Hearts Held by Aduana in Tense Goalless Draw
Accra Hearts of Oak were held to a goalless draw by league leaders Aduana FC in a tightly contested Ghana Premier League encounter on Sunday.
Separated by just three points heading into the fixture, both sides lived up to expectations with an evenly matched and competitive display, particularly in the first half.
Aduana came close to breaking the deadlock as early as the 11th minute when Patrick Mensah broke free inside the penalty area, but his snapshot was brilliantly saved by Hearts goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi.
Hearts responded two minutes later when Yaw Baafi Amankwaah delivered a teasing cross that found Mawuli Wayo unmarked in the box. The forward, however, failed to keep his header on target. Wayo was again involved midway through the half, but rushed his effort after being picked out on the edge of the area by Martin Karikari.
The game’s clearest chance fell to Hearts in the 27th minute. Wayo dazzled down the left flank, leaving his marker behind before squaring the ball to Karikari, who somehow missed from three yards out, his diving header sailing well wide.
Wayo then turned culprit himself three minutes later, blazing over from close range after capitalising on a poor clearance by Anokye Badu. Aduana gradually regained composure thereafter, tightening up in midfield to stem Hearts’ early dominance as the first half drew to a close.
The second half was more cautious, with both teams reluctant to overcommit. Aduana attempted to force the issue with long-range efforts, the best of which came in the 64th minute when Charles Gyamfi Kamara fired over the bar.
Hearts replied almost immediately, with George Paaku unleashing a thunderous strike from distance that missed the post by inches. With 11 minutes remaining, Agbasi was again called into action, stretching to his limits to deny Gyamfi Kamara’s powerful header.
Both sides threatened on the counter in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive touch as the match ended scoreless.
Despite the draw, Aduana remain top of the table with 28 points, although they have played two games more than second-placed Medeama SC. Hearts of Oak sit third with 25 points.
