Hearts of Oak coach Didi Dramani explains goalkeeper rotation

Hearts of Oak coach Didi Dramani has clarified his decision to start second-choice goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi over the in-form Benjamin Asare, stating the move was a deliberate strategy to manage player workload and foster intense competition for the number-one shirt.

Agbasi justified the selection in their recent Matchday 21 clash with Bechem United, delivering a commanding performance that included several crucial saves to secure a clean sheet and a vital win for the Phobians.

Speaking after the game, Dramani explained the rationale behind the rotation.

"The reason is just to deload and then also to give Solomon game minutes," the coach said.

He emphasised that creating a robust internal culture was a key objective, noting, "If we were in the FA Cup, then Solomon would have been playing in the FA Cup games. But there's a need for you to deload Benjamin after three, four games; then you deload him so that you can build a very strong culture within our [goalkeeping department]."

The victory elevated Hearts of Oak to 36 points, placing them level with Bibiani Gold Stars and Aduana FC in the league standings and moving them above rivals Asante Kotoko ahead of their highly anticipated upcoming clash.

For Dramani, the decision proved successful not only in securing points but also in reinforcing his philosophy of squad management and internal competition as pillars for sustained team success.