Hearts of Oak head coach Didi Dramani has defended his decision to start Solomon Agbasi over first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, describing the move as a calculated approach to manage player workload and encourage healthy competition for the starting spot.
Agbasi delivered on that trust in Matchday 21, producing a commanding performance against Bechem United. The goalkeeper made several crucial saves, helping Hearts secure a clean sheet and a vital victory for the Phobians.
After the match, Dramani explained his rotation policy:
“The reason is just to deload and also give Solomon game minutes,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong internal culture within the squad.
He added that rotation is part of a broader plan to manage the team’s workload and keep competition high among goalkeepers:
“If we were in the FA Cup, Solomon would have been playing those games. But after three, four matches, it’s necessary to deload Benjamin so we can build a very strong culture within our goalkeeping department.”
The win propelled Hearts of Oak to 36 points, drawing them level with Bibiani Gold Stars and Aduana FC, and temporarily moving them ahead of rivals Asante Kotoko in the league standings ahead of their eagerly awaited showdown.
