‘We must take our chances’ – Akwasi Sarpong reflects on Samartex loss to Hearts of Oak

Akwasi Sarpong said FC Samartex must become more clinical in front of goal after missed opportunities proved costly in their narrow defeat to Hearts of Oak in Accra.

The Samartex midfielder admitted that while his side matched the Phobians for large spells at the University of Ghana Stadium, their inability to take chances ultimately made the difference in Friday’s 1-0 Ghana Premier League loss.

“The football we played, we did our best, but their goal was a result of luck. It was a mistake that led to the goal. We are looking ahead, and next time, when we get our chances, we will convert them,” Sarpong said after the final whistle.

Samartex came close to stunning the home crowd inside the opening two minutes when Christian Agyenim Boateng capitalised on a defensive lapse, but his close-range effort struck Hearts goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and rebounded to safety.

That moment set the tone for a contest in which the visitors created promising situations but lacked the final touch.

Hearts responded quickly and were ruthless when their chance arrived. After Mawuli Wayo fired over early on, the midfielder atoned moments later by forcing an error from Roland Grippman inside the box and squaring for Hamza Issah, who finished calmly to score the decisive goal.