Hearts of Oak stare relegation after defeat to Kotoko

Accra Hearts of Oak are now facing a real fight to stay in the Ghana Premier League after suffering a 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday afternoon.

Ugandan import Steven Mukwala scored two goals to condemn Aboubakar Ouattara’s men to their second straight defeat in 2 weeks. Mukwala opened the scoring for Kotoko in the 13th minute before sealing the deal in second-half injury time.

Sunday’s defeat was the fourth in 5 matches for the Phobians with the lone victory coming against Berekum Chelsea three weeks ago. Hearts of Oak are placed 15th, just one spot above the drop zone with 2 points more than Great Olympics, the team occupying the final relegation spot. Olympics meanwhile, have played one match less.

With three games left to end the season, Hearts of Oak must beat Nations FC, Great Olympics and possibly Bechem United on the last day to remain in the league. Two of their matches are at home with the last match being an away encounter.

The Great Olympics match might also be a stern test for Phobians due to their city rivals’ precarious situation; a relegation fight.

Asante Kotoko, though, barely also surviving, is a bit more secure and has an easier path to stay in the league next season with 43 points, 5, more than their sworn rivals. Kotoko’s final three matches are against Great Olympics, Real Tamale United and Bofoakwa Tano. Two of those teams are fighting relegation with RTU almost certain to drop as the beleaguered Tamale-based club occupy the last spot with just 31 points.