Ghana Premier League leaders, Asante Kotoko maintained their 12-point lead over rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, following their goalless draw in Sunday afternoon’s super clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The game ended 0-0 in the first super clash meeting of the 2021/22 GPL season.
The draw means Kotoko, 37 points are 12 points clear of Hearts’ 25, after the first round and 7 points ahead of second placed Bechem United.
Hearts, who needed a win to close the gap at the top had a good start of the game in the first 15 minutes but were wasteful upfront.
Kwadwo Obeng Jr hit the post following a brilliant run by Afriyie Barnieh after Gladson Awako’s earlier shot inside the area was saved by goalkeeper Danland Ibrahim.
Kotoko, responded with the best goal-scoring opportunity fell to in-form striker, Frank Mbella Etouga, who connected to Salifu Mudasiru’s cross but Hearts of Oak’s Richard Attah saved the situation.
Prosper Nartey’s forces controlled the second department of the game and came very close to scoring on two occasions but the Black Stars’ goalie once again denied Richmond Lamptey’s from entering his net.
Patrick Asma, Justice Blay, Richard Boadu and Isaac Oppong were then introduced into the game but their inclusion did not yeild any positive results.
Sulley Muntari, who played 52 minutes w,as replaced by Frederick Ansah Botchway who brought some stability in the midfield for the home side.
Isaac Mensah, Ecoch Asubonteng, James Sewornu were also brought on for the ‘Phobians’ but their threat upfront was not enough.
Hearts of Oak begin the second round campaign which starts next weekend, against Legon Cities while Asante Kotoko will welcome Dreams FC at the Baba Yara stadium.
