Accra Hearts of Oak were held to a disappointing goalless (0-0) stalemate with Berekum Chelsea on matchday 23 of the Ghana Premier League at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.
The Phobians were eager to continue from their 1-0 victory over rivals Asante Kotoko, as a win against the Biribies will close the gap on league leaders Medeama SC to two points.
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Hearts started off strongly and pulled a few attempts on goal in the early minutes when Martin Karikari’s shot was parried away by goalie Eric Ofori Antwi.
Minutes after, Ofori Antwi was called to duty again. Mawuli Wayo connected well from Baba Adamu’s cross.
In the 30th minute, Oppong Afrane delivered a brilliant cross to Baba Adamu on the counter, and he took a shot, but the goalkeeper made a save.
Berekum Chelsea made their first attack of the game through Samuel Tinadu; goalie Benjamin Asare stood up and pushed the ball out of play.
The remaining nine minutes of the first half passed without further incident.
Back from recess, Chelsea started the stronger of the two sides, but just like the first half, it was Hearts who first created a chance.
Frank Abora Duku broke free on the counterbreak to set up Mawuli Wayo, but with the goal at his mercy, the forward side-footed his effort off target.
In the 58th minute, Seidu Mohammed held Mawuli Wayo in the box, pulling him down in a move to win possession.
Moments later, Wayo missed an open goal from three yards after Baafi Amankwaah’s cutback beat the Chelsea backline.
Hearts poured men forward in a desperate bid for the opener but could not sustain momentum or score as Chelsea held on for a point.
After Sunday’s draw, Hearts of Oak have now slipped to 3rd on the league table with 40 points but are still within 5 points of Medeama S.C.
