Martin Karikari’s late strike secured a 1-0 victory for Accra Hearts of Oak over Holy Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday, sending the Phobians to the top of the Ghana Premier League with 17 points.
The win marked Hearts’ third consecutive league victory and extended their unbeaten run to four matches. They had drawn with Dreams F.C. before defeating Vision F.C. and Port City in successive games. Holy Stars arrived at the game having won two of their last three matches, with only a 2-0 defeat to Gold Stars interrupting their run.
The match unfolded as a tight contest between two contrasting styles. Hearts came close to scoring in the seventh minute when Kwaku Boateng’s shot from inside the box was cleared off the line. Thirteen minutes later, Ransford Mensah’s free kick from 30 yards rattled the crossbar. Despite these chances, Hearts’ main creative men, Yaw Amankwaah Baafi and Kwaku Boateng, found themselves well contained by the Holy Stars defence.
Holy Stars began to assert themselves early in the second half. Their midfield duo, Abdul Basit and Joseph Hudson, briefly gained control of possession to disrupt Hearts’ rhythm and create pressure. However, neither side could find the breakthrough until the closing stages.
With nine minutes left on the clock, Karikari found the opening. Receiving the ball just inside the box, he initially appeared trapped between two defenders. He shifted his body first left, then back right, deceiving the defender on his left. Karikari then fired a swift shot to the near post, beating goalkeeper Baffoe Razak before he could react.
That goal was enough to secure all three points for Hearts. The victory pushed them to the summit of the Ghana Premier League standings. The Phobians now carry momentum from a series of positive results, while Holy Stars have recorded two wins and two defeats in their last four outings.
The match was marked by tight defensive work and few clear-cut chances, with the late goal breaking the deadlock. Hearts’ ability to convert that single opportunity proved decisive, contrasting with Holy Stars’ efforts to gain more consistent possession in the second half.
Friday’s result added to Hearts of Oak’s recent success after a cautious start to the season. Their next fixtures will test whether they can maintain their position at the top of the league table. Holy Stars will look to bounce back after the narrow defeat.
According to Joy Online.
