Hearts of Oak's hopes of mounting the pressure at the top took a hit after they drew 0-0 against 10-man Tema Youth at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The result leaves the Phobians nine points off the top as their struggles in the second round of the Glo Premier League continued on Sunday afternoon.
The Phobians failed to take advantage of Benjamin Terry's sending off after the break but their hearts were completely broken when Mahatmaa Otoo missed from the spot after they were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute.
Hearts laid surge around the area of Tema Youth for the opener but were always denied by the opposing goalkeeper.