Karela United goalkeeper Ganiu Abdul put in a stellar performance to help his side secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday afternoon at the Naa Sheriga Sports Center.
Abdul was named man of the match after making a string of impressive saves to deny Kotoko and preserve Karela's slim lead.
Before the clash, Karela United was lingering in the 15th position with a modest 20 points, while Asante Kotoko was comfortably seated in second place with a commanding 32 points. However, the match proved that rankings do not always dictate the outcome on the field.
The solitary goal of the match came in the 63rd minute, courtesy of Karela United's striker, Giyasu Ibrahim. His strike was enough to seal the three points for the home side, much to the delight of the Karela United fans.
As the game approached the 70th-minute mark, both teams made tactical changes. Karela United, aiming to protect their precious lead, made some defensive adjustments. On the other hand, Asante Kotoko, eager to get back into the game, introduced fresh legs to bolster their attack.
Despite Asante Kotoko's relentless efforts to level the scoreline in the remaining minutes, Karela United stood firm. The home side effectively dealt with Kotoko's attacks, ensuring their lead remained intact until the final whistle.