Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko has praised his side's character after their 1-0 victory over Debibi United at the Debibi Presby Park.
Substitute Nana Kofi Babil scored a 69th-minute winner to secure Medeama's first away win of the season and send them top of the Ghana Premier League table.
Speaking after the match, Tanko highlighted the resilience of his squad amid a growing injury crisis.
"It's a very good feeling, and because of the nature of the problems we have, we have a lot of injured players," Tanko said.
"But I think those who started today showed a very good character, and winning here is very, very important for us."
Medeama travelled without several key players, including star man Fatawu Sulemana, forcing Tanko to rely on the depth of his squad.
"I always tell them that each one of them can start at any time, and I think all of them are showing signs that they belong to this team. So I'm happy with the result," he added.
Tanko also credited match-winner Babil, who came off the bench to make the decisive contribution.
"I know the strength of Babil, I know the kind of player he is," Tanko explained.
"When we came into the second half, we saw that we needed him, and I think he showed us also that he's very, very important for us."
The game was a physical encounter played on a difficult surface, which Tanko admitted forced his side to adapt.
"Very, very intense. I mean, looking at the pitch, it's not 100% good. So definitely, this is the kind of football you expect. You expect a long ball and then follow. I think it was really, really intense overall."
Medeama are now managing a heavy schedule following their exit from the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
"We have to go home first and then look at our injury situation," Tanko said.
"We will give them one or two days free because, since the Champions League, we have been always on the road. I hope that after these two days free, we'll get more of them in training."
Despite moving to the summit, Tanko played down talk of retaining the league title.
"I always say we go game by game, and definitely, if you manage to win most of your games, you have a chance to retain the league. So this is what we are going to do."
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