Players of Hearts of Oak celebrating a goal
Hearts of Oak got back to winning ways in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Samartex at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday, December 26, 2025, a result that lifted the Phobians to second place on the league table.
The match sprang into life almost immediately, with both sides settling quickly after kickoff.
Hearts found the breakthrough when Hamza Issah struck in the sixth minute to send the home supporters into raptures, putting Hearts of Oak ahead and setting the tone for an intense contest.
Buoyed by the lead, Hearts nearly doubled their advantage in the 19th minute when Martin Karikari, picking up a fine pass from Hamza, curled a shot goalwards, only for the Samartex goalkeeper to parry it out for a corner.
Samartex grew into the game and threatened an equaliser, but goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi produced a series of timely interventions, including another crucial save around the 35th minute to preserve Hearts’ slender lead.
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After the break, Samartex won the first corner of the second half, but the danger was cleared by Ali Mohammed, keeping the Phobians in control.
Hearts continued to press for a second goal, and in the 66th minute, a slick exchange between Hamza and Karikari released George Paaku, whose effort narrowly missed the target.
As the clock ticked down, Hearts maintained their intensity, with Paaku again involved during the five minutes of added time.
Hearts held on for a vital win and now move onto 28 points after 16 games, level with leaders Aduana Stars, who have played a game less, as the title race continues to gather momentum.
FKA/JE
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