“We lost concentration” – Hearts of Oak coach Abdul Bashiru highlights reasons behind loss to Asante Kotoko

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.