GHALCA TOP 4: BIBIANI GOLD STARS MAKES  HISTORY WITH  TOURNAMENT WIN

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh 

The GHALCA Top 4 competition, formed by the Ghana League Clubs Association, features the top four teams from the previous season.

The competition, which began in 2002, has been played with varying formats over the years, including the GHALCA Top 4, G6, and G8 tournaments.

Bibiani Gold Stars becomes the ninth team to win the GHALCA Top Four, Six, and Eight after topping the table with 7 points from three games played.

The 2024-25 league champions, Bibiani Gold Stars, showed they are determined to win the tournament after coming from a goal down to win against Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the opening game at the University of Ghana Stadium.

Notable Record: Bibiani Gold Stars have set a notable record, similar to Ashanti Gold in 2014, who emerged as the winner of the GHALCA Top Four Tournament featuring three teams: Heart of Lions, Hearts of Oak, and Asante Kotoko.

Interestingly, another Miners,Bibiani Gold Stars, has achieved this feat while competing against similar strong teams( Heart of Lions, Hearts of Oak ,and Asante Kotoko).

List of Winners: Only nine clubs have won the GHALCA Top 4/G6/G8 trophy since 2002.

1. Asante Kotoko (2003, 2007, 2015 [G6]) - 3 titles

2. Hearts of Oak (2002, 2006, 2010) - 3 titles

3. Heart of Lions (2005, 2009) - 2 titles

4. King Faisal (2004) - 1 title

5. Berekum Chelsea (2011 G8) - 1 title

6. Ashanti Gold (2014) - 1 title

7. Dreams FC (2018 G8) - 1 title

8. Bechem United (2024) - 1 title

9. Bibiani Gold Stars (2025) - 1 title

Gold Stars, who stunned the league last season to clinch their historic 2024-25 Premier League title, will be hoping to underline their credentials as a rising force in Ghanaian football. Led by coach Stephen Frimpong Manso, the Bibiani-based side will look to draw strength from their home fans as they aim to crown their league triumph with another piece of silverware.

Standing in their way is the formidable Asante Kotoko, who secured the 2024-25 MTN FA Cup after a dramatic campaign that reaffirmed their status as one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs. The Porcupine Warriors, under head coach Abdul Karim Zito, are determined to start the new season on a high and restore continental pride ahead of their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Champion of Champions fixture traditionally pits the winners of the Premier League against the FA Cup champions, serving as both a prestigious title decider and the official curtain-raiser to the new domestic football season.

The Duns Park is expected to be filled to capacity as fans from across the Ashanti and Western regions troop, in particular, to witness the showdown. With both sides boasting quality squads and passionate followings, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. GMT on Sunday, August 31.