Ghanaian forward Kwaku Karikari struck as FK Zeleznicar Pancevo pulled off one of the most unexpected upsets of the Serbian Superliga season, defeating league leaders Partizan Belgrade on Saturday.
Partizan made the ideal start in the Matchday 16 encounter at the Partizan Stadium, with young forward Nemanja Trifunović putting the hosts ahead after just seven minutes.
Their lead, however, was short-lived as Zeleznicar hit back almost immediately through Bulgarian midfielder Sylvester Jasper, who punished a defensive error to restore parity.
The Diesel Locomotive then turned the game on its head in the 33rd minute, and it was Karikari who provided the decisive touch. The Ghanaian forward rose superbly to meet a pinpoint cross from Dario Grgić, guiding his header beyond the goalkeeper to quieten the home crowd.
Zeleznicar carried that spark into the second half and needed just a minute after the restart to extend their lead, Grgić swapping roles to score and make it 3–1.
Ghanaian defender Abdul Aziz Yusif produced a composed 90-minute display for Zeleznicar, helping to close out the match under late pressure. His compatriot Ibrahim Zubairu entered the game in the 81st minute for Partizan but was unable to alter the outcome.
Karikari’s goal moves him to three goals and one assist in 11 league outings this season.
By: Pascal Amoah
