Hearts of Oak SC won again in the Ghana Premier League with a determined 1-0 win over Karela United on Sunday at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale. This victory marked their third straight success and extended their unbeaten away streak this season to five games, comprising three wins and two draws.
The match’s defining moment occurred just three minutes after kickoff when Hamza Issah took advantage of a defensive error to score. This marked his third goal of the season, and it was enough for coach Aboubakar Ouattara’s side, who displayed exceptional defensive discipline to protect their slim lead for the rest of the match.
Karela United showed glimpses of promise, particularly in the first half, as they created several scoring opportunities while pushing for an equalizer. However, Benjamin Asare, Hearts of Oak’s goalkeeper, stood tall and made critical saves to keep the hosts at bay.
In the second half, Karela intensified their offensive efforts, but Hearts of Oak’s well-drilled backline successfully thwarted every attempt, leaving the home side frustrated.
The win propelled Hearts of Oak to fourth place in the league standings, giving their title aspirations a significant boost. Coach Ouattara commended his players’ effort, noting, “We came with a plan, and the boys executed it perfectly. This win is a testament to their hard work and determination.”
For Karela United, the loss added to their woes as they slid to the bottom of the table. Their poor run has now stretched to four games without a win, with only two victories recorded all season. Karela’s coach did not hide his disappointment, stating, “It’s a tough period for us, but we need to regroup and find solutions quickly.”
While Hearts of Oak aim to maintain their upward trajectory, Karela United must regroup and find answers as they face an uphill battle to escape the relegation zone.
The last time the Rainbow Boys won a Premier League game in Tamale is 11 years ago when they beat Real Tamale United FC 4-0.
