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Kadiogo’s stunner, wake-up call for Hearts!
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● Samuel Boadu – Hearts chief trainer
Right from the opening half of the nerve-jangling game, it was increasingly becoming clear that Asante Kotoko were on their way to a potential exit from the CAF Champions League preliminary stage as visiting Burkinabe side – RC Kadiogo, stole a 16th-minute lead at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The stadium, hitherto lively and tumultuous, surrendered its vivacity to a calm, confused stillness and trepidation, especially when Dramane Kambou’s free-kick exploded into the net of the Porcupine Warriors.
Faces of dyed-in-the-wool fans turned red and sore. The reverse imagery was obvious as the small band of Kadiogo fans here at the stadium cart-wheeled for joy. Kadiogo had suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first fixture played in Benin – instead of Burkina Faso; CAF having rejected their stadium for its shabby nature.
In a pre-match interview, the Kadiogo management had insisted on storming Kumasi to beat Kotoko before their pet contingent. That threat was taken with a pinch of salt by the Asanteman Warriors who predicted a repeat of the ‘prussic acid’ they served their opponents in Benin, a week earlier. But that was not to be!
After a 0-1 scoreline into the break, Kotoko returned onto the pitch full of piss and vinegar – working ruthlessly in a valiant attempt to pull parity and possibly strike victory. Nothing came out of their efforts that saw a profusion of opportunities blown off – until the two sides were ushered into the lottery of penalty kicks as the aggregate result stood at 1-1.
Believe it or not, before their own eyes in Kumasi, Kadiogo outkicked Kotoko (1-3) and plunged the stadium into torment and tears. For the Burkinabe, it was an encore of the 1979 victory they chalked over Kotoko in similar fashion – during the African Winners Cup competition.
It is sad that Ghana’s league champions could not even proceed beyond the first round of qualifiers. It is such a huge disappointment to Ghana football.
Kotoko may be looking back at the defeat with lots of anguish and wonder whether it was even prudent to let Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum go after guiding the Reds to win their 24th Premiership title last season. Ogum’s exit, partly triggered by a brouhaha over transfer targets towards their CAF Champions League, now raises very pertinent queries and the club’s hierarchy must bow their heads in shame.
Embarrassingly, out of 10 appearances, the Porcupine Warriors have suffered nine exits – only making it to the Group Stage Money Zone as far back as 2006.
That the four initial slots allotted Ghanaian clubs in Africa (two each in the Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions) have been slashed to two – due to shabby outputs in the competitions over the years, is disturbing – cannot be over-emphasised.
Even as one hopes important lessons have been picked up zooming into the future, it is the expectation of Ghanaians that Sunday’s result must be a wake-up call to Hearts of Oak who begin their CAF Confederation Cup competition next month.
Hearts drew a bye in the first round and would now face Mali side Real Bamako who got the better of AS Douanes of Burkina Faso.
In 2004, Hearts won the maiden edition of the CAF Confederation Cup by upstaging sworn rivals and compatriots – Kotoko. Could they snatch it again? None can tell now; but truth is that they face a real mammoth task head in the campaign.
The Phobians have not been stimulating enough in the start of the betPawa Ghana Premier League, having lost one (1-0) and drawing the other (1-1) against Aduana Stars and Great Olympics respectively. They really have to improve – and it must be swift before their continental campaign rolls off.
PlainTalk With John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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