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. 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. 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.

Source: GhanaWeb December 26, 2025 18:32 UTC