Karela United return to home action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in a matchweek 11 encounter of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm in Tamale, where both sides will be pushing to correct recent setbacks and strengthen their foothold in the campaign.
Nurudeen Amadu’s Karela were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Bibiani Goldstars last Sunday, a result that halted their steady climb up the table. After ten rounds of fixtures, the Pride and Passion boys sit 10th with 13 points, courtesy of three wins, four draws and three defeats.
Opponents Basake Holy Stars remain in a precarious position after a difficult takeoff in their second topflight season. Under the guidance of Evans Adotey, the Big Holy have collected only six points so far and are lodged in 17th place as they desperately seek consistency to ignite their season.
Match Preview
Karela United enter this fixture knowing a win could potentially propel them into the top half of the table, as the league’s mid-section remains tightly congested. While their defensive output has been respectable at home, their attacking firepower remains a work in progress, having scored just six goals in their last six matches. The likes of Ege Bless and Philip Adom will again be relied upon to stretch play and inject creativity in their opponent's goal area.
Basake Holy Stars, meanwhile, have struggled to keep up to the pace and physicality of the league this season. With six points from a possible 30, they travel north knowing anything short of improvement in both concentration and goal conversion will prolong their slide. Clement Gyapong and Prince Gamor remain their most dependable threats, but the side’s defensive frailties have been a recurring undoing, especially away from home.
Nonetheless, Adotey’s men have shown flashes of tenacity in recent weeks, and with little separating positions 12 to 18 on the log, a positive result in Tamale could dramatically alter their early-season narrative.
Karela United Possible Starting Lineup (4-3-3)
Abdul Ganiu (GK) (C); Malik Abubakar, Philip Adom, Alhassan Ali, Eric Antwi Konadu; Gideon Boateng, Faisal Gariba, Ibrahim Issa; Ege Bless, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Abdulai Zakari
Basake Holy Stars Possible Starting Lineup
Patrick Appiah (GK); Issah Yakubu (C), Prince Amponsah, Kingsford Baffoe, Abdul Dagbatey Basit; Jacob Boazee, Sadat Zumah Ibrahim, Prince Tweneboah, Gideon Kofi Quaison; Prince Gamor, Clement Gyapong
Team News
Karela United
The hosts are not expected to make sweeping adjustments despite last weekend’s narrow defeat. Captain Abdul Ganiu continues in goal, while Faisal Gariba and Alhassan Ali are likely to shield the back line. Gideon Boateng is tipped to return and take back his position in midfield after an encouraging showing against Goldstars. Abdul Rahman Yaya could also be handed another start as Amadu seeks greater fluidity in attack.
Basake Holy Stars
Basake Holy Stars have no major fresh injury concerns and should field a similar side to the one that competed last week. Skipper Enis Boadi anchors midfield, while the trio of Gyapong, Gamor and Quaison are expected to carry the attacking weight. Defensive reshuffles remain a possibility, with Adotey reportedly demanding greater discipline in transitions.
We say: Karela United 2-1 Basake Holy Stars
Karela United’s home form and superior organisation should tilt this match in their favour, though Basake’s attacking trio may still pose questions. We predict Karela to strike first through Philip Adom, capitalising on early pressure, before Clement Gyapong equalises for the visitors against the run of play. However, the decisive moment may arrive late on, with substitute Abdulai Zakari steering home a winner to secure all three points for the hosts.
Where is the game being played?
The match takes place at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, the home of Karela United.
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
