Hearts of Oak painfully conceded at the death to succumb to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Real Tamale United in the opening game of the 2023/24 season at the Aliu Mahama Stadium last Friday night.
The game was really a difficult one for the Phobians right from onset with both teams having some opportunities fell on their path but couldn't make it count.
However, with just two minutes to full time, Owusu Afriyie from nowhere, headed from a corner kick to snatch the win and broke the Phobians heart.
In a post-match interview on StarTimes, the Dutch tactician admitted the homesters played well and deserved to win. He added by saying he was pleased with his side's performance despite the loss and will now move their focus to the next fixture.
"In the first half they (RTU) have a lot of chance. So, we don’t say it’s not deserved. Last seconds, the corner kick they scored. I think that overall the game, they deserve a winning game.”
"The second half we came back from what you see in the first half so then you said for one point we sign for it. But if you see this, I think all over the game, it was okay for me."
“So, let’s go for the next game and we must make steps forward. We must work very hard with this young team but I have confidence.”
Hearts of Oak will host Nsoatreman FC in the second round of matches next week in Accra.
