The Ghana Premier League title race tightened this weekend as Hearts of Oak secured a vital 1-0 victory over FC Samartex 1996 at the Legon Sports Stadium.
The win propelled the Phobians to second place on the league table, level on points with leaders Aduana FC with just eight games to complete matchday 16
The match’s decisive moment came early, with striker Hamza Issah finding the net in the 6th minute. The solitary goal proved enough, thanks to another resilient defensive performance from the team.
The victory was anchored by standout individual performances. Captain and Defender Kelvin Osei Asibey was named the NASCO Most Valuable Player for his influential role in the game.
This marks his second consecutive Man of the Match award in Hearts’ last two home fixtures, highlighting his consistent form.
At the back, goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi continued his remarkable season. He kept his sixth clean sheet in just seven matches, having conceded only two goals so far. His commanding presence has provided a solid foundation for the team’s push up the table.
The result underscores a notable pattern in Hearts of Oak’s campaign, their form varies significantly by venue. At the University of Ghana Stadium, their current home, they have been perfect, winning all three matches played there.
Their record at the Accra Sports Stadium earlier in the season was less convincing, with just one win, three draws, and one loss in five games.
With the win, Hearts of Oak now have 28 points, tying them with Aduana FC, though they sit second, on goal difference. They are just one point ahead of closest rivals Medeama SC and Asante Kotoko, who both have 27 points, setting the stage for a conclusion to the first round of the season
The league now enters its final stretch, with every point crucial in what promises to be one of the most competitive title races in recent years.
1️⃣ Aduana FC – 28 pts
2️⃣ Hearts of Oak – 28 pts
3️⃣ Medeama SC – 27 pts
4️⃣ Asante Kotoko – 27 pts