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The interim coach of Hearts of Oak, Abdul Rahim Bashiru, has explained that his players lost concentration, which saw them lose 2-3 to rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday afternoon.

A brace from Ugandan forward Steven Dese Mukwala and another goal by Isaac Oppong turned the game on its head as the Porcupine Warriors recovered from Linda Mtange’s early goal to silence their rivals on match-day 14 of the 2023/4 Ghana Premier League in Kumasi. 

Substitute Martin Karikari scored late in injury time to give the Phobians hope, but nothing positive came out of it.

Speaking after the tie, Bashiru insisted his side failed to keep their composure in the game and were not mentally tough.

“We took the lead, and we lost concentration for Asante Kotoko to equalize.

“In this kind of game, you need physical and mental toughness to win.

“We lost the game because we lost concentration and focus. It was a game that we had to relax and enjoy, but I don’t know. What I saw was a lack of concentration after scoring the first goal, which is why they punished us.”

Hearts Of Oak will next play Nations FC.

Asante Kotoko defeated Hearts of Oak 3-2 in an exciting Super Clash in the Ghana PremierLeague, with the Porcupine Warriors securing their fourth consecutive victory and solidifying their position as title contenders.

The game, which was played at Kotoko’s home ground, the Baba Yara Stadium despite Hearts of Oak being the home team, saw both teams create plenty of scoring opportunities, but ultimately, Kotoko’s superior finishing ability proved to be the difference.

The game got off to a thrilling start, with both teams creating chances in the early stages. However, it was Hearts of Oak who opened the scoring in the 37th minute through a beautiful header by Congo’s Linda Mtange, following a well-delivered free kick by Ibrahim Salifu.

Kotoko responded quickly, with Isaac Oppong equalising just before halftime with a clinical finish past goalkeeper Richmond Ayi. The Porcupine Warriors carried their momentum into the second half, taking the lead in the 55th minute through a contentious goal by Steven Mukwala, who capitalised on a mistake by Ayi to score from close range.

Mukwala doubled his tally in the 65th minute, beating Ayi to a loose ball and coolly slotting home for Kotoko’s third goal. Although Martin Karikari pulled one back for Hearts of Oak late in the game, it was too little, too late, as Kotoko held on for a deserved victory.

The win sees Kotoko move within four points of league leaders Aduana FC, who suffered a surprise loss to Nations FC earlier in the day. Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, slipped further down the table, trailing Kotoko by six points and facing increasing pressure on interim coach Rahim Bashiru.

Source: 3news.com

Ghana Premier League side Bibiani Gold Stars has officially announced the appointment of Stephen Frimpong Manso as head coach.

This comes in the wake of Gold Stars announcing the exit of Michael Osei from the head coaching role after maintaining the team’s Ghana Premier League status following promotion to the division ahead of the 2021-2022 season.

Frimpong Manso was recently in charge of fellow league side Bofoakwa Tano but was relieved of his duty after a draw with regional rival Nsoatreman Football Club.

The draw was dominated by the violent attack on Nsoatreman head coach Maxwell Konadu by a section of Bofoakwa fans.

His dismissal marks a quick turn of events for the veteran trainer who was named Coach of the Month Award winner in September after picking two wins and a draw in three league games.

After a distinguished football playing career notably with Kumasi Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, 64 year old, Frimpong Manso has coached the likes of Nkoranza Warriors and Eleven Wonders FC before taking up the top coaching position at Gold Stars.

Bibiani Goldstars have officially parted ways with head coach Michael Osei with immediate effect, the club have announced on Wednesday.

The Miners found themselves languishing in the relegation zone of the Ghana Premier League standings after 13 rounds, prompting this decision.

Goldstars have endured a frustrating run of form, going nine matches without a victory, with the most recent being a 2-1 home loss to Nsoatreman FC last weekend

During this period, they suffered three defeats and settled for six draws, leaving them in the 17th position with only 12 points.

The club’s management initially agreed to let the former Asante Kotoko player and trainer proceed on leave a fortnight ago.

Osei has been at the helm of Goldstars since their promotion to the Ghanaian top-flight in the 2021-22 season has now been relieved of his duties.

In their debut season, Goldstars finished a respectable 9th in the league.

The following season, Osei guided the team to a commendable 5th place finish, accumulating 49 points across 34 matches.

Heading into the current campaign, Goldstars had set a target of finishing within the top four positions.

To bolster their chances, they bolstered their squad with numerous experienced players.

However, the performances haven’t lived up to expectations so far, prompting the management to reassess the situation and cut ties with Osei for the remainder of the season.

Source: GhanaSoccerNet