David Duncan believes his players overcame a big psychological hurdle by beating rivals Heart of Oak in Sunday’s Super Clash.

Prior to the game, the Porcupines were attacked by robbers in the early hours of Sunday at their team hotel in Accra.

But hours later, two goals from Dauda Mohammed secured a 2-1 win for the Premier League champions.

"It was important for the team to get that hurdle out of the way looking at what the team went through such a big game. It was a hard-fought match. It certainly meant a lot to the players, as to what it will mean over the season."

"Kotoko dominated possession and created many clear-cut chances but Hearts also played very well on the day and we were lucky to win."
 
The relationship between Hearts and David Duncan has often been frosty, following their acrimonious separation in November 2013.

The inevitable question about his feelings towards Hearts, who are starting relegation in the face, popped up at the post-match presser.
 
"For me? No, because it is Hearts versus Kotoko. It is not me and Hearts. It is two teams who play against each other. I believe [Hearts] know how to turn things and l know they will survive.”
 
Hearts currently lie 15th on the log with 29 points.

 
Agyemang Badu congratulates Fabulous

Meanwhile, Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has congratulated his former club for their victory. The Udinese star said the dream of the fans and the team is to place respectably at the end of the season.
 
"The players’ attitude has been fantastic and I know they are prepared to finish hard as the season gets to an end. And also [they have to] make the whole [body of] supporters proud by eventually lifting the FA Cup trophy to return [the club] to Africa next season."

"I want congratulates them for their tactical discipline and resilience in the match against Hearts after even the armed robbery attack on them,” Badu told Adom Sports.
 
Badu was especially keen on a Kotoko win after witnessing the Kumasi side lose to Hearts on penalties in the President’s Cup at the same venue last month.
 
The player is currently in Italy with Udinese preparing for the 2015/16 season.

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More analysis

CLICK TO READ: Eddie Ansah bullish about Hearts survival chances

CLICK TO READ: Match report - Hearts 1-2 Kotoko

CLICK TO READ: Analysis - How David Duncan outsmarted Hearts

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