An 82nd minute strike by Martin Karikari gave Hearts of Oak a 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars on Friday. 

It was an early kick-off of Matchweek 8 of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League with the Phobians yet to beat their opponents at home in the top-flight.

Therefore, the University of Ghana Sports Stadium became the venue of attraction as Hearts of Oak fans gathered to cheer their club on to break the jinx.

After a goalless first half, it appeared Holy Stars had their noses in front as they were just 45 minutes away from earning a point like they did last season.

But Karikari stepped up with eight minutes to go as he waltzed in the penalty area and hit the ball to go off the post, beating Baffoe Rooney Razak for the first time in the game.

The goal eventually gave the Phobians all three points, taking them top of the log.

Head Coach Nebojsa Kapor could not hide his excitement to secure a win, the third in a row for his side.

“Every point is difficult to get [and] I am happy especially how we scored. That was very good action and very good finishing,” he said in his post-match interview.

Hearts of Oak’s next game will be away to Debibi United with Basake Holy Stars returning to their fortress to await Dreams FC.