The newly-promoted side needed a goal in each half of the match to ensure they picked the maximum points with a first-ever victory in the Ghanaian top-flight and in front of home fans.
Following a promising start in the game, a brilliant attempt from Nations forced Samartex goalkeeper Lawrence Ansah to make a superb save in the 10th minute.
Ten minutes later, the Premiership newbies had their dominance paid off after Barimah Baah fired home a nice effort to score the Nations’ first-ever topflight goal at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Ivorian midfielder Amidou Diarra rounded off the victory for Nations in the 66th minute, having benefited from a James Sewornu mistake as they continued to dominate the match in the second period.
And the gaffer was left relieved after the win.
We really needed this win, especially after our tough loss in the first game. Our mindset coming into this match was crystal clear: we were here to play for the win. We gave it our all out there on the field.” he said.
🎙️ | QUOTE
We really needed this win, especially after our tough loss in the first game. Our mindset coming into this match was crystal clear: we were here to play for the win. We gave it our all out there on the field.
Coach Mingle react to our victory. #NFC 🔵[2-0] #FCS 🟢 pic.twitter.com/UxVd04luUx
— Nations Football Club (@nationsfcgh) September 24, 2023
Nations gaffer Kassim Mingle Ocansey made a few changes to the team that lost narrowly to Dreams FC in the midweek with Japheth Norvienyo being preferred in the posts.
Captain Emmanuel Boahene started from the bench as Victor Oduro was handed a full debut in the game.
Samartex coach Nurudeen Amadu, on the other hand, made only one alteration to the squad that pipped Aduana Stars in the first league match. Dauda Yussif Seidu got his first start of the season in place of Emmanuel Adu Siaw.
SOURCE: Ghanasoccernet