Hearts of Oak stayed in fourth place in the Ghana Premier League following a 0-0 tie against Bechem United.
Eager to close the gap on their rivals, the Phobians battled a determined Bechem United side to a stalemate. Hearts burst out of the gates, nearly seizing an early lead in the fifth minute when Abdul Aziz Afranie’s thunderous header from a Raphael Amponsah corner rattled the post, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Hearts kept the pressure high, with Mawuli Wayo, Baba Adamu, and Henry Boateng relentlessly pushing forward while captain Oppong Afrane anchored the defense with authority. Even as Bechem United threatened on the break, goalkeeper Ali Agbasi remained composed, confidently diffusing every threat.
After halftime, Hearts continued their aggressive approach. Adamu’s pinpoint crosses kept Bechem’s defense on edge, including a daring overhead kick from Boateng that sailed just wide. Substitutions injected fresh urgency, as Collinson, Karikari, and later Asmah entered the fray in search of a decisive goal.
Hearts of Oak kept up the intensity until the final whistle, but a dramatic last-minute save by Asmah sealed the draw. With this result, the Phobians climb to 36 points, matching Bibiani Gold Stars and Aduana FC, and edging ahead of Asante Kotoko before the much-anticipated Super Clash. Bechem United remain in 12th place with 26 points, holding a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, Bibiani GoldStars edged past Swedru All Blacks with a narrow 1-0 victory, while Aduan and Samartex could not find the net, sharing the points in a goalless draw.
