Asante Kotoko’s long-awaited return to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ended in disappointment on Sunday as they were held to a goalless draw by league leaders Heart of Lions.
Back at their fortress for the first time in months, the Porcupine Warriors were desperate to celebrate the occasion with a victory. Instead, Bashir Hayford’s Lions frustrated them with the grit and discipline that have seen the Kpando side rise to the summit of the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko came closest to breaking the deadlock when Albert Amoah’s spectacular 26th-minute bicycle kick crashed against the crossbar, drawing gasps from the home crowd. But despite creating the better openings, the Porcupine Warriors lacked the finishing touch to make their dominance count.
Lions, unbeaten after four matches, held firm and even enjoyed longer spells of possession, further underlining their credentials as this season’s early surprise package.
Kotoko coach Karim Zito, marking his birthday on the touchline, will now have to regroup his side ahead of outstanding league games against Bibiani GoldStars, Hearts of Oak and Basake Holy Stars, before their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Wydad Casablanca.
Heart of Lions, meanwhile, remain top of the table by a point and will host Berekum Chelsea next in Kpando.
