GPL 24/25: Karela hold Hearts as Phobians rotten run stretches to one win in eight

Accra Hearts of Oak and Karela United played to a goalless draw. The match took place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

This was the ninth draw for Hearts this season. It resembled their previous eight matches.

Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara started winger Mawuli Wayo. Just three minutes in, Wayo received a yellow card for a foul.

Sixteen minutes later, Seth Osei took a shot for Hearts. Karela's goalkeeper, Nasiru Abdul Karim, made a great save.

Hearts continued to press forward. Three minutes later, Raphael Amponsah tested Abdul Karim from distance. Again, the goalkeeper was up to the challenge.

In the 26th minute, Kwabena Boateng nearly scored. His close-range effort missed by just a millimeter.

Before this match, Karela United had won three of their last seven games. Asigri Mohammed and Adamu Alhassan were key players in those victories.

Ten minutes before halftime, Asigri tried to pass to Adamu. However, Kelvin Osei-Asibey intercepted the ball just in time.

Just before halftime, Fataw Mohammed and Jibril Nurudeen combined on the right wing. Unfortunately, Karela lacked enough players in the box to capitalize on it.

The second half began with a substitution for Hearts. Martin Karikari replaced Stephen Appiah Asare shortly after play resumed.

Five minutes later, Karikari almost scored but missed Emmanuel Amankwaah's cross despite his efforts.

On the hour mark, Adamu Alhassan headed a free kick from Fataw Mohammed low towards goal. Hearts keeper Benjamin Asare made an impressive save to deny him.

Hearts pushed forward again as Karikari maneuvered through Karela's defense. His shot from outside the area narrowly missed the goalpost.

That was the last significant moment of the game as Karela held on for a draw.

Hearts have dropped to seventh place with 42 points. They are now eleven points behind league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars.

Karela United sits just above relegation with 29 points. They have a better goal difference than Accra Lions, who are also on 29 points.