Martin Karikari's 82nd-minute winner sent Hearts of Oak top of the Ghana Premier League and left Holy Stars coach Abdulai Gazale lamenting wasted chances.
Hearts of Oak are rolling in the Ghana Premier League. Martin Karikari's 82nd-minute goal at the University of Ghana Stadium gave the Phobians a 1-0 win over Basake Holy Stars on Matchday 8, their third victory in a row, and sent them temporarily to the top of the table.
For Holy Stars, it was a painful way to lose. Coach Abdulai Gazale pointed to his side's attacking play as the main problem, especially before the break. He felt his team created enough openings to take the lead but lacked the positivity and cutting edge in the final third to make them count.
The defensive side of the performance pleased him more. Holy Stars settled into a medium block, absorbed Hearts' pressure and looked to hit on the counter. Gazale said his players did well in that area, and for most of the match the plan held up.
But one lapse was enough. Karikari struck late to break the deadlock, and all that defensive discipline went unrewarded. Holy Stars were left empty-handed, while Hearts of Oak showed the kind of patience and persistence that wins matches, and titles, in a tight league.
