Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara delivered a sharp response to a reporter’s question during the post-match press conference after his side’s third consecutive league loss to rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Kotoko snatched victory in the 95th minute when Albert Amoah capitalized on a defensive mix-up between Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and defender Kelvin Osei Asibey, handing the Phobians their first loss in five matches.
When asked by a journalist if he believed Hearts had gifted Kotoko the win, Ouattara appeared irritated by the question. “You asked me if I give the gift for Kotoko, I said no; they deserved to win this match. Let us be serious. Don’t take the question from lotto ground in Kejetia and bring it here, please,” he said.
The loss extends Hearts’ struggles against Kotoko, who also beat them twice in the league last season and lifted the Democracy Cup at Hearts’ expense during pre-season.
Despite the setback, Ouattara credited Kotoko for their performance and remains optimistic about his side’s future. “Kotoko scored, they deserved their three points. I lost my three points. I have another four matches to go till the end of the first round. I’ll go and think about my problem to prepare my team for other matches,” he stated.
Hearts next face Berekum Chelsea, aiming to bounce back from the disappointing Super Clash defeat.
