Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare once again demonstrated why he is the Black Stars’ first-choice shot-stopper, producing four crucial saves to preserve a goalless draw after 90 minutes.

The Ghana Premier League Matchweek 19 fixture on Friday seemed to promise another home victory for Hearts of Oak at their new Legon base, but Dreams FC pushed back strongly to claim a point. It was a classic game of two halves, with the Phobians dominating the first period before Dreams FC grew into the contest after the break.

Hearts controlled possession early, focusing attacks down the right flank where Mohammed Hussein, returning from a three-game suspension, provided width but failed to pose a real threat.

Hussein’s best opportunity came in the 10th minute when he broke away from a Dreams corner and faced goalkeeper Rahman Osman one-on-one, only for his attempt to be expertly denied.

Both teams traded corners in the opening exchanges, but neither could create clear chances as the game settled into a midfield battle leading up to the half-hour mark. Three minutes later, Hearts had a shot on target from a corner, which Osman comfortably gathered.

A period of less threatening play from Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s side followed, as the Still Believe Boys remained organised defensively to keep the scoreline level.

Dreams FC gradually created openings, with Abdul Razak Salifu failing to make clean contact on a cross after an early break, keeping the deadlock intact at halftime. The visitors came out in the second half with renewed intent. Five minutes after the restart, John Antwi split the Hearts defence with a through ball, but Asare reacted sharply to deny Salifu.

Dreams thought they had taken the lead when Suraj Seidu set up Salifu, who curled the ball into the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dormon’s half-time adjustments lifted Dreams FC, with Antwi again going close from Seidu’s cross, only for Asare to make another outstanding save. From the resulting corner, Christian Owusu’s header was also pushed away by the goalkeeper, who remained a wall between the posts.

As the match progressed, Dreams FC gained confidence while Hearts looked increasingly vulnerable at the back. The Phobians came close to winning in the 72nd minute from a corner, but Osman’s reaction kept the game level.

In the end, neither side could break the deadlock. Asare was deservedly named man of the match for his heroic display.

The draw means Dramani’s men dropped points for the first time since relocating to Legon, slipping to fourth place with 32 points behind arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, who are yet to play. Dreams FC climbed to eighth on the league table with 24 points, level with Heart of Lions.