FC Samartex 1996 has been selected to replace Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top Four Tournament.
The decision follows Hearts of Oak’s official withdrawal from the competition on Tuesday, August 11, citing a clash between the tournament schedule, the club’s existing commitments and its preparations for the upcoming league season.
GHALCA Chairman John Ansah confirmed Samartex’s inclusion shortly after Hearts announced their withdrawal.
According to Mr Ansah, Hearts had earlier approached GHALCA to request a change in the tournament dates, but the Association opted to maintain the schedule.
“Hearts of Oak wrote to us to change the date, but consistency is key in building the confidence of the corporate world,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He explained that GHALCA had therefore decided to replace Hearts with Samartex, who finished fifth in the Ghana Premier League last season.
“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, Ghana’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, were not considered for the vacant slot.
He said the Top Four tournament has consistently been based on league performance, with the top four teams qualifying over the past three editions.
“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,” he explained.
Samartex’s inclusion means the club will now join the other qualified teams for the pre-season competition.
The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26 to August 30.
