Martin Karikari’s superb 82nd-minute finish gave Hearts of Oak a 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars and lifted them to the top of the Ghana Premier League.
The forward settled Friday’s Matchday 8 encounter at the University of Ghana Stadium with a composed left-footed strike, extending Hearts’ winning streak to three matches.
The game had remained finely balanced for long periods, with both teams defending strongly. Hearts came closest to opening the scoring before the interval when Ransford Mensah’s free-kick struck the crossbar.
Basake Holy Stars then produced a vital goal-line clearance to prevent the hosts from taking the lead, but they were eventually beaten by Karikari’s late intervention.
The result continues Hearts’ impressive run under coach Nebojsa Kapor. They had begun the current three-match sequence with victories over Port City FC and Vision FC, and Friday’s success put them at the summit of the table.
Their position could still change after Sunday’s fixtures, but Kapor was pleased with the quality of the goal that decided the contest.
“I’m happy especially how we scored. That is a really, really good goal,” he said.
Hearts’ defensive performance was also recognised, with defender Kelvin Osei Asibey named NASCO Man of the Match. It was his third consecutive award, underlining his contribution during the club’s recent run of wins.
Asibey has been an important part of a Hearts defence that has helped the team maintain its momentum, while Basake Holy Stars were left to reflect on a disciplined display that ultimately brought no reward.
The visitors had hoped to take points from a difficult away fixture, but the defeat means they are still without a point on the road. It was their fourth away loss.
Hearts will now aim to build on their winning run and retain their place at the top of the Ghana Premier League.
