Hearts of Oak missed the opportunity to close the gap on Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC after playing out a 0-0 draw with FC Samartex at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi in Week 11.
The Phobians struggled to convert their chances despite showing attacking intent, with Mohammed Hussein, Ransford Mensah and John Antwi all coming close to breaking the deadlock.
Hearts goalkeeper Sharif Shuaib was also called into action early in the contest, making an important intervention in the fourth minute to keep the hosts at bay.
The visitors created another promising opportunity in the 10th minute through Mohammed Hussein, but his effort was saved by the Samartex goalkeeper.
Hearts came close to taking the lead four minutes after the restart when Ransford Mensah made a good run into the penalty area and picked out John Antwi, whose header narrowly missed the target.
The Phobians increased the pressure after the break, pressing Samartex high in search of a breakthrough, but the home side remained disciplined defensively.
Samartex also threatened in the 74th minute, but Hearts managed to contain the attack and preserve their clean sheet.
The result leaves Hearts of Oak on 21 points, three behind leaders Medeama, who defeated Young Apostles 2-1 to move to 24 points.
Hearts will return home to face Aduana FC in their next fixture, while Samartex travel to take on Dreams FC.
