Two outstanding games played in Accra and Essipong on Sunday produced no goals but the ‘El Classico’ match in the capital as usual lived up to its billing as drama and intrigue filled the game packed with some controversial decisions.
It was not a surprising scene as players of Accra Hearts of Oak went on a short lap of honour after the game at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
And that certainly tells how relieved the Phobians might have been after denying the league leaders and free scoring, Asante Kotoko the chances to open a nine-point gap at the top.
Despite the setback of settling for a goalless draw, Kumasi Asante Kotoko extends their lead at the top of the OneTouch Premier League to seven points while the Phobians climb above the bottom three steadily.
The stadium announcer’s indecisive pre-match warning directed at fans in the stands who had been caught on the CCTV for peddling in narcotics set the stage for some drama and ugly scenes in the 93 minute action duel.
Daniel Coleman, who was the busiest man on the field, policing Asante Kotoko hit-man, Eric Bekoe, everywhere and even to the touchline to receive instructions from the Kotoko bench.
Accra Hearts of Oak might have struggled for form this season but the defending champions really put a great performance and saw two goal attempts cannon off the post.
Just after six minute of play, Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeper Souleman Abubakar denied Ekow Ghansah the opener and before responding to duty in the 34th minute when he blocked a Hassan Mohammed shot from close range.
However, the Reds dominated possession with their fast running play limiting the defence of the Phobians. Hearts picked up three yellow cards as they applied brute force to hold on the Reds in check with Solomon Amoesi, Ekow Ghansah and Michael Donkor, all receiving the yellow card.
Kotoko’s closest chance of finding the back of the net came through Francis Akwaffo’s weak header from inside the six yard box but his attempt was cleared of the line.
No goals after 45 minutes and the game’s ugly moment came during recess. Reserve players of both sides kicking the ball around squared off over which demarcate area each side could use.
Bernard Dong Bortey, a player whose career has been filled with controversy attempted hitting the ball in the post at the opposite direction where Asante Kotoko was to defend and that drew the fury of the Porcupine Warriors who in turn cleared the balls belonging to the Phobians into the stands.
That incident had to be brought under control by security personnel at the stadium.
The second period saw Francis Bossman’s free kick from the right side of the Kotoko defence went off the crossbar.
The match referee Cecil Fletcher handed out as many as six yellow cards with Kotoko players at point hoping for the red card to be shown their opponents as the hard-tackling Phobian defence rendered the Porcupine Warriors ineffective.
Still some 19 points separates both sides but the Phobians left the grounds the more satisfied after sharing the spoils with their bitterest rivals.
In the other OneTouch Premier League game at the Essipong Sports Stadium, Sekondi Hasaacas and AshantiGold drew goalless.