Asante Kotoko will look to extend their unbeaten streak and strengthen their title push when they face Karela United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Match Preview
The Porcupine Warriors enter the game in high spirits after a dominant 4-1 victory over Vision FC in their last outing. This result solidified their third-place position on the league table with 31 points. Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has praised his team’s hunger and focus as they aim to reclaim the Ghana Premier League title after falling short last season.
Kotoko boast an impressive unbeaten run in their last five matches (W4, D1), scoring 20 goals (the second-most in the league) while conceding just 12. Additionally, their home form has been a key factor, with three consecutive wins at the Baba Yara Stadium.
In contrast, Karela United are enduring a challenging season. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nsoatreman FC last weekend, marking their third loss in five games (D2). Sitting 16th on the table with just 14 points, Karela United have struggled in attack, scoring only eight goals—the second-lowest tally in the league—while conceding 14.
Their away form has been dismal, with three consecutive losses without a single goal scored. Historically, they have struggled against Kotoko in Kumasi, drawing three of their last four visits and losing one.
Team News
Asante Kotoko:
Kotoko will rely on the leadership of Justice Blay in midfield, alongside the attacking trio of Baba Yahaya, Saaka Dauda, and Peter Amidu Acquah, who have shown strong form in recent weeks. Goalkeeper Mohammed Camara is expected to maintain his position between the posts.
Karela United:
Karela’s defensive resilience will rest on the shoulders of Ganiu Abdulai and Aboubakar Konadu, while Gariba and Ibrahim Issah will be tasked with sparking an attack that has been largely ineffective this season.
Predicted Lineups
Asante Kotoko:
Mohammed Camara; Lord Amoah, Patrick Asiedu, Samba O’Neil, Joseph Ablorh; Justice Blay, Andrews Ntim Manu, Kwame Opoku; Baba Yahaya, Saaka Dauda, Peter Amidu Acquah.
Karela United:
Ganiu Abdulai; Firdaus Gariba, Aboubakar Konadu, Latif Rahman, Abdulai Ganiu; Ibrahim Issah, Gariba, N. Ibrahim, G. Ibrahim; Abdul Rahman, Konadu Firdaus.
Prediction
Karela United’s poor form and lack of attacking threat are likely to be exploited by a confident Kotoko side playing at home. With their current momentum, Asante Kotoko are favorites to secure a comfortable win.
We say; Asante Kotoko 2-0 Karela United
Kickoff Details
- Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
- Time: 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM)
- Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi
All eyes will be on Kumasi as Kotoko aim to continue their impressive run and edge closer to the league leaders, while Karela United fight to escape the relegation zone.
