Hearts of Oak on brink of relegation after Kotoko defeat

Hearts of Oak find themselves perilously close to relegation following a 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the much-anticipated Super Clash on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The loss has left the Phobians teetering just above the relegation zone in the ongoing 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.

.@TheKelOwusu watched Asante Kotoko beat Hearts of Oak yesterday and talked to a few fans afterwards.

Here are the details.#3SportsGH #SuperClash pic.twitter.com/euiS5SsLOC

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 27, 2024

Kotoko’s victory was spearheaded by the outstanding performance of Ugandan international Steven Mukwala, who scored both goals in the crucial encounter. The 24-year-old striker demonstrated his prowess early in the game, capitalising on a long pass to beat two defenders and slot the ball past the Hearts’ goalkeeper in the ninth minute. Mukwala sealed the win in stoppage time with another brilliant effort, running rings around his markers before netting the second goal.

Hearts of Oak are now just two points above the relegation zone🤯#3SportsGH #SuperClash pic.twitter.com/20jLSbJl8n

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 26, 2024

The defeat has left Hearts of Oak in 14th position on the league table with 38 points, just two points above the relegation zone. With only three matches remaining, the Phobians must secure crucial points to ensure their survival. Their upcoming fixtures include home games against Nations FC and Great Olympics, and an away match against Bechem United.

After their defeat to Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak are now just two points clear of the relegation zone with three games to go. If Dreams FC and Great Olympics win their games in hand, the Phobians will sink to the relegation zone. pic.twitter.com/aDq1tztFcv

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) May 26, 2024

• Prosper Ogum explains how Kotoko outshined Hearts of Oak in 2-0 victory
• Steven Mukwala shines again as Kotoko beat Hearts of Oak in Super Clash

Hearts of Oak’s head coach Aboubakar Ouattara acknowledged the pressure but emphasised that it is a collective effort to fight for survival.

“I’m not personally under pressure; the whole team is under pressure. Not me alone. Collectively, we are under pressure because we needed the points,” Ouattara said.

Despite their determination, Hearts of Oak were unable to break down Kotoko’s resolute defense and now face a daunting task to avoid relegation.

It was joy for Asante Kotoko as they defeated Hearts of Oak 2-0 on Sunday.@Bill_Eshun looks at the numbers behind the victory.#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/0moNM4yhuk

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 27, 2024

“In the three remaining games, we need the points. We don’t have any choice. To get the points, we must score, and to score, we need to play simple football,” Ouattara added.

Asante Kotoko, on the other hand, are riding high after their back-to-back victories over their fierce rivals, with Mukwala’s brilliance giving them a much-needed boost in their quest for a respectable finish. The final weeks of the season promise intense drama as teams fight for survival and glory in the Ghana Premier League.