Nigerian League: Why We Lost To Heartland – Coach Explains

Stanley Eguma, head coach of Dolphin FC, has said that early loss of concentration contributed to their defeat at the home ground of League Veterans, Heartland FC.

A statement signed by China Acheru, the clubs media officer, quoted the coach saying, the Red card issued to his team also destabilized his players.

Eguma said: “We started well, but I must say the red card caused our problems and again my players lost concentration.”

Dolphins lost 3-1 to Heartland at the Rojenny Stadium on Sunday, July 12, 2015 in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Heartland, playing at their adopted home ground went ahead as early as the 4th minute when Collins Nwaneri latched in on a rebound from a free-kick.

The Dolphins wall and back line had left keeper Ayalogu exposed after he punched the set piece down.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the home side.

READ ALSO: 3SC Shoot Down Giwa FC In Ibadan (Photos)

Ghanaian, Godbless Asamoah drew Dolphins level in the 53rd minute and at this time, it seemed the visitors would get a result.

Bright Ejike, who had a relatively quiet game, put the homers 2-1 up in the 78th minute.

A throw in from the flanks was not cleared out of danger by the Dolphins defence and the ball fell to the feet of Ejike, who took his time to curl the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Three minutes later, Godbless Asamoah was sent off for a second bookable offence as he raised his leg too high for a challenge.

With two minutes of added time to play, Emeka Ogbuh buried a cross from the left to round up a miserable day for Dolphins.

Berthel Orji, Heartland’s coach, said after the game that he started Bright Ejike deep in midfield but after Dolphins equalized he rang some changes.

Orji said: “I had to push Ejike forward after I made two changes. I brought in a striker and an offensive midfielder. It was from his (Ejike’s) position upfront that he scored the second goal of the game.”

Dolphins now return home to play against Shooting Stars on Wednesday at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium

In another Glo Premier League match, Shooting Stars Club of Ibadan defeated Giwa FC of Jos, 3 – 0.

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