Kapor Faces Tough Selection Call as Hearts of Oak Prepare for Chelsea Opener
Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojsa Kapor has been handed a selection dilemma ahead of the club’s opening Ghana Premier League fixture against Berekum Chelsea, with several players impressing during preparations for the new campaign.
The Phobians begin their 2026/27 league campaign at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday, September 6, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00pm.
For Kapor, the encounter represents his first competitive assignment since taking charge of Hearts of Oak, and the Serbian coach appears to have been impressed by the intensity and commitment shown by his squad ahead of the opener.
Rather than worrying about injuries or a lack of options, Kapor says his biggest challenge has been determining which players deserve to start.
The availability of his players has allowed the technical team to assess several options during preparations, with Kapor revealing that the competition for places has been particularly strong.
“I have, believe me, a lot of positive problems because a lot of players are with serious attitude and serious performance,” he explained.
The coach believes the competition is a reflection of the players’ desire to make an impact from the beginning of the season. Several members of the squad have, according to Kapor, demonstrated that they are ready to fight for starting positions.
“They showed me they are ready to compete very seriously for starting 11 and it will be difficult to decide,” he said.
That competition could prove important as Hearts seek to start the new campaign on a winning note. Kapor will now have to balance the performances witnessed in training with the tactical demands of facing a Chelsea side that has traditionally provided difficult opposition.
The coach has also placed responsibility on himself and his technical team to ensure that the right choices are made.
“But their job is their job and they did it well, and I hope also we will as technical team do the best our job and we will choose the best,” Kapor stated.
“We will present the best of ourselves on Sunday.”
Hearts Hold the Psychological Advantage
The historical record between the two clubs gives Hearts reason for confidence heading into the encounter.
The two sides have met 22 times since 2013, with Hearts winning 12, Chelsea claiming five victories and five matches ending in draws. The Phobians have scored 27 goals in those encounters, while Chelsea have managed 15.
More significantly, Hearts have not lost to Chelsea since 2019. Their last five meetings have produced four Hearts victories and one draw.
The home record is even more encouraging for the Accra giants. Chelsea are yet to win on any of their last five visits to Hearts, with the Phobians recording three victories and two draws.
However, the visitors can take confidence from their most recent trip to the capital. Chelsea held Hearts to a goalless draw on their last away game to Hearts last season, demonstrating their ability to frustrate the Phobians despite their poor overall record in the fixture.
For Kapor, therefore, past results can provide confidence but will not guarantee success.
Defender Osei Asibey Calls on Hearts Fans
Hearts defender Kelvin Osei Asibey has meanwhile highlighted another factor that could influence the outcome, the support from the club’s supporters.
The defender believes the players need the fans behind them as they begin a new campaign.
“They have been with us for a very long time and there is a time we need their support and everything,” Asibey said.
He urged the supporters to fill the stadium and provide the team with the backing needed to begin the season strongly.
“So I’ll plead each and every one to come into the stadium to support with the players because the players only cannot do anything without the support,” he added.
“I’ll plead them to come in numbers to support the team on Sunday.”
With Kapor enjoying a fully fit squad, fierce competition for places and a favourable record against Chelsea, Hearts will enter Sunday’s opener with confidence. The real test, however, will be whether the Phobians can convert those advantages into a positive start under their new coach.