PREVIEW: BIBIANI GOLD STARS HOST HEART OF LIONS IN 2025 GHALCA TOP 4 SHOWDOWN

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Predictions: Home win/draw

2025 debut, Bibiani Gold Stars are set to host the 2-time champions, Heart of Lions, in a Match Day 3 fixture in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Match Preview:

Bibiani Gold Stars are unbeaten in their first two games, while Heart of Lions won their second game 1-0 against Asante Kotoko, setting the stage for an exciting encounter. Gold Stars drew 2-2 in regulation with Hearts of Oak. The fans are eagerly anticipating an entertaining match, with both sides looking to make a strong impression in the tournament.

Tournament Background:

The GHALCA Top 4 competition, formed by the Ghana League Clubs Association, features the top four teams from the previous season. The tournament, which began in 2002, has been played with varying formats over the years. Bechem United is the current holder of the trophy, having won the 2024 edition.

Head-to-Head:

This will be the first meeting between Bibiani Gold Stars and Heart of Lions in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament. However, the two teams have met in other competitions, with the following results:

- October 23, 2023: Bibiani Gold Stars 2-2 Heart of Lions (Day 6) [2023-24 Ghana Premier League]

- March 25, 2024: Heart of Lions 2-2 Bibiani Gold Stars (Day 23) [2023-24 Ghana Premier League]

- September 29, 2024: Heart of Lions 0-0 Bibiani Gold Stars (Day 4) [2024-25 Ghana Premier League]

- April 1, 2025: Bibiani Gold Stars 2-1 Heart of Lions (Day 21) [2024-25 Ghana Premier League]

Bibiani Gold Stars are unbeaten in their previous games against Heart of Lions in all competitions since the 2023-24 season (W1 D3 GF6 GA5).

Match Facts:

- Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko are joint record holders of the GHALCA Top 4 trophy with three titles each.

- Hearts of Oak won the maiden edition of the GHALCA Top 4 trophy in 2002 and have won the competition three times (2002, 2006, and 2010).

- Bibiani Gold Stars are participating in the competition for the first time since its inception in 2002.

- Samuel Atta Kumi of Bibiani Gold Stars is the top scorer with 2 goals after Match Day 2 games.

- Heart of Lions have won the trophy twice in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament since the beginning of the competition in 2002 (2005, 2009).

- The last time Heart of Lions won the GHALCA Top 4 trophy was the 2009 edition (16 years ago).

Current Standings:

- Bibiani Gold Stars are currently ranked 1st with 5 points after Match Day 2.

- Heart of Lions are 3rd with 3 points in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament log.

Coaches' Ambitions:

- Bibiani Gold Stars coach, Stephen Frimpong Manso, will likely wish to add the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 trophy to the team's accomplishments, having won the 2024-25 Ghana Premier League trophy. The tournament will offer him an opportunity to assess his players, try new tactics, and build momentum ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup.

- Coach Bashir Hayford of Heart of Lions has won the GHALCA Top 4 trophy on three occasions with three different clubs (Heart of Lions in 2005, Asante Kotoko in 2007, and Ashanti)