Hearts of Oak coach David Duncan says Asante Kotoko have their defenders to thank for the 1-1 draw in the Ghana Premier League clash on Sunday.
The Phobians threw away a first half lead to ultimately share the spoils with their rivals at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Hearts had taken the lead through striker Winful Cobbinah in the 27th minute but Michael Helegbe equalized for Kotoko early in the second half.
Duncan has however applauded the incredible efforts made by the Kotoko defenders after seeing two goal-bound shorts by Gilbert Fiamenyo charged down within a space of two minutes.
“I think in the last 20-25 minutes thereabout, credit should go to their (Kotoko) defence men because they put their bodies on the line in situations I thought the ball could have found its way into the net,†he said.
“But all said and done I think it was a game played in the spirit of competiveness, fair play, friendship and kudos to the two teams even though I think we could have won it.â€
Hearts remain eight in the Ghanaian top flight and will now take on already relegated Real Tamale United on Wednesday.