Michael Awuah Mensah, the latest recruit for Hearts of Oak, has expressed disappointment following the team's 2-1 defeat to Asante Kotoko in the inaugural Democracy Cup.

The match, held to celebrate 30 years of parliamentary democracy in Ghana, was a setback for the Phobians who had hoped to lift the trophy to appease their fans after a lackluster previous season.

The loss at the Accra Sports Stadium marked Hearts of Oak's third consecutive defeat to their arch-rivals, Asante Kotoko. Mensah, who recently joined the Phobians from Nations FC, was keenly aware of the significance of the cup and the team's performance.

“We were hurt after falling short to Kotoko in the Democracy Cup. We wanted to lift the trophy to appease our fans after a disappointing season,” Mensah stated.

Despite the setback, Mensah is optimistic about the team's prospects for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season. He has urged fans to remain patient and hopeful, emphasizing that the club's leadership is working diligently to improve the team.

“No one should be surprised if Hearts of Oak wins the league. We can win the league. Hearts of Oak is a big club, so it’s no news if we win the league,” he added.

Mensah, who has signed a three-year deal with the Accra-based club, is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season. His previous performances with Nations FC have earned him a spot in the Hearts of Oak lineup, and he is poised to make a significant impact as the team aims for success in the new campaign.