Hearts of Oak just did enough to ensure they picked up a point and maintain top spot in the Ghana Premier and also ensure Kotoko have just picked up just two points from a possible nine in their last three games.
Hearts of Oak who have had a purple patch form in the last three weeks will be the happier of the two sides all though there were chances to actually win all three points at stake.
Former Great Olympics forward Kwame Boateng gave the Porcupine Warriors the lead and most importantly ignited the power at the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports.
The lead was a bit undeserved given Hearts of Oak started the brightest but quickly faded under pressure.
Hearts of Oak’s Nigerian forward Cosmoas Dauda failed a late fitness test meaning there was an opportunity for Eric Kumi to start and truth be told he performed very well on the day.
But the goal on the 17th minute from Kwame Boateng meant Hearts of Oak had to respond but they had to wait till the 50th minute before former Utrecht midfielder Patrick Razak finished off a good cross from Isaac Mensah to ensure the Phobians drew level.
After the goal the Phobians looked very alive and created chances but it was Black Stars goalkeeper Ernest Sowah who was on hand to deny Ibrahim Razak and Paul Acquah in quick succession on the 74th and the 78th minute.
With ten minutes to go Hearts of Oak’s Portuguese coach Sergio Traquil pulled off Samuel Yeboah and brought in Ibrahim Musah all in a bid to inspire his side to victory the move quickly increased the Phobians possesion but tried as they did they failed to score with the numerous chances they created.
There was a last minute chance for Hearts of Oak’s Patrick Razak who tried to be too clever but his attempted shot was easily held by Ernest Sowah who was in great shape for the Porcupine Warriors.
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