Head Coach of Asante Kotoko Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum has blamed the heavy defeat to Accra Lions on lack of focus on the part of his players.
The title contenders lost 3-0 to struggling Accra Lions on Wednesday in a Matchday 22 outstanding game played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Before the game, the visitors had gone seven games unbeaten, leading the log, while the hosts had picked only their second win in six games.
But goals from Jacob Awoute, Yao Sokpoli and David Akintunde gave the Accra-based side all three points to give their survival hopes the necessary boost.
Speaking after the game, the coach of Asante Kotoko expressed worry that his players were lacking mental toughness at this stage of the season.
He said this lapse showed in the two first-half goals conceded.
“I think before those goals, we we had a good game,” he told the press at the post-match conference.
“We were tactically compact but when the goals came, it took the zeal out of the boys and I think we lost our structure.”
He added: “I think we had a good warm-up. It was just lack of focus.
“As you try to attack the opponent, they try to look at the spaces you have left behind and I think we didn’t do that and that led to the two goals.”
He said as a coach he is immune to pressure especially from fans but wonders if some of the players can stand up to this test.
“For me I’m able to manage anything that comes my way as a coach. I am a mentally tough person. I know the nature of the profession I find myself in. Such commentaries will come and I have to stay focused.
“For the players, individual differences. Some may be able to contain it, some may not be able to contain it and it will affect their performance.”
