Even though Accra Hearts of Oak has made a spectacular comeback in the Ghana Premier League, head coach Aboubakar Ouattara is refusing to get sucked into title rumors.
The Phobians are presently only one point behind Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars, who are tied for first place with 37 points but vary in goal differential.
At the University of Ghana Stadium last Saturday, Hearts defeated league newcomers Young Apostles 2-0 to extend their comeback.
Following a four-week gap brought on by the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley) during a furious match against Nsoatreman FC, the victory momentarily put them at the top of the league. With Hearts’ stellar run—five wins and two draws in their last seven outings— their fans may be daring to dream, but their pragmatic manager is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Ouattara remains cautious about their title credentials.
The Ivorian tactician refused to be drawn into championship discussions, choosing to deflect any discussion about championship ambitions until the season reaches its climax.
“I will answer that question after June,” he stated when asked if Hearts were poised to reclaim the league crown for the first time since their 2020/21 league and FA Cup double under Samuel Boadu.
Hearts’ supporters may be daring to dream due to their incredible run—five victories and two draws in their previous seven games—but their realistic manager is keeping his feet firmly planted. Regarding their title credentials, Ouattara continues to exercise caution.
The Ivorian strategist chose to hold off on talking about title aspirations until the end of the season, refusing to be dragged into the conversation.
When asked if Hearts were ready to win the league again for the first time since their 2020–21 league and FA Cup double under Samuel Boadu, he replied, “I will answer that question after June.”
Amazing transformation
There have been challenges during Ouattara’s reign. The seasoned coach faced harsh criticism from the team’s supporters throughout the season’s tumultuous beginning.
He took over halfway through the previous season, and only on the last day did he manage to keep Hearts from being relegated.
But since then, he has masterminded a spectacular comeback, leading the team to an undefeated league run that dates back three months to their 1-0 loss to Kotoko in Kumasi on December 12, 2024.
Since that defeat, Hearts has defeated Legon Cities, Accra Lions twice, Berekum Chelsea, and Kpando Heart of Lions. They have also had respectable away draws against FC Samartex 1996, the reigning champions, and Basake Holy Stars. Their lone setback during this time was a shocking elimination on penalties against lower-tier team Golden Kick in the MTN FA Cup Round of 16.
Although ecstatic by the triumph over Young Apostles, Ouattara was annoyed by his team’s carelessness in front of goal and maintained that Hearts ought to have won by a far greater margin.
He acknowledged, “There’s still a lot to do in terms of converting chances,” and vowed to improve his forwards’ effectiveness in front of goal as the championship fight intensifies.
Ahead of test times
Hearts will be put to the test in the upcoming weeks with challenging games that might make or break their season, despite their recent success.
Before preparing for a difficult away trip to Bechem United, who are still undefeated at home, they visit struggling Dreams FC.
After a crucial match against the league leaders, the Bibiani Gold Stars, at Bibiani, there will be home games against Nations FC and Medeama SC.