Hearts Coach Didi Dramani Highlights Positional Lapses in GHALCA Top 4 Defeat to Bibiani GoldStars
Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has admitted that positional errors proved costly in their defeat to Bibiani GoldStars during the GHALCA Top 4 tournament clash on Friday night.
The Phobians fought back twice to force a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium but were eventually beaten 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
“I think we lost some spaces both defensively and offensively, but in the latter part of the game we were able to rectify this, so we took control and that is how we were able to score the equaliser,” Dramani reflected after the match.
GoldStars took the lead in the 18th minute when a foul by Raphael Amponsah resulted in a penalty, calmly converted by Samuel Atta Kumi. The Ghana Premier League champions doubled their advantage in the 34th minute, with Atta Kumi striking again after goalkeeper Benjamin Asare failed to hold onto Sampson Eduku’s initial effort.
Hearts of Oak responded just before halftime as Martin Karikari weaved through the defence to set up George Paaku, who reduced the deficit to 2-1. Shortly after the restart, Karikari once again turned provider, delivering the assist for Mohammed Hussein to level the score.
The contest proceeded to penalties, where Vincent Atingah’s decisive spot-kick sealed victory for Bibiani GoldStars.
