Asante Kotoko were held to a goalless stalemate by Heart of Lions in their first game for the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupines endured a dry evening against a well-rehearsed Lions backline, led by Ruben Henessey.
Lions were making their return to the top-flight league after nine years of absence
And for Kotoko, it was the return of coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.
The tactician led the Reds to their league triumph in the 2021/22 season and a good start was all the fans envisaged.
Ogum paraded more of the new players in the starting lineup, benching Eric Zeze and Georges Mfegue.
Also, Fatawu Salifu stuck with his goalkeeper and much of the back-line from the Division One League Super Cup.
π£ || ππππ¦ πππ°π¬!!!!
This is how we line up against @AsanteKotoko_SC
β Abban Captains the team.
β Osae remains the No1 Goalie
β Mustapha Yakubu leads the attack
β 6 Debutants #DzieWoaNu #HOLFCπ¦π΄π΅ #FrerolRuralBank @ghanafaofficial @GhanaLeague pic.twitter.com/z0P5reV7xC— Kpando Heart Of Lions Fc (@HeartOfLionsFc) September 17, 2023
Kotoko lacked the final touch to win the encounter. The Reds worked most times in midfield while Lions held their shape in ambitions of a salvaging a point from the clash.
The visitors had a good opportunity ruled out in the dying embers of the match. A rebounded strike beat Frederick Asare but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
Kotoko will travel to Bibiani to face Goldstars in their next game, while Heart of Lions will play Great Olympics in Sogakope.
