Didi Dramani Downplays Defeat to Kotoko, Confident of Quick Recovery

Accra Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has downplayed concerns following his team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, insisting the result will not derail their campaign.

The Phobians hosted the Porcupine Warriors on Sunday in a Week 9 encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, where a first-half strike from Morifing Donzo handed Kotoko a hard-fought victory in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Coach Didi Dramani acknowledged the disappointment of losing to their fierce rivals but maintained that there was no reason for panic within the camp.

“We are fine. Every game is treated with the attention it deserves. It’s a marathon season, and I think we will make amends,” Dramani said.

The experienced tactician emphasized that the Ghana Premier League is a long competition and that Hearts have the quality and mentality to bounce back in their subsequent games.

He added that the team’s focus has already shifted to improving performance and regaining momentum in the coming fixtures.

The defeat — Hearts’ first of the season — saw them drop from fourth to fifth on the league table with 16 points, while Kotoko maintained their unbeaten record.

Up next, the Phobians will aim to return to winning ways when they travel to face Swedru All Blacks on November 16, as they look to reignite their push for the Premier League title.