Accra–Hearts of Oak were held to a pulsating goalless draw in their Ghana Premier League Matchday 23 fixture played at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, yesterday.
Hearts of Oak headed into the clash full of confidence after edging rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in their ‘Super Clash’ last week. That, undoubtedly, inspired a massive fan outpouring to support them and prove that last weekend’s feat was no fluke.
Right from the blast of referee Jacob Adutara’s whistle, the Phobians threw everything into the game and nearly took the lead on the first minute, but agile goalkeeping by former Hearts goalkeeper, Eric Ofori Antwi, dealt with the situation with a timely save.
Antwi was tested again by Mawuli Wayo on the third minute before Abdul Karim brought another save from him four minutes later. Baba Adamu also drew a great save from Antwi before the first quarter of the game as he stretched to parry over the bar.
At this stage of the game, it was Antwi against his former club.
The Phobians, who boast a dominant home record against the visitors—winning four of the last five meetings—came back in the second half with a strong showing to snatch the lead. However, they failed to convert any of the chances that came to them, with striker Mawuli Wayo being the worst culprit as he wasted goal-scoring opportunities in the 49th and 53rd minutes.
Referee Adutara waved off a penalty appeal in the 66th minute after Wayo was pulled down in the box by Augustine Henneh.
The outcome sees the Phobians sit third on the league table with 40 points, five behind league leaders, Medeama SC, and two behind second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars, a side they face next at the Bibiani Dun’s Park on Sunday.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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