GPL Matchday 16 Preview: Hearts of Oak Host Samartex
Accra Hearts of Oak will welcome 2023/2024 champions FC Samartex 1996 to the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon, in the opening fixture of Ghana Premier League Matchday 16 on Boxing Day, Friday, December 26. The encounter will also mark both sides’ final game of 2025.
The match promises to be a tricky one for the Phobians, who have not enjoyed the best of fortunes against the Samreboi-based club since their promotion to the top flight.
Hearts of Oak, 21-time Ghana Premier League champions, have managed just one win in six league meetings with Samartex. The Timber Giants have recorded two victories, both of which came at home in Samreboi.
Historically, this fixture has favoured the home sides, with neither team having suffered a home defeat in their previous encounters. In three home games against Samartex, Hearts have won once and drawn twice, while Samartex’s trips to Accra have produced two draws and one defeat.
Both teams head into the clash on the back of mixed results this season, but remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and potentially challenge for the title. Only one point separates the two sides, with Hearts of Oak sitting 5th on 25 points, just two points behind Medeama and Asante Kotoko, who are tied on 27 points in second and third place respectively, and three points adrift of leaders, Aduana FC.
Despite the overall head-to-head balance, recent history favours Phobia. Last season, Hearts went unbeaten against Samartex, winning one and drawing one in their two league meetings.
Defensively, Hearts of Oak have been impressive this campaign, conceding just six goals in 15 matches. However, their biggest concern has been at the other end of the pitch, having scored only 10 goals, averaging less than a goal per game.
As both sides look to end the year on a high, Friday’s clash in Legon sets the stage for a tense and closely contested Boxing Day encounter.