Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko out to a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The home side went close to breaking the deadlock after just two minutes when Mohammas Alhassan’s shot sailed just wide of the upright.
Hearts were restricted to efforts from distance, while Asante Kotoko carved out their first opening in the 29th minute when Ibrahim Imoro headed wide of the mark from close range.
Kotoko nearly scored from a dead-ball situation in the 38th minute when Dickson Afoakwa sent a shot over the crossbar, after getting on the end ofYussif Mubarak ‘s delivery.
Ibrahim Danlad was called into action just before the break, as the Kotoko shot-stopper produced a good save to keep out Salim Adam’s effort from distance.
A minute after resumption Robert Sowa went even closer, the Hearts midfielder danced past a few challenges before firing inches wide of the right-hand post.
Kotoko’s Frank Mbella came close in the 55th minute with a strike from the edge of the area that flew just wide of the post.
The next clear cut opportunity in the second half fell to Kotoko’s Agustine Agyapong, as the defender’s powerful shot from the edge of the area struck the upright.
The Phobians were presented with a perfect chance to take the lead in the 84th minute when Salim Adams met a cross from Isaax Mensah, but he headed over the Kotoko’s goal.
Nonetheless, the score remained level at the full-time whistle, as both side earned a share of the spoils.
As a result,Asante Kotoko have finished the first round of the Ghana Premier League season at the top of the table with 37 point, while hearts finish in 8th place with 25 points from 17 matches.
