Following a hard-fought draw against Nsoatreman FC, Accra Hearts of Oak’s head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, addressed the press with a calm yet confident demeanor. The coach, known for his fiery passion and tactical discipline, made it clear that the Phobians’ ambitions stretch beyond individual matches as they pursue success in both the Premier League and the MTN FA Cup.
When asked about their readiness for the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, Ouattara initially downplayed the rivalry. Instead, he emphasized the immediate priority: the upcoming MTN FA Cup encounter with Immigration FC. “Our next target is the next match,” Ouattara stated. “We are professionals, and every game is important. We have to respect Immigration FC and prepare well for that challenge.”
However, a reporter directly questioned whether Hearts of Oak could beat Kotoko, reigniting the fierce rivalry between Ghana’s two biggest football clubs. Ouattara’s response was electric.
“Why not, why not, why not?” he fired back, his voice steady but filled with conviction. “Are you thinking we are going to play because I need a draw? I want the three points! This is Hearts of Oak. We are determined to make our fans proud.”
The coach’s declaration sent a clear message to both his players and the fans. Ouattara understands the significance of the Kotoko fixture, not just as a Premier League game but as a battle for supremacy that echoes beyond the pitch.
As the MTN FA Cup match approaches, Ouattara’s focus remains unwavering, but the Kotoko game looms large. Fans on both sides of the rivalry are bracing for what promises to be another chapter in Ghanaian football’s most storied duel.
The match between these two sides will be played after Ghana’s general election.
