Hearts of Oak coach, Martin Koopman has admitted that Real Tamale United (RTU) deserve their win.
The Phobians were hosted at the Aliu Mahama Stadium on Friday night in the matchday one.
However, Owusu Afriyie scored late as the home side secured all three important points.
Speaking after the game, Koopman says it was a good game and the home side deserves to take away the win.
"If you lose, you are always disappointed but I think it was a very nice game," the Dutch gaffer said. "It was a fighting game and of course, we like to play football but if you cannot play football, you must fight also.
"In the first half, they (Real Tamale United) had a lot of chances so you cannot say they don't deserve the win.
"It was the last seconds, they had a corner and they scored. I think overall, they deserve a win," he added.
Hearts of Oak will host Nsoatreman FC at the Accra Sports Stadium in the matchday two games.