Hearts of Oak stand-in coach Eddie Ansah believes the absence of his captain Robin Gnagne contributed to his team's defeat at Aduana Stars.
The Phobians have slipped into the relegation zone with the weekend's defeat in Dormaa.
Hearts have been crisis in recent weeks with a string of poor results which cost coach Herbert Addo his job.
Ansah did not get the flying start he so desired in his first game in charge as interim coach.
The former national team goalkeeper attributed the defeat to the absence of his captain Robin Gnagne.
"Our captain who is Robin missed this game because of some reasons," he said.
"And his replacement, though he did his best, was not good enough."