Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara did not hold back during the post-match press conference following his side's third consecutive league loss to Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
The match was decided 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 defeat in five matches.
When asked by a reporter if he thought Hearts had "gifted" Kotoko the win, Ouattara's response was blunt and firm. "You asked me if I gave a gift to Kotoko, I say no; they deserved to win this match. Let us be serious. Don’t take questions from the lotto ground in Kejetia and bring them here, please," he retorted.
The defeat marks the continuation of Hearts' struggles against their rivals, with Kotoko having beaten them twice in the league last season and winning the Democracy Cup in pre-season.
Despite the disappointment, Ouattara praised Kotoko’s performance and remains focused on his team's future. “Kotoko scored, they deserved their three points. I lost my three points. I have four more matches to go until the end of the first round. I’ll reflect on this loss and prepare my team for the upcoming matches,” he said.
Hearts of Oak will look to bounce back when they face Berekum Chelsea in their next fixture, aiming to recover from the Super Clash defeat.
