Accra Hearts of Oak will aim to revive their push for a top-four finish when they welcome struggling Karela United to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in matchweek 28 of the Ghana Premier League.
Match Preview:
Hearts of Oak have seen their early-year momentum fade, slipping from the top four to 7th place with 41 points after 27 matches. The Phobians have won just once in their last five league games (W1 D2 L2), a run that has raised questions about their consistency. Despite their dip, Aboubakar Ouattara's side still boast one of the league’s strongest defenses, conceding only 17 goals — the joint-fewest in the competition.
At home, however, they have been unpredictable, recording three wins and two losses in their last five matches. That said, Hearts have never lost a home league fixture against Karela United since the latter’s promotion to the top flight in 2020 — a record they will be keen to extend.
Karela United, on the other hand, are in desperate need of points. A 2-0 defeat to FC Samartex in midweek dropped them into 16th place with 28 points — inside the relegation zone. Nurudeen Amadu’s side has been toothless in attack, scoring just 17 goals all season — the joint-lowest tally in the league. Their away form is equally concerning, with no wins in their last five games on the road (D1, L4).
Head-to-Head at Accra Sports Stadium
Since the 2020/21 season, the two sides have met four times at the Accra Sports Stadium in the league. Hearts of Oak have won once — a 3-1 triumph last season — with the other three encounters ending in draws. Prior to last season, the last three meetings at this venue were low-scoring affairs, including two goalless draws and a 1-1 stalemate.
Team News
Hearts of Oak:
Coach Aboubakar Ouattara is expected to stick with a familiar defensive setup that has been key to Hearts' solidity. Youngster Salim Adams remains out with a long-term injury, but the likes of Afriyie and Wayo are available to provide attacking support.
Karela United:
Karela are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Abdul Latif, but barring any late knocks, they are expected to name a similar lineup to the one that faced Samartex. Fatawu is set to captain the side again as they look to battle for survival.
Predicted Lineups
Hearts of Oak XI:
Asare (GK); Ampadu, Ransford, Asibey, Konadu, Asmah, Osei, Boateng, Amponsah, Wayo, Afriyie
Karela United XI:
Nasiru (GK); Adamu, Agyemang, Ali, Asigre, Fatawu (C), Gariba, Dede, Latif, Nurudeen, Yaya
Kickoff Details
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Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025
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Time: 15:00 GMT
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Venue: Accra Sports Stadium
Prediction
Karela United’s poor away form and blunt attack make them underdogs heading into this fixture. While Hearts of Oak haven’t been at their best recently, their superior defense and home record against Karela should give them the edge.
Prediction: Hearts of Oak 2-0 Karela United
