Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara is refusing to be drawn into title speculation despite his side’s remarkable resurgence in the Ghana Premier League.

The Phobians are now just a point off the summit, trailing joint leaders Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars who are locked on 37 points but separated by goal difference.

Hearts continued their resurgence with a 2-0 victory over league newcomers Young Apostles at the University of Ghana Stadium last Saturday.

The triumph briefly propelled them to the league’s summit as the competition resumed following a four-week break, triggered by the tragic death of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley) during a heated clash with Nsoatreman FC.

With Hearts’ stellar run—five wins and two draws in their last seven outings— their fans may be daring to dream, but their pragmatic manager is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Ouattara remains cautious about their title credentials.

The Ivorian tactician refused to be drawn into championship discussions, choosing to deflect any discussion about championship ambitions until the season reaches its climax.

“I will answer that question after June,” he stated when asked if Hearts were poised to reclaim the league crown for the first time since their 2020/21 league and FA Cup double under Samuel Boadu.

Stunning turnaround

Ouattara’s tenure has not been without struggles. The veteran coach endured a turbulent start to the season, facing intense criticism from the club’s faithful.

Having taken over midway through last season, he barely steered Hearts away from relegation, with survival secured only on the final day.

However, he has since orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the side to an unbeaten league run stretching back three months to their 1-0 defeat against Kotoko on December 12, 2024, in Kumasi.

Since that loss, Hearts have secured victories over Berekum Chelsea, Accra Lions (twice), Kpando Heart of Lions, and Legon Cities, while earning credible away draws against defending champions FC Samartex 1996 and Basake Holy Stars.

Their only blemish in this period came in the MTN FA Cup Round of 16, where they suffered a shock exit to lower-tier side Golden Kick on penalties.

While delighted with the victory over Young Apostles, Ouattara was left frustrated by his side’s wastefulness in front of goal, insisting that Hearts should have won by a far bigger margin.

“There’s still a lot to do in terms of converting chances,” he admitted, vowing to sharpen his forwards’ efficiency in front of the goal as the title race heats up.

Testing times ahead

Despite their strong run of form, Hearts face a stern test in the coming weeks, with tricky fixtures that could define their season.

They host struggling Dreams FC before bracing for a tough away trip to Bechem United, who remain unbeaten on home soil.

A crunch showdown with league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars in Bibiani follows before home encounters against Nations FC and Medeama SC.