Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Salifu Ibrahim has attributed the club’s defeat in the Super Clash to their ongoing difficulty performing at home, stressing that the pressure at the Accra Sports Stadium continues to weigh heavily on the players.
Speaking after the Phobians’ loss to Asante Kotoko, Salifu noted that the team’s away form this season has been stronger than their home record, a trend he says he had anticipated.
“Hearts of Oak, currently, has a better away record than home. When I spoke to Fakye TV, I told them the game will end in a draw. This season, Hearts have not won at home. They have more away wins than home,” he told ghanasportspage.com.
According to him, the heightened expectations from the home crowd often make Accra a difficult environment for some players to thrive in.
“There is more pressure playing at home than away. There are some players who can withstand the pressure that comes with playing at home because the team has to win,” he said.
The Phobians have recorded the most away wins this season – three wins out of four games. They are unbeaten on the road.
On the flip side, they hold the third worst home record with one win, three draws and a defeat.
Hearts of Oak will aim to correct their home form as the season progresses, with the Super Clash defeat adding to their growing frustration at the Accra Sports Stadium.