Medeama coach Tanko Ibrahim praises character after Debibi United win

Medeama SC coach Tanko Ibrahim has praised his players for showing character in their 1-0 victory over Debibi United in the Ghana Premier League.

Medeama had to overcome a number of injuries to secure all three points away from home, with Tanko highlighting the difficulty of winning at the Debibi venue.

“We have a lot of injured players, but those who started today showed good character, and to win here is very important,” he said after the match.

The victory has moved Medeama to the top of the league table, and Tanko says the defending champions will continue to take the season one game at a time as they aim to retain their title.

“We are taking it one game at a time. Hopefully, if we can win more games, we can retain the league title, and that is what we intend to do,” he added.

Tanko also revealed that the demands of their schedule following their CAF Champions League exit had contributed to fatigue within the squad.

He said the team had been constantly travelling and would now be given some time off to recover before preparations begin for their next fixture.

The coach thanked his players for their effort and the supporters for their backing, stressing that away victories are particularly difficult to achieve.

“We have been on the road since our Champions League exit, so the players have been fatigued. We will give them some days to rest, recuperate and regroup for the next game.”

Match-winner Nana Kwasi Barbel said Medeama approached the game with a winning mentality and were confident of taking maximum points.

“We approach every game with a winning mentality, so I am not surprised that we were able to win at Debibi,” Barbel said.

The forward, who has struggled for regular playing time, added that he always tries to make an impact whenever he is given an opportunity.

“I have not had enough playing time, but whenever I am called upon, I try to give my best for the team. Scoring the goal has boosted my confidence, just as it does for every player when you score.”

• What next?

Medeama's victory sends them to the top of the Ghana Premier League table, with a home meeting against Hearts of Oak next on the schedule in Matchday Six.