Didi Dramani Slams Penalty in Hearts’ Defeat
Hearts of Oak head coach Didi Dramani has voiced his frustration over the penalty call that decided the outcome of the Super Clash against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko. The Phobians narrowly lost 1–0 to the Porcupine Warriors in their Ghana Premier League Week 9 encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to its billing, drawing thousands of passionate supporters from both sides. However, the game’s only goal came controversially when the referee awarded Kotoko a penalty, which Morifing Donzo confidently converted to hand the visitors all three points.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Coach Dramani expressed disappointment with the referee’s decision and how it affected the rhythm of the game. He, however, admitted that his side could have defended the situation better.
“It was a very soft call, even though we should have handled the play better. We’ve worked on being bold, courageous, and able to deal with wide threats instead of retreating into our own box,” he lamented.
Despite the setback, the experienced tactician urged Hearts fans to remain patient, assuring them that the team is still a work in progress. According to him, his players have shown improvement in their overall play, but minor lapses continue to cost them crucial results. He added that the technical team will focus on tightening the defense and improving attacking transitions ahead of their next league fixture.
The loss means Hearts of Oak have now gone five consecutive Ghana Premier League games without a win against Asante Kotoko, with their last triumph over their rivals dating back to 2023. The Phobians currently sit fourth on the table with 16 points from nine matches, having recorded four wins, four draws, and one defeat so far this campaign.
On the other hand, Asante Kotoko continue to impress under their new technical direction. The victory extended their unbeaten run to six games in the ongoing season, and with three outstanding matches to play, they are in a strong position to mount a serious challenge for the league title. The Reds’ consistency and improved discipline have been key to their resurgence, with several young players stepping up to deliver strong performances.
Looking ahead, Hearts of Oak will be aiming to bounce back quickly as they prepare for their next encounter, hoping to return to winning ways and close the gap at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko will be eager to maintain their momentum and solidify their position as title contenders.
As the Ghana Premier League season gathers momentum, the rivalry between Hearts and Kotoko remains as fierce as ever, and both clubs will undoubtedly continue to play defining roles in shaping the championship race.