Hearts split points with Obuasi Ashgold

Accra, Feb. 21, GNA - Defending League champions Accra Hearts of Oak again failed to make use of their home advantage at the Ohene Djan sports stadium as visiting Obuasi Ashgold forced them to a goalless drawn game in the 19th Week Premier League game on Sunday.

After losing two matches in a row, the Phobians needed a win to keep their championship aspirations on cause but a stiff opposition from the 'Miners' denied them that opportunity of even appeasing their faithful fans. Both sides struggled to outdo each other in the entire duration of the game, creating several scoring chances but heir strikers were unable to do what mattered most in the game.

With an unimpressive outing from the two sides in the first half, the second half was a more improved performance laced with drama from the two sides, which saw Mahatma Otoo denied by referee Joseph McCarthy from putting his name in score card in the 68th minute when disallowed a goal he had put into the net.

A minute on, Ashgold were presented with a perfect chance to score but Junior Alisa's shot missed target narrowly, whilst another raid by Francis Mantey in the 73rd minute did not get the needed connection. As the game progressed, both coaches threw in their fresh limbs and it was Hearts, who nearly benefited from the change when substitute Richard Atika pounced on a neat supply from the midfield, raced deep into defence but had his shot poorly delivered in the 34th minute. Hearts should have won the day with a 84th minute penalty after Otoo was perceived to have been brought down in the vital area but Eric Gawu's kick was saved by keeper Fatau Dauda leaving the scores barren till the close of proceedings.