Heart of Lions edge Kotoko, Hearts of Oak fight back against Gold Stars in GHALCA Top 4 thriller

Heart of Lions secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko on Friday afternoon in their second game of the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament.

The Kpando-based side went into the clash desperate for points after losing to Hearts of Oak in their opening fixture, while Kotoko were also searching for redemption following a 2-1 defeat to Bibiani Gold Stars.

Both teams sought a lifeline as the game started with a high tempo. The Lions broke the deadlock in the first half with a strike from Paul Atta Agyei, which turned out to be the match-winner.

Despite Kotoko’s efforts to respond after the break, the Porcupine Warriors could not break the resolute Lions defense and had to settle for a second straight defeat.

Lions will now face Gold Stars in their final match, while Kotoko prepare for a showdown with bitter rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday.

In the second fixture of the day, Hearts of Oak mounted a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with league champions Bibiani Gold Stars in a pulsating encounter.

Gold Stars stormed into an early lead through Samuel Atta Kumi’s penalty before Joshua Arthur doubled the advantage.

The Phobians, however, pulled one back through George Paaku before halftime. Substitute Hussein Mohammed then struck after the restart to level the score at 2-2.

With no winner in regulation time, the game proceeded to penalties. Hearts missed a crucial spot-kick through Abdul Karim, allowing Gold Stars to win the shootout 5-4.

Gold Stars earned two points from the draw and shootout win, while Hearts settled for a single point.

Current Standings (after Matchday 2):

• Bibiani Gold Stars – 5 points

• Hearts of Oak – 4 points

• Hearts of Lions – 3 points

• Asante Kotoko – 0 points

The tournament’s fate will be decided on Sunday, with Gold Stars facing Lions, and Hearts of Oak clashing with Kotoko in a potentially explosive finale.