beating Kotoko in the evening kick-off.
Hearts finally floor Kotoko
If the trophy slipped away, Hearts still savoured sweet revenge. The Phobians ended a painful seven-match winless streak against their fiercest rivals with a commanding 2-0 win.
Debutant Frank Abora Duku lit up the contest with a fine fifth-minute strike before substitute Emmanuel Amankwah sealed the result with a 74th-minute header.
Hearts’ pressing and movement unsettled Kotoko, who looked toothless up front despite half-chances for Shaibu and Emmanuel Antwi
Kotoko’s goalkeeper Mohamed Camara prevented a heavier defeat, pulling off spectacular saves, most notably denying Yaw Amankwah Barfi’s acrobatic volley.
But Hearts’ intensity proved too much, and their fans celebrated a long-awaited victory over their eternal rivals.
Gold Stars’ late drama ensured they walked away with the Top 4 crown, a huge confidence booster ahead of the upcoming Champion of Champions clash with Kotoko at the DUN's Park (Bibiani) on Sunday.
For Hearts, ending their hoodoo against Kotoko could prove just as valuable, while the Porcupine Warriors must quickly address their blunt attack.
