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Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara takes responsibility for defeat against Samartex
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara takes responsibility for defeat against Samartex
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has taken responsibility for his team’s defeat to Samartex in matchday 23 of the Ghana Premier League.
This loss marked the first defeat under the Ivorian tactician, as the Phobians fell 2-1 at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex on Saturday. Samartex’s Evans Osei Wusu scored twice, ending Hearts of Oak’s eight-game unbeaten streak.
READ MORE : Nations FC’s Asamoah Boateng silences Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium
Speaking after the game, he said: “I think I made a bad choice and it affected the team, it’s my fault. Samartex is a good side and I understand why they are on top of the league standings. I congratulate them,”
Despite a goal from Hamza Issah reducing the deficit for Hearts of Oak, Ouattara admitted to making poor choices during the game and shouldered the blame for the loss.
When asked about his plans to address the team’s performance in future matches, Ouattara emphasized the need for self-correction before addressing the players.
“I will try to correct myself before I talk to the players,” he said.
Currently ninth on the Ghana Premier League table with 32 points from 23 matches, Hearts of Oak aims to gather crucial points in their remaining 11 games to finish the season positively. Their next challenge is a home match against Bibiani Gold Stars.
Meanwhile, Samartex, who sits atop the league table, has set their sights on the championship title after making their debut just last season.
Black Queens head coach Lars Kim Björkegren has described the path to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as “really tough” but says he “believes in the girls” to get the job done.
The Queens strolled past Mauritius 10-0 to progress to the next phase and now will face Zambia in the third round, scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.
“We have the potential to go all the way,” Björkegren said.
“In football, there is no easy game, especially when it comes to qualifying for the Olympics, as only two countries from Africa will go to Los Angeles.
“It is really tough to get there; we need to win. I believe in the girls, and I think we [will] be there.”
The Black Queens have never qualified for the Olympic Games in the country’s history.
Just two slots are available for African teams.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
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