Samartex coach Nurudeen Amadu has admitted his outfit game against Hearts of Oak in matchday 23 of the Ghana Premier League was tough despite picking all points.
The Timber giants handed the Phobians their first defeat in the second half of the domestic top-flight on Saturday, establishing a five-point lead at the top of the standings.
Evans Osei Wusu's brace propelled Samartex to victory at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Sameraboi, shattering Hearts of Oak's eight-game unbeaten run.
The defeat marks Hearts of Oak's first under coach Aboubakar Ouattara, who has been impressive since assuming his role.
Hamza Issah, who made a return to the team after missing his sides last three games reduced the deficit for the Phobians.
“We knew it was going tough. Hearts of Oak is a big team and have stepped up their performance in the second round and so, we just strategized for the game”
“We missed our goalkeeper and key striker, Baba Hamidu but all the same we had to strategize. Keyekeh was playing as a second striker, which is not normally the case, and so we strategize to get our three points but we knew it was going to be difficult because Hearts of Oak have stepped up their game”
Samartex remains at the summit of the standings with 42 points, and with 11 games remaining, the Timber giants remains a strong contenders for the league title.