Posted by Accra Hearts of Oak welcomed Ashanti Gold to the Accra Sports Stadium as they hope to win consecutive games for the first time this season. Ashanti Gold also came into the game at the back of a 1-0 victory against Dwarfs, a win that ended the 3 games winless and scoreless run.
Hearts of Oak started the game the better side, passing the ball in midfield and looking to find spaces. Ashanti Gold nearly gifted Hearts a goal in the 5th minute, goalkeeper Frank Boateng who was so casual after receiving a back pass nearly gifted Daniel Afriyie the ball.
With Ashanti Gold having a man on the turf injured, the Phobians had the chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute. A cross-field pass was sent to Daniel Afriyie on the right flanks, he worked the ball beautifully and sent in a low cross, but none of Kofi Kordzi and Joseph Esso could connect with the ball, goalkeeper frank Boateng had a touch to the ball, and that changed the direction of the ball.
Ashanti Gold in the 35th minute had their first dangerous ball in the Hearts of Oak half, a cross was met by Eric Donkor, but his header lacked power to beat goalkeeper Richard Atta.
The biggest opportunity of the game came in the 36th minute, goalkeeper Frank Boateng failed to grab a corner kick from Fred Ansah, the ball fell to Kofi Kordzi in the 18 yard box, he laid it to Fatawu Mohammed who drilled in a low shot, the shot was met by Daniel Afriyie but he couldn’t hit the target.
The referee added 3 minutes to the first half. The half ended on a high note with some end to end stuff. Hearts of Oak came the closest to breaking the deadlock, Esso’s freekick was saved by Frank Boateng at his near post.
The referee blew the whistle to the end of the half, with the game still scoreless.
Hearts of Oak started the second half just like they finished the second, Nurudeen Abdul Aziz picked up a loose ball close to the Ashanti Gold 18 yard box and laid it to Afriyie, but Daniel Afriyie’s poor effort was saved by Frank Boateng.
Chances started to come in thick and fast, Benedict Wobenu had a chance to put Ashanti Gold ahead with a free header, but his header only found the gloves of Richard Atta.
Ashanti Gold started to dominate the game and pushed more men forward, they were rewarded in the 55th minute, Appiah McCarthy nearly got Richard Atta at his near post with pile-driver, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly and saved the situation.
The Phobians had the ball in the net in the 68th minute, but that wasn’t going to count. Daniel Afriyie was clearly offside.
Both managers made their first substitution of the game, Hearts of Oak brought on Bernard Arthur for Nurudeen Abdul Aziz, whiles Ashanti Gold brought Emmanuel Owusu or Roland Amuzu. Ashanti Gold later on brought on Eric Esso, brother of Joseph Esso for the injured Amos Nkrumah.
Hearts of Oak had the chance to open the scoring from two free kicks close to the Ashanti Gold 18 yard box, but couldn’t hit the target from both free kicks as Emmanuel Nettey struck the wall with his effort and Raddy Ovouka blazed his attempt over the bar.
Nothing was going to change the score line today, the referee after 4 minutes of time added on brought proceedings to an end, 0-0 the final score line. Hearts of failed to pick maximum points at home for the 3rd time in 4 attempts this season. Daniel Afriyie was adjudged Nasco man of the match.
Hearts of Oak have a tough test on Sunday, they’ll travel to Dormaa to face Aduana Stars, whiles Ashanti Gold will welcome Liberty Professionals to Obuasi.