Accra Hearts of Oak secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Division One side Home Stars in the ongoing MTN FA Cup round of 32, offering a much-needed morale boost to the team and their under-fire striker, Asamoah Boateng. The game, played at the Legon Sports Stadium, served as an opportunity for head coach Ouattara to test his squad depth and sharpen their attacking instincts without any disrespect to the opponent.
The highlight of the match was Boateng’s long-awaited goal, which ended a scoring drought that had haunted him since joining the Phobians from Nation FC earlier this season. The striker, who was once known for his lethal finishing, has struggled to find form, prompting criticism from fans and pundits alike.
“Of course, I am happy that he got a goal,” said Ouattara in his post-match interview. “Now I need him to continue to give us goals in the subsequent matches. I want my players to replicate what we do at the training grounds, all of them. It is not just Asamoah—everyone.”
Boateng’s breakthrough came in the 64th minute when he latched onto a perfectly weighted cornerkick ball from midfielder Martin Karikari. With composure that had been missing in previous outings, Boateng calmly rose to meet the ball mid airand headed it past the Home Stars goalkeeper, sparking celebrations among his teammates and the fans in attendance.
The other two goals came from winger Mawuli Wayo and midfielder Asubonteng, both showcasing their potential with clinical finishes. Hearts of Oak controlled the game, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
As Hearts of Oak sails through to the round of 16 and challenge for silverware, the rediscovery of Boateng’s scoring touch could be a pivotal moment in their campaign.