HEART OF LIONS EDGES ASANTE KOTOKO, GOLD STARS WIN THRILLING ENCOUNTER AGAINST HEARTS OF OAK 

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Match day two of the GHALCA Top 4 tournament, Heart of Lions secured a narrow 1-0 win against Asante Kotoko at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Paul Atta Agyei's 36th-minute strike proved to be the match winner, marking Heart of Lions' first victory in the competition after a defeat to Accra Hearts of Oak in match day one.

Asante Kotoko, on the other hand, are struggling in the tournament, having lost both of their games played.

In the night match, league champions Bibiani Gold Stars faced off against Hearts of Oak in a thrilling encounter at the University of Ghana Stadium. Both teams entered the game with wins in their opening matches.

Gold Stars took the lead through a spot kick beautifully converted by top scorer Samuel Attah Kumi, beating goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

A mistake by Hearts of Oak captain Kelvin Osei Asibey gifted Justice Arthur the chance to put Gold Stars 2-0 up.

However, Hearts of Oak pulled one back before halftime through George Paaku, and the pressure mounted in the second period, resulting in an equalizer through the effort of Hussein Mohammed.

The game ended 2-2, and per the regulations of the competition, a penalty shoot-out decided the winner, which Gold Stars won 5-4 against Hearts of Oak.

Match Day three fixtures:

Bibiani Gold Stars will face Heart of Lions at 3:00 pm on Sunday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Asante Kotoko will host Hearts of Oak in the last game of match Day three.

Tournament Updates:

Albert Amoah of Asante Kotoko made history by scoring the first goal in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament.

Top scorers chart:

• Samuel Atta Kumi (Bibiani Gold Stars) - 2 goals

• Albert Amoah (Asante Kotoko) - 1

• Paul Atta Agyei (Heart of Lions) - 1

• Justice Arthur (Bibiani Gold Stars) - 1

• George Paaku (Hearts of Oak) - 1

• Hussein Mohammed (Hearts of Oak) - 1

Own goals:

• Henry Ansu (Asante Kotoko)

• Ebenezer Abban (Heart of Lions)

Penalties awarded:

• Bibiani Gold Stars           - 2

Penalties scored:

• Samuel Atta Kumi (Bibiani Gold Stars) - 2

Table after match Day 2 results:

1. Bibiani Gold Stars     - 5 points

2. Hearts of Oak            - 4 points

3. Heart of Lions            - 3 points

4. Asante Kotoko           - 0 points