Accra Hearts of Oak are building their title challenge on a foundation of solid defense. The Phobians have not conceded a single goal in their last six matches, making them the toughest team to score against in the second round of the Ghana Premier League .
This impressive run of clean sheets started with a narrow 1-0 victory over Hohoe United. They then played out a goalless draw with Dreams FC, before securing a dominant 3-0 win against Eleven Wonders. Another 0-0 stalemate followed against Bechem United, a result that kept their defensive record intact .
The backline then produced a superb performance in the Super Clash, shutting out Asante Kotoko in a famous 1-0 away victory. Most recently, they held Berekum Chelsea to another 0-0 draw.
In total, six games, zero goals conceded, and four clean sheets kept by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare during that period .
Opponent Result
Hohoe United 1-0
Dreams FC 0-0
Eleven Wonders 3-0
Bechem United 0-0
Asante Kotoko 1-0
Berekum Chelsea 0-0
This rock-solid defending has propelled Hearts of Oak to third place on the league log with 40 points. They are now just five points behind league leaders Medeama SC. A key reason for their rise is their strength on the road, no team has won more away games than Hearts of Oak this season.
However, their next fixture presents a fascinating battle. Hearts of Oak will travel to Duns Park to face the defending champions, Bibiani Goldstars.
While Hearts boast the league’s best away record, Goldstars are the masters of their own domain. They hold the record for the most home wins this season, having triumphed in front of their own fans on nine occasions.
This sets up a classic contest between the league’s most stubborn defence and its most dominant home attack. It is a clash of two teams with very clear strengths.
As Hearts of Oak look to close the gap on the teams above them, their incredible defensive run will be put to its toughest test yet. The question on everyone’s mind is: when something has to give, who comes out on top?