Top spot in the Premier League table is up for grabs as Karela United welcome Medeama SC to their Northern Ghana home on Sunday afternoon.
Medeama coach Ibrahim Tanko masterminded a terrific 4-0 triumph at Tarkwa as they played host to Vision FC last weekend, while for two weeks running, the Pride and Passion have snatched a euphoric victory and the sting of a chastening draw.
Match Preview
The sign of champions? That tried and tested adage is set to undergo its most rigorous assessment yet when chief contenders Medeama roll up to Aliu Mahama Stadium.
Karela can climb to the summit with three points against Medeama, although the Pride and Passion faithful will undoubtedly view a draw as a disappointment owing to coach Nurudeen Amadu’s promising continuation to life at the club so far.
Victory in Tamale would see Medeama open a Premier League campaign with three successive wins, which will be a statement start from Tanko’s men.
No such dramas in Tamale so far. Yet to be breached, as Amadu’s Karela swatted aside Aduana in their opening game before grinding out a 1-1 draw at Samartex. The return of Zaidan Mohammed in that game brought extra belief at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena that this, at long last, could be the year they punch above their weight.
Team News
Karela United
Karela are expected to field an unchanged starting XI from their draw at Samartex. Abdul Ganiu remains a rock between the sticks, while skipper duties ensure his leadership at the back.
Zaidan Mohammed, who impressed on his first start of the season, is tipped to spearhead the attack again.
Their fluid pressing and sharp transitions, so evident against Aduana, will be tested against a much sterner opponent.
Medeama SC
Medeama come into this clash buzzing with confidence. A gritty 2-1 win away at Young Apostles on the opening day was followed by a ruthless dismantling of Vision FC last weekend.
Kamaradini Mamudu has hit early form and will be the one to watch, while Abdul Salam’s physicality upfront could cause serious headaches for Karela’s backline. Skipper Yussif Mubarik anchors the defence, and creative midfielder Fuzy Taylor looks set to dictate play once more.
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; Zaidan Mohammed, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Abdulai Zakari
Medeama SC possible starting lineup (3-4-2-1):
Kyei (GK); Yussif Mubarik (C), Desmond Baffoe, Derrick Fordjour; Kamaradini Mamudu, Joseph Mensah, Emmanuel Owusu, Fuzy Taylor; Prince Owusu, Kelvin Nkrumah; Abdul Salam
We say: Karela United 1-3 Medeama SC
Karela’s sharp attack, led by Zaidan Mohammed, should produce a goal, and likely from a swift counter that catches Medeama’s back three off-guard.
But Medeama’s firepower looks too strong. Abdul Salam is expected to open the scoring with a poacher’s finish, before Kamaradini Mamudu doubles the advantage with his trademark pace and movement.
In the second half, Fuzy Taylor could seal the win with a well-placed strike after a midfield break. Karela may push late on, but Tanko’s men should leave Tamale with three points and their perfect start intact.
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT, Sunday, September 28, 2025
By: Pascal Amoah
