Hearts of Oak missed the opportunity to close the gap on Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC after playing out a goalless draw against FC Samartex 1996 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi on Sunday.
The Phobians travelled to Samreboi sitting second on the league table with 20 points, just one behind Medeama, but were unable to find a breakthrough against a stubborn Samartex side that continued its impressive home form.
Hearts entered the encounter in good form, having won four of their previous five league matches, including an emphatic 3-0 victory over Heart of Lions in Matchday 10. Their defensive organisation had also been outstanding, conceding just three goals and keeping seven clean sheets in their opening 10 matches.
However, they came up against a Samartex side determined to protect its strong home record. The Timber Giants had collected 18 points from 10 matches, recording five wins, three draws and two defeats before Sunday’s fixture.
Samartex had been particularly formidable at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, winning four and drawing one of their first five home matches. They had also secured impressive victories over defending champions Medeama SC and Bibiani Gold Stars in their previous two home league outings.
The Samreboi-based outfit also maintained its impressive recent home record against Hearts, having won three and drawn one of their previous four league meetings at the venue.
The stalemate takes Hearts of Oak to 21 points from 11 matches, while Samartex move to 19 points. The Phobians remain firmly in the title conversation, but the dropped points have handed league leaders Medeama an opportunity to stretch their advantage to three points following their 2-1 victory over Young Apostles in Wenchi.
