Hearts of Oak and Kotoko settle for stalemate in thrilling Super Clash showdown

A tense 0-0 draw was the outcome at the Accra Sports Stadium, as Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities in a fiercely contested Ghana Premier League match on Sunday afternoon.

Entering the fixture as underdogs, Hearts of Oak were under immense pressure following three consecutive defeats to their arch-rivals and a lackluster season.

In contrast, Kotoko started the match on a more promising note, looking more menacing in the opening exchanges.

By the 8th minute, Kotoko had already created two promising chances from corners, but their headers lacked precision.

Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was busier than his counterpart, making several crucial saves in the first half.

Andrews Ntim Manu’s free-kick sailed wide in the 13th minute after a dynamic run by Albert Amoah. Kotoko appealed for a penalty in the 16th minute when Kwame Opoku went down in the box, but the referee waved play on.

Hearts of Oak began to assert themselves, nearly capitalizing on a defensive mix-up in the 33rd minute from a corner.

Two minutes later, Martin Karikari’s energetic run was halted by Patrick Asiedu, whose defensive awareness kept Kotoko in the game.

From the resulting corner, a header was cleared off the line as Hearts pressed for the opener.

A contentious moment arose in the 40th minute when Kotoko’s Wisdom Fernando Bassey won the ball and appeared clean through on goal, but his challenge on a Hearts defender was ruled a foul – a decision that sparked debate.

The second half began with Hearts of Oak looking more potent, and Stephen Appiah Asare came close with a well-struck shot that was brilliantly saved by Kotoko’s Mohammed Camara. Kotoko responded through substitute Saaka Dauda, whose low effort rolled past the goalkeeper but missed the far post by inches.

Benjamin Asare remained alert, making a vital save to stop a dangerous cross with a Kotoko player lurking unmarked in the 53rd minute. Hearts of Oak increased the pressure in the final stages, particularly through Albert Amoah, whose 81st-minute cross-shot flashed across goal, needing only a touch to turn it in.

The draw keeps Asante Kotoko in fourth place, while Hearts of Oak sit sixth, with their slim hopes of a league title all but extinguished.

The post Hearts of Oak and Kotoko settle for stalemate in thrilling Super Clash showdown first appeared on 3News.

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