After a 1-1 draw with Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League on match-day 15, Hearts of Oak’s interim coach, Abdul Rahim Bashiru, expressed his worry about the team’s defensive performance.
The ‘Phobians’ conceded a late equalizer, allowing Nations FC to split points at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Despite taking an early lead through Hamza Issah’s sixth goal of the season, Hearts of Oak couldn’t secure the win as Richard Danso scored late in the match to level the score.
Coach Bashiru, speaking on StarTimes after the game, voiced dissatisfaction with the defensive display, highlighting weaknesses in both goalkeeping and overall defensive efforts.
“Another blunder from the goalkeeper, and also, we didn’t defend well, just like the last game against Kotoko. That’s the problem we’ve been facing, but we will go back and do the homework as well,” Bashiru stated.
He acknowledged that while the team performed well in the second half, they faced considerable pressure, affecting their defensive stability.
“In the first half know, but the team gave what I was expecting in the second half. There was so much pressure on my boys but I told them to stay calm. It’s like they were so much pressure on them and we didn’t defend aggressively as well.”
Looking ahead, Hearts of Oak will confront regional rivals Great Olympics in the ‘Ga-Mantse’ derby on Friday, December 22, 2023.
