Heart of Lions head coach Bashir Hayford has downplayed his side’s 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak in the opening game of the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament, insisting that losing to the Phobians comes as no surprise.
The Lions, who recently fell to Hearts in the Homowo Cup, were undone once again at the University of Ghana Stadium on Wednesday night, this time through an unfortunate own goal. Despite the setback, Hayford remained calm, stressing that the result is part of the learning process for his team.
“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 said.
The experienced tactician also highlighted the broader picture, pointing out that the Top 4 serves primarily as preparation 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 explained.
Despite starting the tournament with a loss, Hayford expressed confidence that his side will grow stronger as the competition progresses. He now turns his attention to their next fixture against Asante Kotoko on Friday, August 22, a clash he believes will further shape his team’s readiness for the new campaign.
