The time is now for Togbe Afede XIV, Dr Nyaho Tamkloe, Delali Anku-Adiamah, Prof Agyeman Badu Akosa and the rest to face the reality and do the needful.
Aboubakar Ouattara’s stay has been long overdue. No one shoud ever deceive himself/ herself that the boss will bring Phobia back to the top.
The signs are clear that Aboubakar Ouattara can not turn things around for Accra Hearts Oak. He has not improved the struggling club since joining them in February 2024.
Former Phobia forward, Charles Taylor predicted that Aboubakar Ouattara will be the first coach to lose his job because he doesn’t see him turning things around for the club. His words are true after week 8.
The 2024-25 season commenced with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to the newly promoted side, Basake Holy Stars. Heart of Lions in MD2 beat Phobia 2-0 to give Accra Hearts of Oak the worst possible start to the season albeit it was expected by many.
Ouattara and his charges secured the first win of the season with a 2-0 win over Bechem United at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. Two horrible draws followed, then an impressive 2-1 success over Young Apostles in Wenchi was recorded. After the success at the Wenchi Park, a goalless draw at Dreams in Week 7 and a home defeat over the weekend to the table toppers, Gold Stars, have followed and it shows that Ouattara can’t drive Phobia to any better place.
A possible 24 points, Phobia has won just 9, scored only four goals, conceded 5 and sits 12 on the league log with just 3 points above the relegation zone.
The relegation fight didn’t wait for long as predicted. The Phobians have been extremely horrible in all facets of their games.
32-year-old former Accra Great Olympics goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare has been one of Ouattara’s saviours after conceding just 3 goals in 7 games. He has proven to be a good fit for the club so far after series of good performances.
The defence of Kelvin Osei Asibey, Samuel Amofa, Emmanuel Amankwah and Yaw Amankwaah Baafi has the potential to reach top level but lacks confidence. Phobia’s defence has kept three clean sheets and conceded 5 goals in 8 games which is a nice return for Ouattara’s defence.
The midfield led by you young Theophilus Colison from deeper role and playmakers of Mohammed Saani, Mohammed Hussein and Ahmed Ramzy Yussif have failed to create the needed chances for the attacking duo of Hamza Issah and Asamoah Boateng Afriyie.
None of Aboubakar Ouattara’s trusted midfielders has scored a goal so far.
Hamzah Issah who is expected to lead the Phobians has 2 goals thus far. He has scored two of the four goals so far, it represents 50%. His partner, Asamoah Boateng Afriyie who joined from Nations FC has struggled so far to announce his presence in the league.
The other two goals for Hearts of Oak was scored by defenders; Ransford Mensah and Emmanuel Amankwah.
The team has struggled in the opening weeks of the season and Aboubakar Ouattara must be blamed.
The last time the club won a back-to-back games was in February and March 2024 in the second round of the 2023-24 season when Hearts of Oak defeated Bechem United 1-0 (Home), RTU 3-0 (home) and Nsoatreman 2-1 (away) in week 17,18 and 19 respectively.
The team’s mentality is so poor to the extent that they have struggled to believe that they can beat the normal sides in the league. They are yet to face Asante Kotoko, Medeama and Samartex although they have met Nations FC and Gold Stars.
The Ivorian head coach in the first place should not have been appointed because he doesn’t have what it takes to lead and revive Hearts of Oak.
Tactically, the man has proven to not be on top and it’s so obvious to see. Improving players is a hallmark of every top coach and Ouattara has failed to do so.
The earlier the Board will act, the better it will be for the club. Phobia needs a Ghanaian coach who understands the culture of the club and the terrain of Ghanaian football.
The Ivorian’s reign has been disastrous with the club looking likely to fight relegation from week 9 of the GPL.
After 8 good months as the head coach, Accra Hearts of Oak deserves better from Ouattara’s leadership. The man must be sacked before it will be too late.
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