Hearts of Oak got held to a goalless stalemate against Aduana FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday evening.
The match-week 5 fixture in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League was a crucial one for the Phobians who failed to defeat Nations FC in match-week four.
Hearts coach Ouattara has been under intense criticism after their poor start in the new season and against Aduana, most fans believed a daunting task lied ahead.
But the visitors looked extremely cautious, and their game plan was more of a team needing at least a point from the clash.
The first half was cautious, with both teams adopting a strategic approach, neither willing to risk it all. The score remained 0-0 at halftime, despite the evenly contested nature of the game.
Aduana changed their game plan and began the second half strongly, creating several scoring chances, but Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Ben Asare made crucial saves.
In the 60th minute Aduana were reduced to ten men after referee Latif Adaari sent off Rich Sakey for a second bookable offence.
But Hearts failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage as Aduana held on till full time, leaving the Phobians disappointed.
The 0-0 stalemate leaves Hearts of Oak in 14th place with 4 points from 5 matches, while Aduana Stars languish in the relegation zone at 17th, also with 4 points, but separated by goal difference after five match-weeks.
Hearts of Oak’s next challenge takes them on the road to face Young Apostles, while Aduana FC will host Dreams FC at the Nana Agyeman Badu II Stadium in Dormaa.
