Hearts of Oak coach Ouattara reacts to Benjamin Asare’s absence ahead of Legon Cities clash

Photo: Accra Hearts of Oak/Facebook

Head coach of Hearts of Oak, Aboubakar Ouattara says they will not be complacent against the relegated Legon Cities in their Ghana Premier League fixture at the Legon Sports Stadium.

The Phobians are away to the Royals in the penultimate encounter on Sunday, June 1 with all fixtures set to run concurrently. Hearts, who are gunning for a top four finish at the end of the season, currently occupy 5th on the log with 52 points, two behind Heart of Lions.

Ouattara said: “We have prepared well and it’s one of the tough matches. It’s Legon Cities but we have prepared well to go and face them on Sunday seriously,” Aboubakar Ouattara told Hearts TV.

“A dead goat does not fear the knife any longer. You saw the way Accra Lions disturbed us [and] we are playing 18 teams so it’s normal [that] two will be relegated. But you can’t say it’s a bad team.

When asked about the absence of key goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, the Ivorian tactician said that there are equally good replacements for the Black Stars first choice shot stopper.

Asare is on national assignment with the Black Stars who are in London for the 2025 Unity Cup where they lost their opener by 2-1 to Nigeria at the GTech Stadium. Ghana will play Trinidad and Tobago in the third place play-off with Asare set to be in post.

“Unfortunately Benjamin Asare is not available for this match, he is out of this match but we have somebody who can replace him, I try to encourage them and I know the boys can make it," said Ouattara.

The title race will also intensify when leaders Nations FC travel to Basake Holy Stars and second placed Gold Stars journey to the Golden City Park as guests of former champions Berekum Chelsea.

The battle for relegation will reach a tough stage as well when 15th placed Karela host Young Apostles with Accra Lions who sit 16th welcoming already safe Dreams FC.