Stories and facts
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, affectionately known as Hearts of Oak or simply Hearts, is a legendary institution in Ghanaian football.
Established on November 11, 1911, the club holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving football team in the country, embodying a rich tradition of success and excellence.
Based in the heart of Accra, the team proudly wears its striking red, yellow, and blue colors, with the Accra Sports Stadium serving as its historic home ground.
Achievements on the Domestic and International Stage
Hearts of Oak has been a dominant force in Ghanaian football, clinching the Ghana Premier League title 21 times and setting a record with 12 FA Cup victories.
The club also holds three Ghana Super Cups and six President’s Cup titles. On the continental stage, Hearts achieved glory by winning the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup once each, cementing its status as a powerhouse in African football.
A historic highlight came in the year 2000 when the club triumphed in the Ghana Premier League, the Ghana FA Cup, and the CAF Champions League, a remarkable treble achievement.
This feat made Hearts the only football club in West Africa to win a continental treble and one of just six clubs in Africa and 21 globally to achieve this milestone. That same year, the club was ranked the 8th best football team in the world, underscoring its dominance on the continent.
During the colonial period, Hearts of Oak further showcased its prowess, amassing eight league trophies in the Accra Football League and the Gold Coast Club Competition, both precursors to today’s Ghana Premier League.
A Tragic Day in Football History
Despite its glories, the club’s history is marked by a dark moment. On May 9, 2001, the Accra Sports Stadium witnessed Africa’s worst football disaster during a match between Hearts of Oak and their fierce rivals, Asante Kotoko.
A disputed goal led to unrest among Kotoko supporters, escalating into chaos as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Tragically, 127 lives were lost in the resulting stampede.
Investigations pointed to locked stadium gates and substandard infrastructure as contributing factors to the disaster.
The Club’s Modern Legacy
As of 2020, Hearts of Oak held the highest transfer value among Ghanaian clubs, estimated at £2.03 million. The club's training facilities have also seen significant upgrades, including the Pobiman Training Grounds, acquired in the 1980s but fully operational since 2018. Plans are underway to transform the 19-acre site into a state-of-the-art training complex.
Rivalries That Define Ghanaian Football
Hearts of Oak’s fiercest rivalry is with Asante Kotoko SC, a clash often referred to as the "Super Clash" of Ghanaian football. Their city rivalry with Accra Great Olympics FC also ignites passion and excitement among fans.
A Club That Represents Legacy and Ambition
From its humble beginnings in 1911 to its dominance on both domestic and international fronts, Accra Hearts of Oak embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence. As it continues to evolve, the club remains a symbol of pride for Ghanaians, showcasing the rich heritage of football in the country.
