Hearts of Oak struggled at home due to opponents' tactics

Hearts of Oak defender David Oppong Afrane discussed the tactical challenges that influenced the club's performance during the recently completed 2025–26 Ghana Premier League season. He explained that Hearts of Oak finished in third place, noting how visiting teams adapted their strategies during matches in Accra. Afrane stated that opponents often employed a low block, choosing to refrain from open and attacking play in order to frustrate the Phobians on their home ground. "We struggled at home because opponents sat in a low block," Afrane shared during an interview with Kessben TV. He attributed part of this strategic shift to the new identity established under coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, noting that teams realized they could not compete against them in a more open match, which contributed to the high number of draws. Throughout the season, Hearts of Oak managed to garner 54 points across 34 matches, remaining hard to defeat with only six losses to their name. However, their aspirations for the league title were hampered by a record 15 drawn matches alongside 13 victories. Despite the frustrations experienced in achieving more wins, Hearts of Oak concluded their season positively, securing a significant 4–2 victory against newly crowned champions Medeama SC on the final matchday. This emphatic win ensured they finished in the top three, placing behind Bibiani Gold Stars, with 60 points, and champions Medeama SC, with 62 points, while keeping Dreams F.C. and FC Samartex out of the final top five.