Can Hearts Win The Cup?

Accra Hearts of Oak is on the verge of translating local dominance to the continental level. This is the third time the Phobians are trying their hands on the elusive trophy. In 1977, Hearts of Oak lost the first leg encounter 0-1 at the El Wak Stadium and also lost the second leg final 2-3 against Hafia at the Stade du 28 Septembre Stadium, in Conakry.

Two years later in 1979, Hearts of Oak won the first leg final one-nil, at the Accra Sports Stadium and lost the final one-nil through a penalty taken by goalkeeper Antoinne Bell. Hearts of Oak lost the trophy in a penalty shoot-out 3-4 to Union Club of Duala. Mail Sports talked to three key men in both expedition to find out what they think of this third attempt on the continental trophy.

Otto Odametey (Hearts Coach 1977 and 1979): These boys have done extremely well to have reached the final. It is indeed not easy. I congratulate them. I salute them. And I also wish them the best of luck. I'll however advise them not to lose their head. The Arabs are funny people and they can do funny things.

I therefore call on Hearts players to keep their cool and play according to the set pattern taught them. May Heaven's blessing guide and guard Hearts in this match.

Jonas Nii Armah Tagoe (General Team Manager 1977 and 1979): I am filled with a feeling, of nostalgia. We had the chance to make it but we lost in circumstances beyond our control. In both the second leg final matches, bad officiating robbed us of victory. As Hearts of Oak meet Esperance on Saturday, I call on providence to touch the heart of the referee and his assistants to handle the match fairly. If the boys can have fair officiating, Hearts by their form can record a one-nil or 2-1 victory over Esperance even in Tunis.

N.B. Jonas Nii Armah Tagoe is today the Chairman of United Ghana Movement (UGM).

Samuel Suppey (Hearts goal keeper 1977 and 1979): Analysing the match itself, Hearts of Oak have a fair chance of coming out with, a draw or a narrow defeat, but I have a premonition of danger. The Arabs are bad and dangerous. They can spray the dressing room with toxic fume. They can be rough. In fact there's nothing they can't do for a win. They do not see it as a sporting contest. It is a war, which the nation must win.

It is in this regard that I call on all Ghanaians to pray for Hearts to come out safe and sound. I pray that the referee and his assistants will exhibit fair officiating. On behalf of my 1977 and 1979 playing colleagues I wish Hearts of Oak the best of luck. A win will make the former club handlers, Tommy Thompson and others who are no more, smile in their graves.