Swedru All Blacks were denied a return to winning ways after Karela United battled back to earn a 1–1 draw in their Matchweek 16 clash at the Swedru Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Midfielder Solomon Nereba fired the hosts ahead in the second half, but Karela’s industrious midfielder Malik Abubakar levelled matters 10 minutes later to ensure the Pride and Passion left Swedru with a hard-fought point.
The opening period unfolded as a measured tactical match, with both sides prioritising good positioning and discipline.
Swedru All Blacks enjoyed the brighter attacking moments, probing down the flanks and forcing Karela into several defensive interventions, though clear-cut opportunities remained scarce as the visitors stayed compact and organised.
Karela sought to grow into the game after the restart, but it was the home side who landed the breakthrough.
In the 64th minute, sustained pressure from All Blacks paid off when Solomon Nereba arrived to guide a superb strike beyond goalkeeper Abdul Ganiu and send the home supporters into celebration.
However, Karela refused to wilt and rallied impressively. Their response arrived in the 74th minute, as Malik Abubakar timed his run perfectly to slot home the equaliser, a goal that shifted the match and injected renewed belief into the visitors play.
Both teams pushed for a late winner, but disciplined defending at either end ensured the match closed out as a well-earned stalemate.
The draw lifts Karela United to 6th place on 24 points, continuing their steady season after six wins, six draws, and four defeats from 16 matches.
Swedru All Blacks, meanwhile, move to 11th on 19 points, having now recorded five wins, four draws, and seven defeats at this stage of the season.
By: Pascal Amoah
