Hearts of Oak struggled at home because opponents sat in a low block – David Oppong Afrane
Hearts of Oak defender David Oppong Afrane has opened up about the tactical hurdles that defined the club’s recently concluded 2025â26 Ghana Premier League season.
Reflecting on a campaign where the Phobians finished in third place, Afrane explained how visiting teams fundamentally altered their strategies when visiting the capital.
He noted that opponents intentionally abandoned open, attacking play to frustrate the former champions on their home turf.
“We struggled at home because opponents sat in a low block,” Afrane told Kessben TV.
“With the new identity Didi gave us right from the Top 4, they knew they couldn’t compete in an open game, which is why we had so many draws.”
Under the guidance of head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, Hearts of Oak accumulated 54 points from 34 matches.
While they proved exceptionally difficult to beat, losing only six times all season, their title ambitions were ultimately slowed down by a league-high 15 draws alongside 13 victories.
Despite the frustration of the stalemates, the Phobians closed out their campaign on a high note, delivering an emphatic 4â2 victory over newly crowned league champions Medeama SC on the final day.
The definitive win cemented Hearts of Oak’s position in the top three, finishing behind runners-up Bibiani Gold Stars (60 points) and champions Medeama SC (62 points), while keeping Dreams F.C. and FC Samartex at bay in the final top-five standings.
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