Hohoe United Coach Credits Mental Preparation for Hard-Fought Draw Against Hearts of Oak
Hohoe United head coach Tijani Abdul Rahim Bashiru has hailed his team’s psychological resilience after they held Hearts of Oak to a goalless draw in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
The newly promoted side put up a disciplined performance at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday night, frustrating the Phobians despite being reduced to ten men in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Bashiru stressed that his side’s ability to withstand Hearts’ pressure was not down to physical fitness alone but to the mental work that went into their preparation.
“Playing a game against Hearts of Oak is not all about physical ability,” Bashiru explained. “We equipped our team tactically and mentally because we knew the team we were coming to face.”
Hohoe United displayed that mental toughness throughout the contest, maintaining their shape and composure against an opponent boasting more experience and pedigree. Even after Solomon Adomako’s dismissal left them a man short, they stayed organized and committed until the final whistle.
Bashiru believes that this mental edge will be vital for the newcomers as they navigate their maiden Premier League campaign, noting that football at the top level requires more than just technical skills.
The spirited result offers Hohoe a promising start to life in the top flight and sends a message that they will not be intimidated, even when facing Ghana’s most decorated clubs.
