GPL: Asante Kotoko maintain 12 point lead over rivals Hearts as Super Clash ends in 0-0
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko played a blank draw on Sunday afternoon as the Phobians locked horns with the Porcupine Warriors to see off the only remaining outstanding fixture in the first round of the 2021/2022 league campaign.
It was Hearts who made their intentions very clear from the start, with some good exchanges between Afriyie Barnieh and Gladson Awako, which resulted in the latter almost score a goal, but saw his effort tipped over by Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad.
Hearts kept the composure, dominating possession, and once again went close, this time through Sulley Muntari, whose bicycle kick effort from close range went over the bar.
Frank Etouga flicked a near post lob that nearly resulted in a goal, but Richard Attah proved why he was the best keeper in the Premier by tipping the ball over the bar.
The only element the game was lacking was some flying tackles and flaring tempers but Hearts duo Salim Adams and Gladson Awako ensured that happened, picking up yellow cards in the process.
The best chance of the game came, when Afriyie Barnieh played Kojo Obeng Jnr through on goal, but somehow, his left footed strike came off outside of the post.
Kotoko were not at the best and were found struggling almost throughout game trying to get their act together, and had to rely on half chances and long range efforts to trouble the Hearts defense.
However, the Porcupines after recess, came with some renewed energy and took control over possession early on and almost went inches away from taking the lead, when Richard Lamptey’s close range effort needed a double save from Richard Attah to stop Kotoko from taking the lead.
Hearts made some early changes in the second half, withdrawing Sulley Muntari and Salim Adams and replacing them with Isaac Mensah and Ansah Botwe, the substitution affected Hearts tactically as Kotoko slowly begun to take the momentum.
However many of the Kotoko build were halted by impressive defending from the Phobians, most notable from Mohammed Alhassan and Denis Korsah, who was adjudged man of the match.
Kotoko went close again, but this time Frank Etouga’s close range header from a super Patrick Asmah cross went wide off the target.
The result means Kotoko maintain their lead at the top of the league table, and also maintain their 12 point gap between them and the defending champions Hearts of Oak.
