Accra, Nov. 30, GNA – Accra Hearts of Oak SC missed a golden opportunity to go top of the Premier League log after playing out a barren draw with visiting Aduana Stars in their week nine mid-week encounter on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians failed to capitalize on the loss of Asante Kotoko with the stalemate result as fellow contenders Berekum Chelsea also drew thus they were unable to assume the top spot of the league standings for the first time since the six week results.
Hearts' leading marksman Mahatma Otoo wasted a first half penalty in the encounter that saw the visitors fall in love with time-wasting in the dying embers of the game.
Otoo, who was hero last weekend in Wa when they met All Stars metamorphosed into villain as his cheeky penalty miss robbed his side of victory.
Hearts was the better side but failed to convert their dominance into goals whilst Aduana marred the beauty of the game with their constant delay tactics.
As early as the 11th minute, Aduana's goalie Stephen Adams came to his side's rescue with a superb save of Otoo's shot after the latter easily weaved his way through their defence.
The visitors responded on 23 minutes but Richard Arhin's flick from Godfred Saka's corner missed target by inches.
On the stroke of half time, Hearts were rewarded a penalty after Prince Attakora Gyimah was fouled in the penalty area by Aduana defender Johnson Adoma.
To the chagrin of all, Otoo uncharacteristically chipped over from the spot.
Hearts midfielder Isaac Ofori led several raids into the Aduana half but the connection was missing when it mattered most.
On 75 minutes, substitute Joseph Tagoe fetched an unmarked Ofori at the edge of the Aduana penalty area, but he could only manage a cool header into the waiting hands of goalie Adams.
The Phobians kept the visitors defence busy in the closing stages of the game, but the 2009/2010 champions defended gallantly to keep the score barren with series of time wasting especially by keeper Adams.
Not even five minutes of added-on time could help the Phobians quest for victory.
GNA
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