Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojsa Kapor expects nothing less than victory when his side host Bechem United in a Matchday 3 encounter of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Kapor says winning is the minimum expectation that comes with coaching a club of Hearts of Oak’s stature, with the Phobians carrying the weight of being 21-time Ghana Premier League champions.
“As you know, our expectations in every single match for Hearts is a victory and this is normal,” Kapor said during his pre-match interview.
The Serbian coach, who joined Hearts ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, has made an impressive start to his tenure, guiding the Phobians to back-to-back victories in their opening two league matches.
It is the first time the GPL giants have won their opening two league games since the 2015/16 season under Kenichi Yatsuhashi, who defeated New Edubiase and Medeama SC.
Hearts have not won their opening three games of the season in over ten years and the game against Bechem United presents that opportunity to rewrite history.
The Phobians began the current campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea before securing a 2-1 away win against Bibiani GoldStars at Duns Park.
The victory over Chelsea was also Hearts’ first Matchday 1 win in the Premier League in a decade, while the success in Bibiani gave Kapor’s side another important three points as they seek to build momentum early in the campaign.
Kapor believes the two victories have lifted the confidence of his players, but he is equally aware that there is still considerable room for improvement as Hearts prepare for another demanding test.
“Our confidence level is very high and players are really believing in everything we are doing. I am sure we will continue our winning path.”
Nebojsa Kapor, Hearts of Oak head coach
Kapor Demands Improvement Despite Perfect Start
The Hearts coach insists the strong start has not changed his approach, with the focus remaining on improving the team’s performance in every area. “Victories came, this is a fact, but also what is my feeling and what I see, players also can feel we can improve a lot,” Kapor explained.
He added that his players have shown the willingness to take responsibility and use their individual qualities for the benefit of the team.
Bechem United, however, will provide a different challenge. The Hunters have collected three points from their opening two matches, beating GoldStars before losing their second game 3-1 against Karela United.
Recent meetings between the Hearts of Oak and Bechem United have also being closely contested encounters though the Phobians hold a significant head-to-head record.
Bechem have recorded just one victory in their last six league meetings with Hearts, and the Phobians winning three and two matches ending in draws.
Both league meetings last season finished goalless, including Bechem United’s last visit to Hearts, which was also played at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.
Hearts Look To Extend Strong Home Record
The historical home record further underlines the difficulty Bechem face on Sunday.
In 14 league meetings played at Hearts’ home ground, the Phobians have won nine times, while Bechem have managed just one victory. Four of those encounters have ended in stalemates, including their most recent meeting.
Hearts of Oak coach Nebojsa Kapor will also be hoping the injury to Alex Bansu does not disrupt his plans. Bansu picked up a late injury before the previous match, forcing the coach to make changes shortly before kick-off.
“It affected us in the beginning because you have a plan and you are changing this because of the worst thing in football. Injuries are something that nobody wants.”
Nebojsa Kapor
However, the coach offered an encouraging update, revealing that the initial assessment suggests Bansu could return sooner than first expected.
“The first assessment was okay and I am sure he will get back faster than we expected. We are waiting for the full medical team report and after we can tell something more about this.”
Nebojsa Kapor
With Hearts aiming to maintain their perfect start, Kapor has called on the supporters to once again fill the stands and provide the backing he believes can make a difference.
“Very simple, we need them and we are calling them to come and support us. With them we are stronger. They are our 12th player and together with them we are going to win this match. I am sure they will give us support and once again I am calling them: let’s come on Sunday and let’s win together.”
Nebojsa Kapor
Hearts will therefore enter Sunday’s fixture seeking a third consecutive league victory, while Bechem United will look to frustrate the Phobians and extend what has been a competitive recent head-to-head record.
READ ALSO: 24-Hour Economy Unveils Six Strategic Industrial Projects for Private Investors in Ghana
