Coach Martin Koopman’s verdict on Hearts of Oak’s 1-1 draw with Karela United

Coach Martin Koopman is happy with the performance of his boys despite failing to pick the maximum three points against Karela United on Saturday.

Having defeated the league champions, Medeama SC 3-1 in Accra, the Rainbows were hoping to extend their winning streak.

In Saturday’s game, Hearts of Oak conceded during the 6th minute but Hamza Issah’s 40th minute strike got them the leveller before break.

Both teams did most of the attacking in the final stages, but there was no goal separating the two sides, with the draw keeping them sixth and eighth respectively.

However, it was a lucky escape for Hearts as Richmond Ayi saved a last-minute penalty to prevent them from losing.

The result does little to help either side – with Hearts moving from the 13th place to 9th and Karela moving slightly from the 16th position to 14th.

Reacting to the game, Coach Martin Koopman said: “I think it was a tough game from both sides. We didn’t start well because of conceding early.

“We picked up in the second half and we kept a little bit fighting spirit. You can play nice football but you must also have a fighting spirit. The second half was okay.

“On the other hand, we also had a penalty but I don’t talk about referees. The 1-1 is okay because of not losing but we must win the next game,” the gaffer stated.