The Legend That Started in 1911
Every Ghanaian football fan knows the name Hearts of Oak. Born in 1911 in the heart of Accra, this club started as a dream among railway workers who wanted to kick a ball and make history. Back then, the Gold Coast was under British rule, and football was a way to unite people. They named it “Hearts of Oak” after a British naval song about strength and resilience — a vibe that’s stuck for 114 years.
From those early days, Hearts dominated local tournaments. They bagged the Guggisberg Shield six times between 1922 and 1954, setting the stage for what was to come. By the time Ghana gained independence in 1957, Hearts were ready to shine on a bigger stage. The club’s first GPL title in 1958 was a statement: Phobia was here to stay. Today, with 21 league titles and a global fanbase, Hearts isn’t just a club — it’s a way of life.
Why We Call Ourselves “Phobia”
If you’ve ever been to a Hearts match, you know the chant: “Never Say Die!” That’s the soul of Phobia, a nickname that strikes fear into rivals. The term “Phobia” came from the club’s relentless spirit — no matter the score, Hearts fight till the final whistle. Fans wear it like a badge of honor, with red, yellow, and blue scarves painting stadiums across Ghana.
The chant started in the 1970s, when Hearts kept pulling off impossible comebacks. It’s not just a name; it’s a mindset. Whether you’re in Accra, Kumasi, or Tamale, every pana shouting “Phobia!” knows they’re part of something bigger. From kids in the streets to elders in the stands, the love for Hearts runs deep.
Hearts in Africa — Kings of the Continent
Hearts didn’t just dominate Ghana; they conquered Africa. In 2000, they lifted the CAF Champions League, beating Egypt’s Al Ahly in a final that still gives fans goosebumps. They did it again in 2004, outclassing Nigeria’s Enyimba. That same year, Hearts grabbed the CAF Confederation Cup, making them one of the few African clubs to pull off a continental “double.” In 2005, they sealed it with the CAF Super Cup.
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) ranked Hearts the 8th best club in the world in 2000 — the only West African team in the top 10. That’s not just a flex; it’s proof Phobia belongs among the giants. Even today, in the 2025/26 season, Hearts are battling in the CAF Confederation Cup, with young stars like Ibrahim Salifu pushing for glory.
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The Super Clash: Hearts vs Kotoko
If there’s one match that stops Ghana, it’s Hearts vs Asante Kotoko — the Super Clash. This isn’t just a game; it’s a war of pride. Over 100 matches since the 1950s, with Hearts holding 40 wins to Kotoko’s 38. The atmosphere at Accra Sports Stadium or Baba Yara is electric — drums, chants, and fans packed to the rafters.
The last Super Clash in October 2025 ended in a 2:2 draw, with Salifu’s 90th-minute screamer saving Hearts. Whether it’s a league game or a cup final, this rivalry defines Ghanaian football. Every Phobia fan lives for these moments.
Our Home: Accra Sports Stadium
Hearts call the Accra Sports Stadium home — a 40,000-seat fortress painted red, yellow, and blue on matchdays. Built in 1960, it’s seen everything from GPL triumphs to CAF finals. The stands shake when fans chant “Phobia!” and the floodlights glow for night games. It’s not just a stadium; it’s where memories are made.
Phobia Nation Today
In the 2025/26 GPL season, Hearts are sitting 6th after 12 games, with 7 wins and 22 goals scored. Coach David Ocloo, who took over in 2024, is rebuilding with young talent. Striker Sala Usman has 8 goals, while captain Richard Atakora anchors the defense. The club’s academy is pumping out stars like Salifu, keeping the future bright.
Hearts are also in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, eyeing a deep run. Off the pitch, they’re tackling debts with new sponsors like MTN and Puma. The 114th anniversary on November 11, 2025, was a big deal — a call for “unity and revival” after a tough few years.
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