Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani GoldStars have parted ways with head coach Frimpong Manso, Joy Sports understands.

The decision follows the club’s 2-0 defeat to JS Kabylie on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie.

Manso’s assistant, Nana Yaw Amankwah — who only returned to the club at the end of last season — will now take charge of preparations ahead of the return leg in Algeria on Sunday.

The news was communicated to the squad after their morning training session in Accra on Monday, with the directive said to have come from top management.

Multiple sources told Joy Sports the decision has left both the technical team and players shocked, with morale in camp reported to have dipped.

Manso was appointed GoldStars head coach two and a half seasons ago when the club was battling relegation. He guided them to safety and, last season, made history by leading the side to the Ghana Premier League title in only their third campaign in the top flight.

GoldStars began the new season with a 2-1 victory over Bechem United in the league opener before falling to JS Kabylie over the weekend.