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Zdravko Lugarusic's men had another familiar story as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with the Mysterious Club on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko shared the spoils goalless with Ebusua Dwarfs in matchday eleven of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors' title hopes took another hit as leaders Wafa picked a surprise 2-1 away victory over Elmina Sharks to open a four point gap.

Zdravko Lugarusic made three changes in his starting XI that lost to Medeama in mid-week. Edwin Tuffour Frimpong, Awudu Nafiu and Seth Opare made way for Abeiku Ainooson, Awal Mohammed and Prince Acquah. But Dwarfs maintained their team that drew with Tema Youth.

Kotoko came close to opening the scoring by the fifth minute when Yakubu Mohammed combined with Emmanuel Gyamfi but, the former was flagged offside after going past his marker.

Dwarfs midfielder Amoah Mensah broke loose from Prince Acquah on 30th minute and set up Nicholas Gyan but the league's leading scorer shot wide.

Yakubu saw his goal on 43rd minute ruled offside, bringing frustration among the home fans.

After the break, Kotoko made a double substitution. Kwame Boateng and Richard Osei Agyemang came on for Amos Frimpong and Ahmed Adams respectively. However, their inclusion failed to bring firepower in their play.

On 74th minute, Dwarfs defender Christopher Bonney, who came on for Isaac Kwain, had an opportunity to put the visitors in front. The former Kotoko right-back latched onto a pass from Solomon Gyesi but his last ditch effort was saved by goalkeeper Felix Annan.

The last chance of the game fell to Gyan, but he failed to snatch all three points on the day for the visitors as his shot narrowly missed the target.

There were police and military persons on the pitch after the final whistle to protect Kotoko coach Lugarusic from irate supporters.

Kotoko will travel to Wa to play defending champions All Stars on Wednesday while Dwarfs host Berekum Chelsea.