It was a game of saves, as Black Stars stalwart, Benjamin Asare, stood in between the fortunes of Dreams Fc from running away with the maximum 3 points into the dreamland.
Asare made crucial saves, while Dreams’ forward and Captain John Antwi and Abdul Razak Salifu yelled into the realms of heaven, asking ‘WHY’, in many goal attempts, while the Still Believe lads normally went on the counterattack.
Youngster Rahman Osman, who was inspired before the match, also made great saves, including a 1v1 situation against Mohammed Hussein, earlier in the first half. The Phobians, having dominated the game, had several glorious chances to bury the game in the first half but failed to utilize them.
Dreams came back better in the second half and had a fair share of the possession. Razak then hit the back of the net. Stretching Asare in the post on the 52’ but was flagged offside.
Despite the several changes made, Hearts got neutralized by Dreams, while the share of spoils became the 2nd for Hearts in 5 matches, and 1st for Dreams.
“We are concerned about making key decisions, and we look forward to more room to improve. No Coach will be happy when you create chances and the decisions go shambolic. I know it is a work in progress, but we need to keep some consistency to stay in the industry.” Mas Ud Didi Dramani told the Media, after the match.
Meanwhile, Dreams FC did not substitute players, but made a change in tactics.
“The players were playing to the strategy; they were playing to my instructions. And there was no need for any substitution. Kudos to John Antwi, considering his age and the level at which he played, he was more or less like a second coach on the field,” says Head Coach Winfred Dormon.
“The second half, we did one or two adjustments, we did not change the personnel, but changed the direction, and we played one of the best games. We had lion’s share of possession; we created a lot of chances, but Benjamin Asare really stood between the sticks. So, overall, it was a good game, but I am disappointed that we could not score.” He added.
Sharing words of motivation given to him by Benjamin Asare, Rahman Osman touched on his preparation before the Phobia game.
“I anticipated a tough game against Hearts of Oak, as this was my first time. And I was meeting one of the biggest goalkeepers in Africa, so I had to build a lot of confidence. After the game, Benjamin Asare told me to keep it up and one day, I will also be like him.”
“We have been training with Fatawu Dawda, and we have been training on 1v1, because I conceded a similar goal against Kotoko. So, he emphasized it and encouraged me to stay on my feet, have confidence, and make a save. So, when the ball was coming, I did not panic.” Rahman recounted how he saved the 1v1 against Hussein.
Benjamin Asare, who is also the captain of Accra Hearts of Oak, was adjudged Player of the Match.
Hearts of Oak drops yet another crucial 2 points, as they remain 5th with 32 points, while Dreams lie 8th with 24 points, awaiting the final fixtures for match day 19 across other venues.
Hearts of Oak will next play Eleven Wonders, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
