Head coach Hearts of Oak, Didi Dramani, cut a frustrated figure after his side slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Bibiani GoldStars in Week 24 of the Ghana Premier League.
The Phobians knew what was coming ; the pace out wide, the ruthless transitions, the intimidating home backing. But knowing and stopping are two different battles.
GoldStars struck early, drawing first blood in the 14th minute and forcing Hearts onto the back foot. The visitors clawed their way back into the contest when Henry Boateng levelled matters in the 64th minute, injecting belief into the travelling support.
For a moment, Hearts looked ready to seize control.
Then came the dagger.
Augustine Boakye’s late strike ripped through Phobian hopes, sealing victory for the Bibiani-based side and underlining their clinical edge in decisive moments.
Dramani did not hide his disappointment.
“We knew we were going to play against a transitional side. We knew that they had home power behind them, and we were very much aware of whatever happened on the field,” he admitted.
“We knew they were very strong with their wide play… We are not happy with the goals we conceded. We had our moments right from the first half into the second half, but we still need to grow in our game.
“We need to be very clinical and decisive in decisive moments of the game.”
The defeat leaves Hearts third on 40 points ; six behind leaders Medeama SC and five adrift of second-placed GoldStars.
And the pressure intensifies.
Traditional rivals Asante Kotoko lurk just behind in fourth with 39 points after a frustrating goalless draw against ten-man Vision FC.
