FC Samartex to Replace Hearts of Oak in 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament
Fifth-placed Samartex earns a spot after Hearts of Oak withdraw over scheduling concerns
- Samartex replaces Hearts of Oak
- GHALCA dates remain unchanged
- Top Four runs August 26–30
FC Samartex 1996 will replace Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top Four Tournament following the Phobians’ decision to withdraw from the competition.
GHALCA Chairman John Ansah confirmed that Samartex, who finished fifth in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League, will take the vacant spot.
Hearts of Oak announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, August 11, citing a clash between the tournament schedule and the club’s existing programme, as well as concerns about preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.
According to Mr Ansah, Hearts of Oak had formally written to GHALCA requesting a change to the tournament dates.
He, however, stressed the need for consistency in the competition’s arrangements, particularly to maintain the confidence of corporate partners and sponsors.
“Hearts of Oak wrote to us to change the date, but consistency is key in building the confidence of the corporate world,” Ansah said in an interview.
He confirmed that FC Samartex had subsequently been selected to fill the vacant position.
“We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season,” he said.
Mr Ansah also explained why Nations FC, despite qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, will not participate in the tournament.
He said GHALCA had maintained the tradition of inviting the top four teams from the previous league season over the past three years. Since Nations FC did not finish among the top four, the club was not eligible for the competition.
The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26 to 30.
