League Champions Hearts of Oak picked a point against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in a 0-0 draw at the Accra Sports stadium in a matchday 7 outstanding fixture on Sunday.
Both teams had decent chances to win the game but Richard Atta pulled some amazing saves to keep Hearts of Oak in the game as Asante Kotoko was also saved by the goalpost.
Hearts of Oak had a great start to the game with Daniel Afriyie Barnie and Kwadwo Obeng Junior fluffed them.
Afriyie Barnie was put through by Sulley Muntari inside 10 minutes of play but Barnie’s shot went over the bar.
Richard Atta produced a magnificent save there minutes later to deny Franck Mbella in the 13th minute.
The Phobians came close again two minutes later – this time Obeng Junior hit the inside of the post after connecting to a Daniel Afriyie Barnie cut-back when the attacker smartly went round Asante Kotoko captain Ismail Ganiyu.
Asante Kotoko was dealt a blow before the break as left-back Imoro Ibrahim had to be substituted for Patrick Asmah following an injury. Richmond Lamptey was the first player to test Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Atta after the break but his effort was well-read by the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper.
The Phobians introduced Ansah Bocthwey and Isaac Mensah in place of Salim Adams and Sulley Muntari as they continued to chase the opener in the 52nd minute.
Isaac Oppong, Justice Blay, and Richard Boadu also came on for Salifu Mudasiru, Augustine Agyapong and Dickson Afoakwa but the trio couldn’t change the complexion of the game as the referee whistled to bring proceedings to a close.
The draw means Asante Kotoko is seven points clear at the top of the League log with 37 points – 7 points richer than second-placed Bechem United and will head into the second round of the season with a commanding lead.
Hearts of Oak finished the first round with 25 points – 12 points behind their bitterest rivals Asante Kotoko and 7th in the League table.
