Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 head to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium to take on Karela United in Week 5 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
Match Preview
Karela United currently sit 11th on the league table with four points, having scored and conceded three goals each. They come into this fixture off the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Legon Cities in Accra last weekend and are hoping to secure back-to-back wins. Karela have lost just once at home this season, making their home form a crucial factor.
On the other hand, FC Samartex are winless in their last eight away games stretching back to the 2023 season. Despite this poor away record, they have one outstanding match to be played, which could help them climb the table.
The history between these two teams also favors Karela United, who have won both of their previous home meetings against FC Samartex. In the 2022/23 season, Karela edged out a 1-0 victory, while in the 2023/24 season, they recorded a 4-2 triumph.
Team News
Karela United head coach Jimmy Cobblah has a fully fit squad available and might make some changes following their recent win over Legon Cities. With no injuries to worry about, Cobblah could rotate his squad, giving fresh opportunities to several players.
For FC Samartex, head coach Paa Kwesi Fabin might opt to switch back to a four-man defense. Ishmael Amoah is expected to lead the attack, while Yeboah, Fusseini, and Asamoah remain available options if Fabin decides to refresh the lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Karela United: Ganiu (GK); Abdulai, Aboubakar, Konadu, Firdaus, Gariba, G. Ibrahim, N. Ibrahim, Issah, Latif, Rahman.
FC Samartex: Kofi Baah (GK); Samuel Tetteh, Isaac Afful, Ebenezer Acquah, James Sewornu, Lord Hilary Adabo, Benjamin Gyetuah, Richmond Darko, Michael Ephson, Emmanuel Mamah, Solomon Agyei.
Prediction
Given Karela United's strong home form and FC Samartex's struggles away from home, this match could be a closely contested affair. Both teams will be eager to secure points, but a draw seems the likely outcome.
We say: Karela United 1-1 FC Samartex
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM).
