Basake Holy Stars’ much-awaited return to their home ground ended in disappointment as they fell 2-1 to Accra Hearts of Oak at the Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Sports Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The fixture, which marked Basake Holy Stars’ first game back on home soil this season, attracted an electric atmosphere in Ampain. However, it was the visitors who made the most of their chances to claim all three points in an entertaining encounter.
Frank Doku opened the scoring for Hearts of Oak in the 45th minute from the penalty spot after Hamza Issa was brought down inside the 18-yard box. The “Phobians” took that slender lead into the break, controlling possession and dictating the game’s tempo.
The second half saw Hearts of Oak double their advantage when striker Hamza Issa turned scorer in the 60th minute, calmly slotting home after being played through by Hussein Mohammed to make it 2-0.
Basake Holy Stars, urged on by their passionate home crowd, pushed forward in search of a comeback. Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute when Issa Yakubu converted from the spot after Hearts’ goalkeeper Benjamin Asare brought down Bismark Teye in the box.
Despite a spirited late surge and several half-chances, Holy Stars couldn’t find the equalizer as Hearts of Oak held firm to secure a vital away victory.
The defeat marks a frustrating return home for Basake Holy Stars, who will look to bounce back in their subsequent fixtures, while Hearts of Oak continue to maintain their impressive unbeaten run in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.