The Phobians were stung by an Eric Owusu Afriyie goal in the dying embers of the game as RTU earned a 1-0-win Tamale on Friday night.
For large parts of the game, it looked like RTU would ease to a comfortable win, but that was not to be with Mankuyeli and Kushibo missing glaring chances.
We take a look at four things we learned from the game.
Hearts aren’t what we thought they were.
There were a lot of prophesying ahead of the season as to the potentials of the Phobians to win the league title. And if not, they will surely be in the top 2. The Phobians were undefeated at preseason. They won all of their nine games, scoring 35 and conceding 5.
Against RTU, it turns out, Hearts are no better than any other decently equipped in the division. Yes, they have quality, but they are still adjusting, and they’re certainly not world beaters. Indeed, their defeat on Friday night has forced us to readjust our beliefs in the team.
Perhaps the most worrying thing for Martin Koopman, though the result wasn’t great, is the way in which they lost. Their vaunted midfield was unable to arrest any control of the game, and possession share was not what he expected.
They probably will be in the race for the title, but they do not like favourites for the title as it stands.
RTU did enough, but they need to find another level or two if they are to survive the drop
They may have got the win to continue their dominance over the Phobians, but they looked laboured, slow and passive for much of the game; Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah was impressive, but he didn’t have too much to do, despite looking in the mood from the first whistle. Abdul Mumin Abdulai may have learnt something; his midfield didn’t mesh properly.
It remains to be seen whether RTU will regret letting go of Sadat Mohammed and Manaf Umar. They were badly lacking impetus as the game went on, an issue that almost cost them last season. They must make sure it doesn’t when it really matters.
Afriyie, the Hearts silencer is a professional photographer
Ever heard of Eric Owusu Afriyie? He's the man who can break Hearts (pun intended) both on and off the pitch. Not only does he score goals, but he's also a pro photographer. He's got more skills than a Swiss army knife – scoring in the game and snapping at weddings, funerals, and baby christenings. Move over, camera shy folks – this forward is a real snapshot sensation!
Koopman has won 1 in his 15 games
Prior to his arrival at Hearts, the Dutch man had recorded just a win in his last fourteen games as a manager. He had suffered 12 defeats with 2 drawn games. In his first competitive game for the Phobians, he lost. Has he the alchemist’s touch to turn things around? Time will tell!
