Accra Hearts of Oak for the third straight game failed to find the back of the net as they drew goalless with visiting Samartex FC at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Martin Koopman’s men were on the offensive the entire duration of the game in search of a goal but they failed to break the water-tight defence of the visitors.
Koopman handed a maiden starting role to Auroras graduate Hamza Issah who combined effectively with Enoch Asubonteng on three minutes as the latter brilliantly weaved his way into the visitor’s box but had defender Isaac Afful thwarting his effort with a quick clearance off his feet.
Playing with some sense of determination, the Phobians carried the game to the ‘Timber Giants’ who were chasing their first point on the road following successive defeats away to Nations FC and Nsoatreman.
By the half-hour mark, Samartex FC had grown stronger into the game, matching the hosts physically, looking extremely swift, fast and dangerous on the attack.
Back from recess, the ding-dong battle continued with Coach Nurudeen Amadu-led Samartex sitting back and allowing the host to toss the ball around.
Issah nearly opened the scoring on 68 minutes but the agility of goalkeeper Kofi Baah came to play again as he stretched to save the header from a Michael Ampadu cross.
Coach Koopman brought out Kashala Wanet and Ibrahim Salifu for Suraj Seidu and Martin Karikari to strengthen the frontline of the home side but that change did little to change their fortunes.
Samartex came close to having the opener on a few times but Kelvin Osei-Asibey and goalkeeper Richmond Ayi cleared the lines well for Hearts to keep the scores even.
In the end, when referee Jacob Aduntera brought proceedings to an end, it was the visitors who were seen jumping for joy and punching the air in celebration for earning their first point away from the home ground.
Hearts of Oak will next move to the mining town of Bibiani to face Gold Stars while Samartex FC return to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena to welcome Legon Cities in the next round of games
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
