2024/25 Ghana Premier League: Week 30 Match Report - Hearts of Oak 0-0 Asante Kotoko

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko played to a goalless draw. The match took place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Both teams struggled to convert their chances in this Ghana Premier League game.

Hearts of Oak entered the match as underdogs. They faced pressure after three straight defeats and a poor season. In contrast, Kotoko started strong and looked more threatening early on. By the 8th minute, they had threatened twice from corners, but their headers missed the target.

Defender Kelvin Osei Asibey made a crucial intervention for Hearts. He denied Kotoko a one-on-one chance that could have led to an early goal. Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was busy, making several vital saves in the first half.

In the 13th minute, Andrews Ntim Manu blasted a free-kick wide after Albert Amoah's run. Kotoko appealed for a penalty in the 16th minute when Kwame Opoku fell in the box, but the referee waved play on.

Hearts began to find their rhythm and nearly scored from a corner in the 33rd minute. Two minutes later, Martin Karikari’s run was stopped by Patrick Asiedu’s defensive play. From the resulting corner, Hearts had a header cleared off the line.

A controversial moment occurred in the 40th minute when Wisdom Fernando Bassey appeared clean through on goal. His challenge on a Hearts defender was ruled a foul, causing debate among fans and players alike. The first half ended with both teams level, but Hearts looked stronger towards halftime.

Just two minutes into the second half, Stephen Appiah Asare came close with a shot saved by Mohammed Camara of Kotoko. Kotoko responded with substitute Saaka Dauda's low effort that narrowly missed the far post.

Benjamin Asare remained sharp for Hearts, stopping a dangerous cross in the 53rd minute while facing an unmarked opponent. In the final stages of the match, Hearts increased pressure through Albert Amoah's cross-shot in the 81st minute that needed just one touch to score.

Despite multiple chances from both sides, neither team found success in front of goal. Hearts edged possession at 51%, while Kotoko had more shots (10 to 5). The draw keeps Asante Kotoko in fourth place and leaves Hearts of Oak sixth; their hopes for a league title are nearly gone.