Accra Lions Coach Rainer Kraft Accepts Blame for Late Collapse Despite 5-3 Win Over Aduana Stars
Accra Lions head coach Rainer Kraft has assumed full responsibility for his side’s late defensive collapse despite a 5-3 win over Aduana Stars in their Ghana Premier League encounter on Saturday.
In a thrilling contest at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Lions appeared to be cruising after racing to a dominant 5-0 lead by the 60th minute. A brace each from Salman Faris and Lucky Nwafor, alongside a strike from Musa Hamzata, had given the home fans plenty to cheer about.
However, a sudden loss of focus in the final ten minutes saw Aduana Stars fight back with three quick goals — a brace from Emmanuel Opoku Peprah and a late strike from Emmanuel Marfo — narrowing the deficit and sparking concern on the Accra Lions’ bench.
Addressing the media after the match, Coach Kraft expressed mixed emotions about the win and pointed to a drop in discipline and focus during the halftime break.
“Of course, I have an explanation. It started at half time. Players coming in the locker, easy, little bit of dancing and you could see the focus and concentration was gone. It started in half time,” Kraft explained.
The players are young, they are not experienced so I can understand a little of how their mindset is. But everyone of them wants to go further, wants to go to Europe or somewhere — but one day you have to learn.”
The German tactician further explained how the second-half changes, intended to offer fringe players valuable minutes, affected the team’s rhythm and contributed to the late defensive lapses.
“The first ten, fifteen minutes coming out of the locker we were poor, Aduana did well. And with the changes, which [were] offering players who don’t have many minutes, we give them a chance. Everything was destroyed but I take this one on me,” he admitted.
Despite the lapse, the result secured a crucial three points for Accra Lions as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season. Kraft, however, will be eager to correct the lapses in concentration as the campaign draws to a close.
