GPL WEEK 13 REVIEW: karela United's long unbeaten run ended by Kotoko

It was just simply an eventful weekend of football in the Ghana Premier League. Goals, defeats – painful ones – comebacks and home runs ending bitterly. So let’s begin from there. Karela United’s unbeaten home run at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park came to a halt after five years when Asante Kotoko triumphed over them on Sunday in the 0-2 match.

The Crosby Awuah Park has been a fortress for the Pride and Passion club since they locked horns with Sekondi Hassacas on 7th February 2016. Since then, they have played 64 competitive home games with 62 of them being victories and drawing two.

This season, Karela United have won all their six home games before their game against Asante Kotoko yesterday. The Pride and Passion boys were hopeful of protecting their pride against a team they beat 3-1 in their last home encounter. Unfortunately, the story changed yesterday as the Porcupine Warriors pulled a surprise by winning the game.

The Karela United attack led by the top scorer in the league this season, Dawusie Taylor, made early incursions to record the first goal of the game but the fabulous reflexes of Razak Abalora ensured the Porcupines didn’t concede an early goal. That proved crucial. In the 38th minute, Kwame Opoku found Ibrahim Imoro on the left-flanks in a counter-attack. The former Karela United player’s stunning strike ended in the net of goalkeeper Richard Baidoo to give them the lead.

Determined as they were, Kotoko doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through Kwame Opoku who had played four games without scoring a goal for the Porcupines. The win yesterday maintains the unbeaten away games record of the most successful team in the Ghana Premier League. The victory catapults them to the top of the league log with 23 points while Karela United descends to the second position with 22 points.

At the Accra sports stadium on Saturday, Inter Allies recorded their 10th consecutive loss this season when Ebusua Dwarfs recorded a 2-0 victory against them. Goals from Benjamin Acquah and Sumaila Moro ensured the “Idekay; Idepandey” boys went home with all three points.

Obuasi-born player, Kwaku Karikari scored the only goal for Liberty Professionals against Ashatigold Sporting Club as the scientific soccer lads recorded their first away win this season. Ashantigold Sporting Club also witnessed their first home loss this season.

At Dormaa Ahenkro, Aduana Stars beat WAFA by just a goal, kind courtesy of a 54th-minute strike by Emmanuel Osei Baffour. WAFA’s bad away run continues. The “Ogya” boys are now fifth on the league table while WAFA are 8th.

At Bechem, Bechem United continued their unbeaten home run as they beat Great Olympics by three goals to one. Clinton Duodu, Hafiz Konkoni, and Salifu Moro got the three goals for the Hunters while Charles Danso scored a consolation goal for Great Olympics. Bechem United move to the third position on the log while Great Olympics descend to the fourth position.

Dreams FC continued their 7 games unbeaten run this season against Techiman Eleven Wonders. A 44th-minute goal by Joseph Esso and Suleman Fahadu on the hour mark ensured that the Still Believe boys came home with all three points.

Hearts of Oak salvaged a late draw at the Accra sports stadium yesterday courtesy of a goal from Kwadwo Obeng Junior. Manaf Umar failed to convert from the penalty spot for Hearts of Oak 15 minutes into the game. Five minutes later, Jonah Attuquaye scored to give Legon Cities the lead. Obeng Junior scored in the 86th minute to restore parity for the rainbow club. Kosta Papic’s side are winless in four consecutive games in the Ghana Premier League. They are 9th on the league log while Legon Cities are 13th on the league log.

Half-way through the season, the standings are looking more and more like what they could be at the end of the season. Kotoko will smile at that suggestion.

By Thierry Nyann|3news.com|Ghana