'Title race not over' - Bashir Hayford warns Asante Kotoko

Heart of Lions’ pursuit of the Ghana Premier League title suffered a significant setback on Tuesday, as they fell 2-1 to Gold Stars at the Duns Park in a Week 21 outstanding fixture.

This defeat marks the Kpando-based club’s third loss in their last five league matches, with one draw and one win, in the 2024/25 season.

The loss leaves Heart of Lions in third place with 40 points, five points adrift of leaders Asante Kotoko, who sit atop the table with 45 points. Gold Stars occupy the second spot, just one point behind Kotoko.

Despite the struggles in their recent games, head coach Bashir Hayford remains optimistic about Heart of Lions’ title chances.

“We have about ten matches left, and so 10 matches mean 30 points,” Bashir said at a post-match conference.

“It can make a difference. If somebody is leading with five points, and we have 30 points to contend with, we shouldn’t have to relax and say they are leading.”

Hayford emphasised that the title race is far from over, citing the possibility of catching up with the leaders. “It is not over.

“[Even] when someone leads with 10 points, you can struggle and [catch up]. It is not over; we will struggle and see what we can do.”

Heart of Lions boast an experienced coaching duo, with assistant coach Daniel Nii Adjei having won the CAF Champions League with TP Mazembe.

Adjei’s expertise, combined with Hayford’s experience, will be crucial in guiding the team through the remaining matches.

Heart of Lions will seek to return to winning ways when they host Asante Kotoko at the Kpando Stadium this weekend in a highly anticipated Week 26 encounter.

The match promises to be a thrilling clash, with both teams eager to claim maximum points and strengthen their title bids.