Hearts of Oak’s pursuit of the Ghana Premier League title hit a roadblock on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Basake Holy Stars.
Despite creating numerous chances, the Phobians failed to find the back of the net, leaving fans disappointed.
The visitors, determined to bounce back from their previous slip, began the match with intent.
Hamza Issah was flagged offside after latching onto a well-threaded pass from Ramzy Yussif, setting the tone for a game of missed opportunities.
Holy Stars grew into the contest, with Michael Ampadu making a crucial interception to deny Prince Tweneboah an early lead.
Hearts had their best chance in the first half when Ampadu’s pass found Issa, only for the forward to squander his opportunity.
The substitution of Martin Karikari for Mawuli Wayo just before halftime added fresh legs, but Wayo missed a sitter on the stroke of halftime.
The second half saw more misfortune for Hearts, as Hussein Mohammed’s injury forced an early substitution.
Despite late heroics from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who saved a curling free-kick from Prince Opoku, the Phobians failed to capitalize on their chances.
The draw leaves Hearts in fifth place, four points off the top, while Holy Stars remain winless in 2024 but six points clear of relegation.
⌚️????????????????-???????????????? ⌚️
☑️ Kotoko 1-0 Karela Utd
☑️ Holy Stars 0-0 Hearts of Oak
☑️ Bechem Utd 2-0 Nations
☑️ Apostles 1-0 Nsoatreman
☑️ Chelsea 1-0 Vision
☑️ Hearts of Lions 2-1 Aduana
☑️ Samartex 1-1 Dreams
☑️ Legon Cities 1-0 Goldstars #GPLwk18 pic.twitter.com/1tCvmdoZbq
Elsewhere at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium
Asante Kotoko continued their remarkable resurgence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Captain Justice Blay’s second-half penalty sealed the win, propelling Kotoko to the top of the league table.
The Porcupine Warriors endured a challenging start to the season, going five games without a win, including four consecutive losses, which led many to dismiss their title chances. However, Kotoko have turned their fortunes around spectacularly, winning six of their last seven matches to reclaim the top spot.
Sunday’s clash saw Kotoko dominate possession with 57% but struggled to break down a resilient Karela defence. Despite registering six goal attempts, only two were on target, highlighting the game’s tense nature.
Blay’s decisive penalty came after Baba Yahaya was brought down in the box, with Karela once again being the architect of their own downfall.
Karela whose struggles have left them rooted at the bottom of the league. With just one shot on target and limited chances, Karela must urgently improve to avoid relegation.
Kotoko, now one point clear at the summit, will aim to maintain their form when they face Nsoatreman next. Karela, desperate for points, will host Berekum Chelsea in their upcoming fixture.
The win underscores Kotoko’s determination to mount a serious title challenge, silencing early-season critics with their recent revival.
Full Results:
✅ Matchday 18 Sunday Results!
Action-packed day—Which team delivered for you? ????#GPLwk18 pic.twitter.com/GAws3tNpO3
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