Ouattara Content with Kotoko Stalemate, Vows Hearts of Oak Will Fight Till the End
Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in their goalless draw against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday, insisting the Phobians are still in contention for major honours this season.
The Week 28 fixture of the Ghana Premier League, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, saw the two most successful clubs in Ghanaian football history cancel each other out in a closely contested affair.
Speaking after the game, Ouattara admitted the result was balanced, although his team had hoped to secure all three points.
“I’ll take the draw. We came to win, but it’s a fair result,” Ouattara said in his post-match comments. “I learnt a lot from this game and will discuss it with the boys. What didn’t work was our inability to score.”
Hearts of Oak produced a more attacking display in the second half, creating numerous chances, but Kotoko’s solid defensive shape and lack of cutting edge from the hosts ensured the game ended without a goal.
Despite the draw, which leaves the Phobians in sixth place on the Ghana Premier League table, Ouattara insists his side still has much to play for.
“The league will be tough, but we’ll keep fighting — top four, top two, or even the title. We’re not giving up,” the Ivorian tactician declared confidently.
Hearts of Oak will now shift their focus to their next fixture as the season enters a crucial final stretch. With only a handful of games left, every point will be vital in determining their standing at the end of the campaign.
