Asante Kotoko were held to a 0–0 draw by Heart of Lions in their Matchday 4 Ghana Premier League clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Fresh from advancing to the second qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 5–3 aggregate win over Nigeria’s Kwara United, the Porcupine Warriors entered the game brimming with confidence and eager to extend their winning momentum.
Head coach Abdul Karim Zito fielded a strong lineup, captained by Samba O’Niel and anchored by goalkeeper Aziz Dari. Kotoko dominated possession for large spells of the first half but struggled to break down a resolute Lions defence. Emmanuel Antwi and Hubert Gyau came close, while Joseph Amoah’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar.
Heart of Lions stayed compact and looked dangerous on the counter, exploiting space on the wings but ultimately failing to threaten Kotoko’s goal.
In search of more attacking sharpness, Zito made an early second-half change, bringing on Seth for Donzo. Kotoko intensified their pressure, with Amoah setting up Antwi in the 54th minute, but his weak effort was easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
A double substitution followed in the 65th minute, as Walid and Asiedu replaced Antwi and Joseph to add fresh legs in attack. Despite the changes, Lions held firm, showing defensive discipline and determination.
The visitors nearly stunned the hosts in the 66th minute with a free kick that whistled just wide. Kotoko responded moments later with a dangerous set piece after Amoah was fouled, but they too failed to convert.
As the clock ticked down, Gyau linked up neatly with Lord Amoah to win a corner in the 76th minute, but the resulting delivery was cleared. Zito introduced Amoh for Peter Amidu in the 87th minute, yet Kotoko couldn’t find a late breakthrough as both sides settled for a point.
The result leaves Asante Kotoko on four points from a possible six. The Porcupine Warriors will next face Bibiani GoldStars in an outstanding fixture.
