Francis Akwafo, a former Asante Kotoko winger, believes that the injury to Salifu Ibrahim significantly affected Hearts of Oak during the Super Clash last Sunday.
The highly competitive encounter between the two premier clubs unfolded at the Baba Yara Stadium in Week 14 of the Ghana Premier League, with Kotoko securing a 3-2 victory in the much-anticipated match.
Salifu Ibrahim made a brilliant start to the titanic clash, contributing to his team's opening goal. However, he was forced to leave the game after sustaining an injury in the second half.
In a statement to Kessben FM, as monitored by Footballghana.com, the former Kotoko winger acknowledged that Salifu Ibrahim's injury had a notable impact on the Phobians' performance.
"I didn’t expect such a beautiful game from both teams; I’m happy with the performance of both teams. I’m happy Kotoko won but was also impressed with how Hearts of Oak played. I don’t regret watching the game because both teams sold good football," he remarked.
Akwafo emphasized that acknowledging Salifu Ibrahim's injury as a factor is essential for honesty, stating, "Salifu Ibrahim’s injury affected Hearts of Oak. You are not truthful if you don’t accept his injury cost the Phobians."
Hearts of Oak initially took the lead through Linda Mtange, but Isaac Oppong equalized before halftime. Despite a stellar performance by Uganda forward Steven Mukwala, who scored a brace in the second half for Kotoko, Martin Karikari reduced the deficit in the final minute for the Phobians.
