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Match Report : Martin Karikari inspires Hearts of Oak to victory over Bechem United
Hearts of Oak needed a last-minute goal from Martin Karikari to pick their first win in six games against Bechem United in a feisty encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
The Phobians were looking to break a trend of bad results in the league which had seen them winless in six games.
Coach Abdul Rahim Bashiru was quick to effect some changes to his lineup, Richard Attah was handed a starting berth in the post, and Kofi Agbesimah partnered Thomas Wimini in defense flanked by Michael Ampadu and Dennis Korsah on the right and full-back positions.
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Abdul Nurudeen captained and formed a fulcrum in midfield with Congolese tireless midfield gem, Glid Otanga, Ramos Kashala, and Cisse Kassim given the mandate of leading the attack.
Kobby Mensah also named a strong berth which saw, Clinton Duodu, Sammy Kufuor, Emmanuel Avornyo and Annor, Francis Acquah, and goalkeeper and captain, Dari Aziz.
Hearts of Oak failed to make the most of their opportunities in the first half as the game ended goalless.
The Hunters had a series of chances through Clinton Duodu, Emmanuel Avornyo, and Annor but for some poor finishing failed and a good reflex save from Richard Attah aided the Phobians.
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The Oak boys laughed last as Martin Karikari scored from a pass from Salifu Ibrahim, who missed an earlier penalty to give the Phobians a win to end the first-round campaign.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
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