Hearts of Oak’s fear factor as one of the top clubs in Ghana and Africa, continues to ooze away by the week.
The Phobians stuttered to a 1-1 draw against Legon Cities FC in the second round opener of the 2021/22 season at the El Wak Sports Stadium to shatter their title defence.
As treble winners from last season, the 21 time champions needed all three points to whittle down the points gap in the top three but the draw sees them fall 10 points behind rivals and leaders, Asante Kotoko who play Dreams FC on Sunday.
Former Black Stars midfielder, Sulley Muntari registered his first assist for the club when his corner kick was perfectly connected by Isaac Mensah on the 11th minute.
Few scoring opportunities were created by both sides but finding the right connection for goals was a challenge, taking the game into the first half break.
Back from recess, Legon Cities looked better but Hearts of Oak remained resolute at the back with the pair of Caleb Amankwah and Robert Addo Sowah in central defence and Fatawu Mohammed and Dennis Korsah at the laterals.
As and when the Phobians were about to carry all three points, Dennis Korsah’s momentary loss of concentration allowed substitute, Osmanu Amadu to slap home the Royals’ equalizer late in the game. Hearts of Oak coach, Samuel Boadu was left disappointed after the loss.
“It was a very painful draw because we thought that we are done with it, just a few minute. “Always they [players] need to be composed and then mental toughness that cost us a lot,” Samuel Boadu told StarTimes.
“It’s very bad, honestly this is not what we want but this is football. “You always stay focus and always concentrate till the end of the game.
“If you lose little concentration, you will be punished, that’s what happened to us. “Going forward we believe that it’s a mistake, it’s an elementary mistake, we have to go home and correct that mistake.” Samuel Boadu added.
Hearts of Oak now have 26 points in 6th position, 11 points behind arch rivals, Asante Kotoko who lead the table with 37.
The remaining week 18 games will be cleared on Sunday which will likely plunge the 2000 CAF Champions League winners down the top seven.
