Hohoe United player, Safianu Usman, endured a frustrating afternoon as he missed a second-half penalty in his side’s goalless draw with Heart of Lions in a fiercely contested Volta Regional derby at the Hohoe Sports Stadium on Friday. The match, part of Matchday 17 of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), lived up to fan expectations.
The home side came agonizingly close to securing a vital victory shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty, igniting hopes of a breakthrough in front of their supporters. However, captain Safianu Usman failed to make the opportunity count, sending his effort high over the bar, allowing Heart of Lions to escape unscathed.
Hohoe United were the more threatening side throughout the match, creating clearer chances and registering more shots on target. However, a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly as they were repeatedly denied by a well-organised and disciplined Heart of Lions defence.
The visitors, despite enjoying greater possession, struggled to translate their control into clear goal-scoring opportunities, with both teams largely cancelling each other out in a tense encounter.
The result leaves Hohoe United dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting just one place above the drop as pressure continues to mount on their campaign. For Heart of Lions, the draw extends their steady run of form and keeps them sixth on the Premier League table, securing a valuable point from a challenging away fixture.
Friday’s match also marked the end of the road for Hohoe United Head Coach Tijani Abdul Rahim Bashiru, who was axed after just five months in charge. Under his guidance, the promising newcomers have struggled, plunging into the relegation zone after 17 matches. The uninspiring 0-0 draw against regional rivals Heart of Lions sealed the coach’s fate, prompting the management’s decision.