Following Hearts of Oak’s third straight league defeat at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday against fierce rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko, head coach Aboubakar Ouattara responded bluntly to a reporter’s question at a post-game press conference.
Albert Amoah’s goal in the 95th minute gave Kotoko the victory, causing the Phobians to suffer their first defeat in their past five games. Kotoko had taken advantage of a defensive blunder between Hearts goalie Benjamin Asare and defender Kelvin Osei Asibey.
When a journalist asked the coach in a post-match interview if he thought his squad gave the victory to Kotoko, Ouattara complained about what he saw as pointless interrogation.
“When you asked if I would give Kotoko the present, I replied that they deserved to win this match. Let’s take this seriously. Please don’t bring the question from Kejetia’s lottery ground here.
Before a last-minute error gave Kotoko a fourth straight victory, Hearts lost twice in the league the previous season and lost the Democracy Cup to Kotoko in the offseason.
Last season, Kotoko had dominance over their resentful rivals after defeating them in league games played both at home and away and winning the first Democracy Cup against Hearts of Oak.
Notwithstanding his complaints, the Ivorian strategist said that Kotoko deserved their victory and that he is now concentrating on getting his players ready for their next games. Outtara is optimistic that Hearts can salvage their season with four games left in the first round.
“The most crucial thing is that I lost the match and three points. In football, scoring goals is the most crucial factor. I lost my three points since Kotoko scored and they deserved it. Who informed you that I could lose the four matches I have left before the first round ends? Bravo to Kotoko for winning; keep going. In order to get my team ready for future games, I’ll go think about my issue.
In their next league match, Hearts will face Berekum Chelsea, and Ouattara will be hoping his team can bounce back from the Super Clash loss and get back to winning ways.