Ghana Premier League: Hearts of Oak Replacement for 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament Revealed

FC Samartex 1996 have been selected to replace Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament following the Phobians' withdrawal from the competition.

Hearts of Oak announced their decision to pull out of the tournament on Tuesday, August 11, explaining that the scheduled dates clashed with the club's existing pre-season programme and other commitments ahead of the new Ghana Premier League season.

GHALCA chairman John Ansah has now confirmed that FC Samartex will take Hearts of Oak's place in the competition.

According to comments reported by local Ghanaian media, Ansah revealed that Hearts of Oak had written to GHALCA requesting a change to the tournament schedule. However, the association decided to keep the original dates.

"We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season," Mr Ansah told Asempa FM.

"We have been sticking to the top four teams for the past three seasons now, and so even though Nations FC will play in the CAF Confederation Cup, they did not finish in the top four," Mr Ansah added.