The Phobians must not double their efforts and hope their bitterest rivals drop points in order to catch up in the title chase
Hearts of Oak’s poor run of results continued this weekend as they shared the spoils goalless with Real Tamale United on matchday seventeen of Ghana Premier League at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium with ten men in Tamale on Sunday.
After fallen to Great Olympics last weekend, Hearts coach Samuel Boadu made seven changes to the starting line up as goalkeeper Richard Attah replaced Richmond Ayi while Daniel Korsah was handed his debut game.
Also, former AC Milan midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari began the game after coming on as a substitute last weekend while Caleb Amankwah, Isaac Mensah and Salim Adams also started.
After a slow start to the game, Hearts had the opportunity to break the deadlock by the 14th minute after Isaac Mensah was played through by Afriyie Barnieh, however, the striker surprisingly fluffed the opportunity.
Salim sent in a powerful long range effort after latching onto a pass from his teammate but the youngster missed the target narrowly.
Caleb Amankwah saw red card on 83rd minute after picking his second booking on the day.
With four minutes remaining, Hearts had another chance through substitute Frederick Ansah Botchway but the midfielder saw his last ditch effort going wide.
Hearts are now eighth on the log with 24 points, twelve points behind Asante Kotoko after 16 games.
The two clubs will square it off next weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium in the Super Clash after the game which was earlier scheduled for November was postponed due to Hearts’ participation in Caf Confederation Cup.