Fans blame spiritual factors for Hearts of Oak’s poor start to season

Following Hearts of Oak’s 2-0 defeat to Heart of Lions at the Kpando Sports Stadium on Sunday, some fans have attributed the team’s poor performance to spiritual factors.

The Phobians, who had strong pre-season preparations including a stint in neighbouring Togo, are yet to win a match or even score in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season. They began the league with a 1-0 loss to debutants Basake Holy Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium.

In response to the team’s struggles, fans reacted strongly, booing the departing team bus and calling for the dismissal of head coach Aboubakar Ouattara.

Despite this, the management expressed their full support for both the coach and the players, urging them to secure at least a point from their game in Kpando.

However, the team’s woes continued as they conceded a goal in the final seven minutes of the match. Fans expressed frustration, noting that the team seems to be conceding goals in increasing margins.

One fan remarked, “Then, it could be 3-0 if something is not done by management. We have the players but nothing seems to be working.”

Others criticised the centre referee Gabrel Opoku Arhin, particularly regarding the first goal, and called for improvements in officiating.

“The GFA should help referees to help the game because this officiating is very bad,” they said.

Hearts of Oak will look to turn their fortunes around in their next match against Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium.