Karela United bounced back from their first home loss in five years with a controversial 2-0 victory over Liberty Professionals in a 2020/21 Ghana Premier League match-day 15 clash at Crosby Awuah Memorial (CAM) Park Sunday afternoon.
The Passioners suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Asante Kotoko early February, ending their 64-competitive games unbeaten home record.
Umar Basiru found the lead in the 26th minute after dominating in midfield alongside Sadiq Alhassan.
The duo were undeniably strong for the struggling Liberty side and Karela’s balance was the key in ending the first half ahead on the score sheet.
After the halftime break, the home side exerted more pressure to extend their lead early in the match.
But Liberty held on well in defence while trying long balls to open up the Karela back-line.
Liberty got a golden chance to go level before the final 10 minutes of the game after Fifa referee Abdul Latif Qadir pointed to the spot for a penalty in favour of the visitors.
But moments later, the 33-year-old reversed his decision much to the chagrin of the Liberty players and their technical bench.
The game could not continue for close to 10 minutes as Liberty continued to protest the sudden decision of the referee to award a drop ball after consulting his assistant Thomas Ngmindieye. and the fourth official.
The game resumed with referee Qadir allowing five minutes of time added on.
But Liberty, choosing to play under protest, stood aloof and allowed Kwame Boateng to double the lead for Karela during the stoppage time.
With the 2-0 win, Karela United tighten their grip on top spot with 28 points, four clear of second-placed Great Olympics who lost at Eleven Wonders.
Next up are mid-week matches with Karela on a trip to WAFA while Liberty, languishing 16th on the table, also host Hearts of Oak at Dansoman.
