Accra Hearts of Oak were held to a goalless draw by Bechem United in the Ghana Premier League on Friday.
Hearts are however still unbeaten in four league games, despite today’s draw.
Bechem United coach Desmond-Issah Botchway made just one change from last week’s line up.
Club legend Augustine Okrah started in place of Regain Boa-At for the visit of Hearts of Oak.
Hearts coach Didi Dramani made two changes from his last line up.
Center back Kelvin Osei-Asibe returned to the team after missing last week’s win over Eleven Wonders.
New signging Ali Mohammed’s injury meant he was not available for selection. He was replaced by David Oppong Afranie while Prince Kwabena Owusu started in place of Enoch Asubonteng.
When the match started, Bechem played with intensity, forcing a corner kick within the opening minute.
Before they could build momentum, however, Hearts wrestled control from the hosts, with some delicate passing from Raphael Amponsah and Abdul Karim.
Ten minutes into the match, Abdul Karim tested Benjamin Asiedu with an effort from distance.
Two minutes later, Martin Karikari went close with a snap shot from just inside the penalty area.
Ten minutes later, Bechem United fluffed a counter attacking opportunity when Augustine Okrah shot tamely at Hearts keeper Benjamin Asare.
The hosts were nearly punished when Hamza Issa was presented with a golden opportunity moments later.
After pouncing on a loose ball in the box, Issah set himself up with a beautiful first touch, only to fire it over the bar.
The rest of the first half flew by without much incident.
After the break, Bechem looked more energised and took the game to the Phobians.
Two minutes after restart, Emmanuel Abban tested Benjamin Asare with a fine effort from distance, but the Hearts of Oak and Black Stars number one tipped it over the bar.
Bechem continued to dominate the second half but could not find a way past Benjamin Asare.
Hearts of Oak’s problems compounded when midfielder Abdul Karim was forced off due to injury just three minutes after restart. He was replaced by Kwesi Asmah.
In the 55th minute, Benjamin Asare produced a fine double save, first by tipping away a corner and seconds later, a smart save to keep the score goalless.
Bechem regained control of the game with the introduction of Kofi Tompuo.
Hearts coach Didi Dramani introduced Baba Adamu for George Paaku in a switch to a three-back shape. The tactical manoeuvre allowed Ransford Mensah to join the midfield when Hearts had possession.
For ten minutes, it worked as Hearts dictated the pace of the game. However, their closest chance was a Kwesi Asmah short from the edge of the area but his volley flashed wide.
Hearts of Oak’s grip on the game did not last as the hosts regained control of the game.
However, tried as they did, the hosts could not make their dominance count as the game ended in a draw.
Friday’s result means Bechem United are winless in four league games this season.
Hearts, meanwhile, remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws.
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