Hearts of Oak survived a late scare to edge Basake Holy Stars 2–1 in an entertaining matchweek eight encounter of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League at the AAK III Sports Arena in Ampain, Ellembelle, on Sunday afternoon.
The Phobians displayed composure and resilience in front of a charged crowd as goals from Frank Duku and Hamza Issah secured all three points, despite a spirited fightback from the bottom-placed Holy Stars in the final stages.
The first half was a nerve cracker, with the home side showing early promise through quick passing and high pressing that unsettled the visitors. Prince Gamor and Clement Gyapong combined well up front for Basake, but they found it difficult to break down the experienced Hearts backline marshalled by Kevin Osei Asibey and Ransford Mensah.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 42nd minute after a moment of controversy inside the Basake box. Hamza Issah was brought down as he attempted to latch onto a through ball. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, sparking heated protests from the home bench.
Forward Frank Duku stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Patrick Appiah the wrong way, curling a precise strike into the top left corner to give Hearts of Oak a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.
The visitors continued from where they left off after the restart, keeping control of possession and pushing for a second goal. Their efforts paid off in the 60th minute when Hamza Issah, who had been lively throughout, pounced on a loose ball inside the area to double Hearts’ advantage. The striker showed great awareness to fire home from close range.
But Basake Holy Stars refused to go quietly. Roared on by the home supporters, they found a way back into the match in the 68th minute as they earned a penalty which was converted by captain Issah Yakubu, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and setting up a nervy finale.
The final 20 minutes saw frantic end-to-end action. Holy Stars pushed men forward in search of an equalizer, forcing Hearts to defend deep after an Hearts player was sent off for a second yellow card. The Phobians, however, held firm, with Asare making a key save to deny Holy Stars late on.
Basake Holy Stars narrowly edged possession with 51%, producing nine shots, including four on target, alongside four corner kicks and two yellow cards.
Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, registered 49% possession, eight shots (three on target), three corners, and finished the game with six yellow cards and one red card, underscoring the physical intensity of the encounter.
The victory propels Hearts of Oak to fourth place on the league table with 16 points, remaining unbeaten after eight matches (four wins, four draws). The Phobians are steadily building something unique as they look to mount a serious title challenge under coach Didi Dramani.
For Basake Holy Stars, the wait for their first-ever Premier League victory continues. They remain bottom (18th) of the standings with just two points from seven matches, with one outstanding game still to play.
Hearts of Oak will next host Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana's Super Clash, while Basake Holy Stars will sit at home and welcome Biniani Goldstars on November 9, as their search for redemption continues.
By: Pascal Amoah
