Kim Grant proud of Hearts of Oak players despite Kotoko defeat
17th June 2019
Hearts of Oak coach Kim Grant praised the performance of his players despite the defeat to Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the semi-final stage of the NC’s Special Competition.
The Phobians were knocked out of the competition via penalties after drawing 1-1 with Kotoko in regulation time.
Fatawu Safiu opened the scoring for Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium with a great finish in the 5th minute.
The Phobians forced the game to penalties after Christopher Bonney converted from the spot with virtually the last kick of the game.
The Porcupine won the resultant penalty kicks 5-4, sending them to the final where they will face Karela United.
“We totally dominated and controlled the game. What I would like to say is I’m so proud of the boys because I couldn’t ask for anything better from them. They kept on going. We controlled the game from the second half and I tried to make changes to keep the momentum going to put them (Kotoko) on the back foot” Grant said in his post match interview.
“We had one penalty disallowed and we got a second. That never say die attitude, that’s what I was looking for and the intensity. The first 15 minutes we were a little bit maybe nervous but as soon as they scored the goal we got back into it. Overall, I’m very proud of this team”.
Hearts who have also been knocked out of the Tier 2 competition will now have to continue their rebuilding process.