PREVIEW: BIBIANI GOLD STARS HOST HEARTS OF OAK IN 2025 GHALCA TOP 4 SHOWDOWN 

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh 

The 2025 debutants, Bibiani Gold Stars, are set to host the three-time champions, Hearts of Oak, in a Match Day 2 fixture in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday, August 22, 2025.

• Match Preview:

Both teams won their opening games, setting the stage for an exciting encounter. Gold Stars defeated Asante Kotoko 2-1, while Hearts of Oak edged out Heart of Lions 1-0. 

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 Hearts of Oak in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament. However, the two teams have met in other competitions, with the following results:

- April 30, 2013: Hearts of Oak 2-0 Bibiani Gold Stars (2012-13 FA Cup quarter-finals).

- December 22, 2013: Bibiani Gold Stars 2-1 Hearts of Oak (2013-14 FA Cup round of 64).

- January 8, 2022: Bibiani Gold Stars 0-1 Hearts of Oak (2021-22 Ghana Premier League).

- May 18, 2022: Hearts of Oak 1-0 Bibiani Gold Stars (2021-22 Ghana Premier League).

- October 29, 2022: Hearts of Oak 2-1 Bibiani Gold Stars (2022-23 Ghana Premier League).

- March 11, 2023: Bibiani Gold Stars 1-1 Hearts of Oak (2022-23 Ghana Premier League).

- October 28, 2023: Bibiani Gold Stars 1-1 Hearts of Oak (2023-24 Ghana Premier League).

- April 7, 2024: Hearts of Oak 0-1 Bibiani Gold Stars (2023-24 Ghana Premier League).

- October 27, 2024: Hearts of Oak 0-1 Bibiani Gold Stars (2024-25 Ghana Premier League).

- March 23, 2025: Bibiani Gold Stars 1-1 Hearts of Oak (2024-25 Ghana Premier League).

- Bibiani Gold Stars are unbeaten in their last five (5) encounters with Hearts of Oak in all competitions (W2 D3 GF5 GA3).

- Bibiani Gold Stars have scored in each of their last six (6) meetings against Hearts of Oak in all competitions (GF6), averagely 1 goal per game].

• 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).

- The last time Hearts of Oak won the GHALCA Top 4 trophy was in 2010, 15 years ago.

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

• Current Standings:

- Bibiani Gold Stars are currently 1st with 3 points after Match Day 1.

- Hearts of Oak are 2nd with 3 points in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament log.

• Coaches' Ambitions:

- Hearts of Oak coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, aims to win the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 trophy to boost his team's confidence ahead of the new season. He recently won the 2025 Homowo Peace Cup.

- 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.