The scoring problems of Accra Hearts of Oak continued as they were again forced to a scoreless stalemate by Heart of Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, in a closely contested Ghana Premier League encounter that was marked by excellent defensive organization by the two sides.
Despite possessing possession with 54% and recording more attacking chances, Hearts fell short in the third. The Phobians attempted 10 shots during the match, of which only three reached the goalkeeper, none of which found their way into the net.
This new draw is a reason for growing concern for the Accra giants, who have now scored just two goals from their first five matches of the 2025/26 GPL season, a cause for concern however with their excellent defensive outing.
Without first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was away on international duty with the Black Stars, Hearts' defence was intact. The substitute keeper didn't have much to do as Heart of Lions, who were well organised and threatening on the break, mustered only one shot on target from their four attempts.
Heart of Lions, for their part, keep their record undefeated but still winless in their previous four meetings with Hearts of Oak, three losses and this one a draw. As much as their defensive solidity of the team infuriated the hosts, so too was their ineffectiveness upfront.
The outcome leaves both sides with issues to contemplate, especially in a league campaign which is already looking to be mercilessly competitive at the very top. Hearts of Oak, who have produced five clean sheets in five matches, will now encounter an away game against Berekum Chelsea, a home-reigning team. Heart of Lions, meanwhile, will be required to travel and take on reigning champions Bibiani GoldStars, who themselves need to get their season up and running following a terrible start.
For Hearts, the first priority is obvious: retain the defensive solidity but at once search for solutions to their goal-scoring deficit if they are to pose any real threat for the championship.