Aduana Stars were held to a 1-1 draw in a top-of-the-table clash by Accra Hearts of Oak at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park on match day 13 of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League.
Hearts coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi made four changes to the set-up that narrowly defeated Hasaacas in their mid-week clash at the Ohene Djan Stadium.
Coming into the game, the home side was undefeated in their last five matches in the league, winning all of them.
Right from kick-off, both clubs showed intent for an attacking minded game. Kenichi, who is noted for sitting a little deep in away matches and unleash what is hidden under his sleeves in the second half, rather opted to play an open game with the home side.
Seven minutes into the game, Aduana floated in a free kick which was deliberately handled by striker Bright Adjei, trying to out-smart the referee and score with the hand but was subsequently given a yellow card to that effect. Hearts speedster Ashitey Ollenu had an opportunity minutes later and run through the defence of Aduana to strike the ball but went over the bar.
With the game beginning to gather momentum, Aduana had a free kick on the 17th minute. Right-wing back Godfred Saka sent in an in-swinger from the left side of attack which was met by Emmanuel Akuako, who connected in for the first goal of the afternoon.
Goalkeeper Samuel Akurugu nearly committed a blunder as he could not grab the ball firmly later but it was missed by the home side, fluffing an opportunity to extend their lead.
It was a ding-dong affair and a tussle for the ball in midfield. The first half ended as the Aduana held onto their slim lead.
After the break, Hearts turned on the heat on the home side, forcing them to coil back to their line in the first 10 minutes. Aduana’s resorted to a physical play but were lucky to escape the wrath of the referee.
Against the round of play, Cosmos Dauda tapped in from close range in the 66th minute, cancelling Akuako’s first half strike to score his fifth goal of the season.
Hearts were kept under pressure from the home side with Yahaya Mohammed, Zakaria Mumuni and substitute Noah Martey combing to send clouds of fear over the Phobian faithful for a second goal.
The visitors stood resolute, preventing all the attacks fired at them as the game ended one all. They still remain the only club undefeated in seven league matches played away, wining four and drawing three.
Aduana Lineup
Joseph Addo, Godfred Saka, Daniel Darkwah, Emmanuel Akuoko, Wahab Adama, Seth Opare, Zakaria Mumuni, Elvis Opoku, Bright Adjei, Yahaya Mohammed, Richard Mpong.
Hearts Lineup
Samuel Akurugu,, Fatawu Mohammed, Kennedy Appiah, Vincent Atingah, Robin Gnagne, Mustapha Essuman, Eric Kumi, Ashitey Ollenu, Musah Ibrahim, Dauda Cosmos, Isaac Mensah.
Other Results
Kotoko 1 vs O Inter Allies
Dreams FC 2 vs 2 Medeama SC
WAFA 1 vs 0 Techiman City
Hasaacas 2 vs 1 Ebusua Dwarfs
Ashanti Gold 0 vs 0 Wa All Stars
Berekum Chelsea 1 vs 0 Bechem United
Liberty Prof (rained off) New Edubiase
