Hearts of Oak were favorites for the game, but they were stunned by the Porcupine Warriors as they lost 3-1 courtesy a Saddick Adams first half hat-trick at the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.

Thomas Abbey who was by then the skipper of side has disclosed why they lost the game.

“I can say that before the match, everything favored Hearts of Oak,” he told Angel FM.

“We were supposed to win but there were very serious problems in the team. We had not been paid for three months and winning bonuses for seven were also not paid.

“I can tell you that, before the final, we were not even training. We were protesting so we will go to the training grounds and only jog for twenty minutes and go back home.

“Most of the players had their contracts expired so we knew the match was the last opportunity to demand our pay. Not surprising that we lost in the first half. I can say it was what led to the defeat,” Abbey narrated.

Thomas Abbey is currently without a club.