Heart of Lions head coach Bashir Hayford says his side will take valuable lessons from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak in the opening match of the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament.
The Kpando-based side, who recently lost to the Phobians in the Homowo Cup, once again fell short at the University of Ghana Stadium on Wednesday night, this time through an unfortunate own goal that separated the two sides.
Speaking after the game, Hayford admitted that his team executed their tactics well but were undone by a moment of misfortune.
“Tactically we played everything, only that the goals didn’t come. Unfortunately, we conceded an own goal when our defender headed the ball into the net — but that is football,” the veteran coach remarked.
Despite the setback, Hayford stressed that the competition is still wide open and his side will regroup for the remaining fixtures.
“We will go back again. It’s an all-play-all format — we are done with Hearts of Oak, and we are left with two teams. We are going to prepare and face them. Once again, we’ve lost to Accra Hearts of Oak, and it’s no news. But it gives me lessons, and I know where to continue again because I have seen a lot from the two games,” he added.
The former Ghana U20 coach also emphasized that the GHALCA Top 4 is part of their wider preseason preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.
“We are just preparing for the season, and the team has not gelled yet. These matches are preparatory games for us. It’s good for the boys, and it also gives me the opportunity to test some of them. I’ve learned a lot from it,” Hayford noted.
Heart of Lions will next face Asante Kotoko in their second group match on Friday, August 22, as they seek to bounce back.
