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FC Samartex head coach Christopher Ennin admitted that an early error in their Ghana Premier League clash against Hearts of Oak disrupted his team’s game plan on Friday.Hearts of Oak secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, moving to 28 points and level with league leaders Aduana, who face Young Apostles on Sunday.“It’s an error that gave them the goal because we conceded, and then it changed the entire game plan,” Ennin said.“I think it’s something we still need to work on. The finishing aspect is also lacking. They are still young, we are building them, so I think we’ll get there.”Samartex almost took the lead within two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on a defensive lapse from Hearts’ Abdul Karim, only for his effort to strike goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi.The Phobians responded quickly. Mawuli Wayo missed a clear chance in the fourth minute but soon forced a mistake from Roland Grippman, won possession inside the box, and squared for Hamza Issah, who calmly finished to hand Hearts the lead.

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Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Osei Asibey says the players were driven by a strong desire to lift the mood of supporters after their frustrating draw with Aduana, a motivation that carried them to a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Samartex on Friday.The Phobians edged the Timber Giants at the University of Ghana Stadium to move up to second place in the Ghana Premier League standings on 28 points, level with Aduana, who still have a game in hand.For Asibey, the result was as much about performance as it was about restoring belief among the fan base following a missed opportunity in their previous outing.It was important to we the players, and also our supporters, because our game against Aduana, we were supposed to win that game, but we couldnt win the game, Asibey said after the match.So coming into this game, at least we have to do something to make our supporters happy.Hearts were tested early when Samartex almost took the lead inside two minutes. Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on a mistake by Abdul Karim, but his effort struck goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi in the face, allowing the hosts to escape punishment.The scare sparked Hearts into life. Mawuli Wayo missed an early chance but quickly made amends by forcing an error from Roland Grippman inside the box before setting up Hamza Issah for the decisive finish.

Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Osei Asibey says it was crucial for the Phobians to end 2025 on a positive note after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC Samartex at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday.The narrow victory lifted Hearts to second place in the Ghana Premier League standings on 28 points, level with leaders Aduana FC, who still have a game in hand.For Asibey, the result carried extra significance following a frustrating draw against Aduana in their previous outing.It was important to we the players, and also our supporters, because our game against Aduana, we were supposed to win that game, but we couldnt win the game, Asibey said after the match.So coming into this game, at least we have to do something to make our supporters happy.The contest was tense from the outset, with Samartex nearly taking a shock early lead inside two minutes.The hosts responded almost immediately. Mawuli Wayo squandered a clear chance in the fourth minute, firing over from a promising position, but made amends moments later.The winger pressed Roland Grippman into a mistake inside the box before laying the ball across for Hamza Issah, who finished calmly to score the decisive goal.They will resume their league campaign on January 4, 2026, away to Medeama in Tarkwa, as they continue their push at the top end of the table.

Akwasi Sarpong said FC Samartex must become more clinical in front of goal after missed opportunities proved costly in their narrow defeat to Hearts of Oak in Accra.The Samartex midfielder admitted that while his side matched the Phobians for large spells at the University of Ghana Stadium, their inability to take chances ultimately made the difference in Fridays 1-0 Ghana Premier League loss.The football we played, we did our best, but their goal was a result of luck. It was a mistake that led to the goal. We are looking ahead, and next time, when we get our chances, we will convert them, Sarpong said after the final whistle.Samartex came close to stunning the home crowd inside the opening two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on a defensive lapse, but his close-range effort struck Hearts goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and rebounded to safety.That moment set the tone for a contest in which the visitors created promising situations but lacked the final touch.Hearts responded quickly and were ruthless when their chance arrived. After Mawuli Wayo fired over early on, the midfielder atoned moments later by forcing an error from Roland Grippman inside the box and squaring for Hamza Issah, who finished calmly to score the decisive goal.

Mohamed El Shenawy stood at the heart of Egypt’s narrow win over South Africa, turning a tense night in Agadir into a personal showcase that carried the Pharaohs over the line.The experienced goalkeeper stood tall under late pressure, repeatedly denying Bafana Bafana and protecting Egypt’s slender lead deep into stoppage time.From the first whistle, El Shenawy organised his back line with authority, reading danger early and stepping off his line to claim crosses and cut out through balls. South Africa grew into the game and peppered his goal from distance and inside the box, but the Egyptian captain responded with a series of calm, assured saves.After Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty put Egypt ahead, South Africa chased an equaliser, forcing El Shenawy into several crucial stops, including low saves from Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba and a brave intervention from a close-range header in added time.Even when he needed treatment late on, he returned to finish the job, guiding Egypt over the line and justifying his Man of the Match award with a display of resilience, leadership and class.

Akwasi Sarpong cut a frustrated figure after conceding that a costly mistake proved decisive as Hearts of Oak edged FC Samartex 1996 in a narrow Ghana Premier League defeat in Accra.Hearts climbed to second place on the table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday, moving to 28 points and drawing level with leaders Aduana FC, who have a game in hand.Samartex, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities and a moment that swung the contest in the hosts favour.The football we played, we did our best, but their goal was a result of luck. It was a mistake that led to the goal. We are looking ahead, and next time, when we get our chances, we will convert them, Sarpong said after the match.Samartex almost made a dream start inside the opening two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng pounced on a defensive lapse by Abdul Karim, only to see his effort strike Hearts goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi in the face and bounce clear.The hosts responded swiftly and created early pressure. Mawuli Wayo squandered a presentable chance in the fourth minute, firing over from close range, but made amends moments later with a more telling contribution.Wayo pressed aggressively to force an error from Roland Grippman inside the area, recovered the loose ball and squared for Hamza Issah, who finished calmly to score the only goal of the game.

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Basake Holy Stars FC welcome Hohoe United for the final Ghana Premier League fixture of 2025, with both sides targeting a strong first-round finish.Holy Stars come into the encounter in encouraging form, unbeaten in their last five matches. Their home record has been a key strength this season, having suffered just one defeat at the AAK II Sports Arena. That consistency has kept them firmly in contention for a top-half position.Hohoe United, meanwhile, sit just above Holy Stars on goal difference, underlining how finely balanced this contest is. However, their away form remains a concern. They have managed only three goals in seven road matches and have conceded in each of their last six away outings, leaving little margin for error.Basake Holy Stars were held to a draw by Medeama in their previous match and will be keen to turn home advantage into maximum points. Hohoe United arrive under pressure after back-to-back defeats against Bibiani Gold Stars and Berekum Chelsea, results that exposed defensive frailties.With both teams level on points and separated only by goal difference, Sundays clash carries significant weight. A positive result could shape their momentum heading into the second phase of the season, making this a contest neither side can afford to approach cautiously.

Egypt became the first team to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in a tense Group B encounter in Agadir on Friday.As expected, the contest was finely balanced, but Egypt found the decisive moment just before the interval through captain Mohamed Salah. The forward converted a VAR-awarded penalty with composure, delicately chipping the ball beyond Ronwen Williams to cap a stronger Egyptian first half.The match took another turn minutes later when Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second yellow card, forcing the Pharaohs to play the entire second half with ten men. Head coach Hossam Hassan reacted quickly, reorganising his side to protect their lead through discipline and compact defending.South Africa pushed forward in search of an equaliser and enjoyed long spells of possession, yet struggled to break down a well-drilled defence, with Mohamed El Shenawy authoritative in goal. Egypt remained dangerous on the break, using Salah’s movement to ease pressure.Late drama followed when South Africa appealed for a stoppage-time penalty, but VAR ruled against them. Egypt held on to move to six points and seal qualification, while Bafana Bafana...

Hearts of Oak climbed to second place in the Ghana Premier League after edging Samartex 1-0 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Friday.The visitors nearly stunned the Phobians inside two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on an error from Abdul Karim, but his effort struck the face of goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi to spare Hearts.The home side responded quickly. Mawuli Wayo wasted a clear chance in the fourth minute, firing over the bar, but made amends moments later. Wayo forced a mistake from Roland Grippman, won possession inside the box and squared for Hamza Issah, who calmly finished to give Hearts the lead.The tempo dipped after the goal, although Hearts carried more attacking intent. Samartex goalkeeper Moses Zakari produced an excellent save in the 28th minute to deny Martin Karikaris curling effort, keeping his side in contention. The score remained 1-0 at the break, with Samartex unable to find an equaliser.After half-time, Hearts pressed for a second goal. George Paaku dragged a promising effort wide, while Theophilus Collison saw a clever lob land on the roof of the net. Samartex threatened briefly but lacked precision in the final third.Hearts held firm to secure a vital victory, moving onto 28 points, level with leaders Aduana, who play on Sunday against Young Apostles.