Young Apostles head coach Abu Abdul-Hanan says his side have intensified work on their finishing and defensive organisation as they seek to revive their faltering Ghana Premier League campaign against Swedru All Blacks on Sunday.
The Wenchi-based club welcome All Blacks to the Wenchi Sports Arena for their Matchday 8 encounter, hoping to turn their home advantage into a much-needed victory after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Asante Kotoko last weekend.
Young Apostles have endured a difficult opening to the campaign, winning just two of their seven matches and losing five to sit in the relegation zone. Both victories have come at home, making Sunday’s fixture an important opportunity to collect points and begin their climb away from danger.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Vaultz News ahead of the encounter, Abdul-Hanan expressed confidence that the improvements made in training could translate into a convincing performance, with the technical team particularly focused on converting scoring opportunities.
“If we are going to play with our tactical ideas, I think we are going to win the match massively to get season back on track.”
Abu Abdul-Hanan, Young Apostles head coach
His confidence comes despite a disappointing outing against Kotoko, where Young Apostles created several opportunities but failed to make them count, especially in the first half.
The coach believes correcting their shortcomings in both penalty areas will be crucial to changing the team’s fortunes.
Finishing Becomes Priority
Coach Abdul-Hanan acknowledged that missed opportunities have cost his side valuable points and revealed that the players have spent considerable time working on their ability to convert chances. “We have taken our time to work on scoring and then finishing because we need more goals.”
The coach also explained that the team had identified weaknesses in their defensive organisation and midfield play following recent matches, prompting adjustments in training ahead of the visit of All Blacks.
Young Apostles’ inability to turn chances into goals has compounded their struggles at the other end of the pitch, leaving them with a negative goal difference that has further damaged their league position.
Abdul-Hanan said the team were determined to improve their goal tally, stressing that scoring more would help reduce their deficit and potentially lift them above the clubs around them on the table.
With several teams closely packed on points, the coach believes improved finishing could prove decisive in their battle to avoid another prolonged relegation struggle.
Defensive Errors And Poor Midfield Coordination Under Scrutiny
Beyond their scoring difficulties, the technical team has also concentrated on eliminating defensive lapses that have contributed to the club’s defeats.
Abdul-Hanan identified shortcomings in their defensive structure and midfield coordination, including their reactions to second balls and movement to support attacking combinations.
“We identified a few problems in the midfield. That is, how to move quickly for second balls and third man passes. They were lacking that and we have worked on that.”
Abu Abdul-Hanan, Young Apostles head coach
The coach believes the corrections made in training will help Young Apostles become more balanced, allowing them to defend more effectively while maintaining a greater attacking threat.
He also pointed to signs of improvement in recent performances, insisting that the team must combine defensive discipline with better conversion in front of goal if they are to recover from their difficult start.
All Blacks’ Away Form Offers Hope
Swedru All Blacks arrive in Wenchi with their own challenges away from home, having drawn once and lost twice in their three away league matches this season.
Their most recent trip ended in a 2-1 defeat to Aduana FC in Dormaa, a result that offers Young Apostles an opportunity to exploit their visitors’ struggles on the road.
However, Abdul-Hanan has warned against underestimating the visitors, pointing to their confidence and the experienced players who have strengthened their squad this season.
“They are good sides, very confident on the ball,” he said, adding that his team would approach the encounter with the intention of scoring more goals regardless of the opposition.
Young Apostles will also draw encouragement from their previous meeting with All Blacks in Wenchi, where they secured a 1-0 victory.
Abdul-Hanan nevertheless expects a difficult contest, acknowledging that consecutive home victories for All Blacks have boosted their confidence ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
Abdul-Hanan Calls for Collective Effort
Despite his determination to secure all three points, the Young Apostles coach has acknowledged that avoiding another relegation battle will require a collective effort from everyone connected to the club.
He recalled how the team needed the final match of last season to secure their Premier League status and admitted that their current position raises concerns about a repeat of that experience. “We are worried about that because the league is still early,” he said. “When we get this thing right, I think moving forward, it’s going to be positive, and we wouldn’t end like last season.”
The coach added that management, the technical team, players, the board and supporters must work together to improve the club’s fortunes.
Young Apostles will be without experienced midfielder Dan Quaye, who is injured, although Abdul-Hanan expressed confidence in the available players to execute his tactical plans.
He also identified All Blacks’ aggressive pressing and high defensive line as areas his side could exploit, revealing that the team had worked on ways to break through their opponents’ pressure.
Sunday’s encounter presents an opportunity for the ‘Agya na Ɔwɔ Tumi‘ lads to wrestle their losing run. A victory, particularly one accompanied by a stronger goal return, could provide the momentum needed to escape the relegation zone and restore belief in their campaign.
READ ALSO: Former Gender Minister Demands Accountability In Obuasi SHTS Case
