Karela United moved out of the relegation zone after beating Asante Kotoko 1-0 in a 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) match-day 15 clash at Crosby Awuah Memorial (CAM) Park Thursday afternoon.
Striker Samuel Attah Kumi’s well-struck penalty in the second half was the difference in Aiyinase as the hosts handed new coach Shaibu Tanko a winning start while ending a run of six games without defeat by the champions.
Kotoko created more chances in the opening half than Karela, with Steven Mukuala, Serge Eric Zeze, and Enoch Morrison all failing to score. Karela goalkeeper Prince Asempah produced some fine saves to keep the score level.
A long-range strike by Enoch Morrison in the 24th minute nearly gave Kotoko the lead midway through the game. However, the ball rebounded off the goalpost.
Just before the break, Attah Kumi came close for Karela but he dragged his shot wide of the target after getting past Justice Blay.
Karela started the second half strongly causing problems for the Kotoko backline. And centre-back Maxwell Agyemang picked up an injury in the process.
Referee Emmanuel Tampuri awarded a penalty against Kotoko in the 57th minute. He adjudged that midfielder Sheriff Mohammed fouled Emmanuel Owusu Boakye by Sheriff Mohammed after the two came down right before the penalty area.
Attah Kumi stepped up and planted the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Frederick Asate at the hour mark.
Smoothly taken spot kick from Samuel Attah Kumi!@KarelaUtd_FC 1 : 0 @AsanteKotoko_SC
Showing live now on ST Adepa Ch. 247 & StarTimes ON App 📲https://t.co/rZyMN2zAch#betPawaGPL #betPawaPremierLeague #StarTimes #Ghana #Fabulous #Kotoko #AKSC #KarelaUnited #betPawaGPLWk15 pic.twitter.com/gdwJjQwnDV
— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) February 2, 2023
This is Karela United’s fifth victory in 15 games so far. The Passioners jump three spots to 13th on 19 points. Asante Kotoko slip from the top 4 places to 5th on 24 points.
Karela defender Abdul Rahman Yaya won the man-of-the-match award.
