SuperClash: Hearts of Oak held by league leaders Kotoko in Accra
Accra Hearts of Oak were held by bitter rivals and current league leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday in the delayed week 7 fixture.
The much talked about fixture saw both sides play entertaining football that despite the lack of goals gave fans plenty to cheer about.
Accra Hearts of Oak line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Dennis Korsah and Fatawu Mohammed as the two full-backs flanking Mohammed Alhassan and Addo Sowah as the last protection in front of Richard Attah. Sulley Muntari, Abdul-Aziz Nurudeen and Salim Adams formed the midfield trio with Daniel Afriyie and Gladson Awako flanking Obeng Junior in attack
Meanwhile, Propser Ogum Nartey lined up with a back four of Ibrahim Imoro, Ismail Ganiyu, Yussif Mubarik and Augustine Agyapong with Mohammed Sheriff, Richmond Lamptey and Salifu Mudasiru joining the fray at the middle of the pack and the attack spearheaded by the red-hot Frank Etouga and supported by George Mfegue and Dickson Afoakwa.
Gladson Awako had the first real chance of the game but his effort was saved by Danlad Ibrahim who read the danger and came off his lines to punch the ball out for a corner kick. Sulley Muntari and Awako then linked up to thread the ball through to Obeng Junior but Danlad again was quick to anticipate the danger and rushed off his area to save the situation.
Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah had to be very alert to deny Etouga who sneaked a flick at goal from a cross from Mudasiru from outside the box. Obeng Junior again went close after Afriyie Barnieh beat Ganiyu and squared the ball to him but his shot was saved by the woodwork after it eluded Danlad.
Attah had to make another big save to deny George Mfegue who had beaten Dennis Korsah and that ensured the first half ended in a stalemate.
After the break, Attah was available to deny Mfegue before Etouga minutes later sent a free header wide over from the post. Attah then was huge in front of Richmond Lamptey as the midfielder sent his shot straight at the goalkeeper. He then was again very alert to make a quick double save to deny Richmond Lamptey’s powerful drive from just outside the penalty box.
The match ended in a goalless draw. Kotoko maintains the 12 point lead over the Phobians who are 8th on the table with another seven over second-placed Bechem United.
Hearts of Oak defender, Dennis Korsah was adjudged the Man of the Match.
