Hohoe United boss Abdul Rahim Bashiru reveals mental fortitude as key to stopping Hearts of Oak

Hohoe United head coach Tijani Abdul Rahim Bashiru has attributed his team’s resilient goalless draw against Hearts of Oak to superior mental strength, highlighting the psychological preparation that enabled his newly promoted side to withstand pressure from one of Ghana’s football giants.

Speaking after Friday’s season opener at the Accra Sports Stadium, Bashiru emphasised that overcoming the Phobians required more than tactical discipline—it demanded unwavering composure and belief.

"Playing a game against Hearts of Oak is not all about physical ability," he stated. "We equipped our team tactically and mentally because we knew the team we were coming to face."

His players demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude, maintaining their defensive structure and focus even after being reduced to ten men in the second half.

Hohoe’s ability to execute their game plan under pressure suggests Bashiru successfully instilled a mindset that transcended any technical or physical gap between the teams.

This mental strength now provides a foundation for Hohoe’s Premier League campaign, proving that proper psychological preparation can be as crucial as tactical training when facing Ghana’s football elite.