By Simon Asare
Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – Accra Hearts of Oak were held to a goalless draw by Karela United in a match-day six encounter played at the Accra Sports Stadium.
It was the first dropped points of coach Slavko Matic’s reign as Karela United maintained their unbeaten run against the Phobians since they gained promotion to the league in 2017.
With the points shared, both teams find themselves around mid-table.
It was a heated duel in the first quarter of the game, with Karela being more physical with their approach and making some strong tackles on the Hearts players.
The Hearts players maintained their composure, and Ibrahim Salifu’s cross nearly found the top corner, but Karela goalkeeper Felix Kyei kept the ball out.
The pressure from Hearts of Oak was intense, and Isaac Mensah nearly struck his side ahead, but his close-range volley skewed wide.
The clearest chance of the half fell to Evans Adomako Wiredu as goalkeeper Richmond Ayi pulled off a point blank save to deny the attacker.
The first half ended scoreless.
Hearts were very dominant at the start of the second half but lacked the cutting edge to break the strong Karela defence.
Afriyie Barnieh, who looks likely to be named in the Black Stars squad for Qatar, missed a brilliant opportunity to put Hearts ahead in the 60th minute but missed from five yards with the open goal at his mercy.
Karela United were very organised in defense, and a brilliant defensive clearance from Humin Mohammed denied Salifu his first goal for Hearts this season.
The pressure was relentless from the home side, but Karela United maintained their calm as the spoils were shared.
Man-of-the-Match: Salifu Ibrahim
GNA