Feature: 1 0f 34, The Phobian Title Defense Needs Patience, Trust And Collective Team

Accra Hearts of Oak SC launched their title defense with a 0-0 stalemate at home to regional rivals Legon Cities Football Club. The capital derby produced every single component of football but for that elusive goal. It ushered in a new era, the post Afutu era, the real test for Samuel Boadu and the fundamental role of the club’s vociferous fan base.

With their sworn rivals, Asante Kotoko SC, shaking off Dreams FC in a 3-1 blockbuster, Accra Hearts of Oak SC will need to understand how they won the 2021 domestic league if they are to avoid cracking this newly assembled squad. The Phobians shuttered at home to Berekum Chelsea FC in the opening fixture of the 2020 GHPL before turning things around to end a 10-year domestic hoodoo. With negative commentary already center stage from staunch Hearts of Oak SC supporters, management and other stakeholders must let the fan base know that the season is not a sprint but a 34-match-day-long season. They will be moments of torture, damning defeats and unpleasant playing system but cumulated points will be used to judge who wins the league.

With new faces like Enock Essubonteng, Abu Ushau, Salim Adams and other young blood, fans only to develop trust, rally behind the team and play the role of a supporter along the new era. Samuel Boadu, the young tactician trusted with rebuilding one of Africa’s most revered clubs, must be protected from the media backlash, desperate Hearts of Oak SC supporters and managerial intrusion. He must be bold to implement game plans that suit his formation and opponents at stake.

With the arrival of Abu Ushau into the starting XI, Accra Hearts of Oak SC is expected to have multiple starting formation led by the most used 4-1-4-1 formation on the local terrain. The midfield quartet of Ushau, Nettey, Ansah Bocthway and Ibrahim Salifu, can be structured in over five different formations that has the recent 4-3-3 inclusive. The opening day stalemate at home to Legon Cities FC can either be the blessing needed to hit the grounds running or the black stone to derange the fortunes of Accra Hearts of Oak SC.

A trip to WAFA SC came at the very best of times for Accra Hearts of Oak SC as the search for points gains momentum. With 32 left to be played after the WAFA SC game, Accra Hearts of Oak SC will not be under much pressure to pick maximum points at the dreaded Red Bulls Arena. A win will  be external bonus but an impressive outing along is enough to get things running on return to Accra. If any team can be trusted locally, Accra Hearts of Oak SC must among the top three by current form.