Hearts of Oak coach Didi Dramani has attributed his side’s impressive victory over Asante Kotoko in the GHALCA Top 4 to a well-executed tactical plan designed to neutralise their rivals’ strengths.
The Phobians earned a 2-0 win against their sworn adversaries in the final round of the pre-season tournament at the University of Ghana Stadium, though it was Bibiani GoldStars who claimed the overall title on head-to-head advantage.
Dramani, reflecting on his team’s approach, explained: "We respect opponents' strengths and we play to our strengths and then we plan around that.
"There was a lot of work on Saturday in terms of how we will deal with their long ball situations and then anticipating for second balls and then trying to put pressure, pressing on their centre-backs so that they can make mistakes."
Hearts made a fast start and were rewarded after just four minutes when teenager Frank Duku calmly slotted home following a sweeping 15-pass move.
The Porcupine Warriors struggled to break down Hearts’ organised backline, while the Accra-based club continued to threaten in attack.
The second goal arrived midway through the second half when Emmanuel Amankwah powered in a header from a corner, sealing the win and sparking jubilant scenes among their supporters.
Despite the result, GoldStars celebrated lifting the Top 4 trophy, while the tournament provided all participating teams with valuable preparation ahead of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
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