Hearts of Oak pull out of GHALCA Top-4 as Samartex take their place
Hearts of Oak will not participate in this year’s GHALCA Top-4 Tournament after the club decided that the competition’s schedule does not fit with its preparations for the new Ghana Premier League season. The Phobians announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, just over two weeks before the tournament is due to begin. “After […]
Hearts of Oak has withdrawn from this year's GHALCA Top-4 Tournament, opting to not compete in the pre-season event due to its conflicting schedule with preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season. The Phobians made the announcement on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, with the tournament scheduled to commence just over two weeks later.
In a statement released on the same day, the club cited the need to focus on their new season preparations as the reason for their withdrawal. GHALCA has subsequently announced that FC Samartex 1996, who finished fifth in the Ghana Premier League last season, will replace Hearts of Oak in the four-team pre-season competition. GHALCA Chairman John Ansah confirmed the decision to Asempa FM, stating, "We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season."
The decision to replace Hearts of Oak comes as GHALCA prepares to host the tournament from 26 to 30 August.
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