Hearts of Oak moved to the top of the Ghana Premier League on Friday as Martin Karikari's 82nd-minute winner secured a 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars in Accra.
While the hosts dominated possession throughout both halves, Basake sat deep in a low block, inviting Hearts to shoot from distance and looking to strike on the counter-attack. The tactical battle resulted in both teams registering three shots on target apiece over the 90 minutes.
The Phobians hit the woodwork in the first half when Ransford Mensah's free-kick struck the post. The breakthrough finally arrived late in the second half when Karikari beat two defenders before firing a left-footed shot in off the inside of the post.
The victory is Hearts' first at home against Holy Stars in three attempts, extending their winning league run to three games—their best sequence since June 2025. The win takes Hearts to 17 points from eight matches, placing them at the summit ahead of Samartex and Medeama, who both have 14 points and are yet to play their matchday eight fixtures on Sunday.
Managers React to Late Drama
Speaking to broadcasters after the final whistle, Hearts head coach Nebojsa Kapor acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down the visitors.
"It was very important. It is difficult to win points in football," Kapor said. "We created a lot of chances but struggled to score. I am very happy with how we scored. Congratulations to my players."
Conversely, Basake Holy Stars head coach Abdulai Gazale lamented his side's late lapse in focus after successfully executing their defensive game plan for most of the match.
"We didn't play well in the attacking aspect... we had so many chances to take the lead in the first half. Unfortunately, we failed to utilise them," Gazale explained. "We lost concentration in the last moments of the game and we got punished for it."
Asibey Eyes Black Stars Call-Up
Defender Kelvin Osei Asibey, named man of the match for a third consecutive game, also addressed the media on the pitch, thanking the home supporters and responding to speculation over a possible senior national team call-up.
"I am very happy we have won three games in a row. Thank you to the supporters who always show up for us," Asibey stated. "As long as I am a Ghanaian citizen, if the call comes from the Black Stars, I will honour it and serve well."
Hearts next travel to face newly promoted Debibi United, who frustrated arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in a 2-2 draw on matchday one. Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Basake searching for answers after losing all four of their away league games this season.
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