In-form Karela United travel to Abrankese on Sunday for the final round of matches in the first half of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, where they will face a struggling Nations FC side desperate to steady their campaign.
While the visitors arrive with momentum and confidence, the hosts are searching for consistency following a turbulent run that has seen them slide down the table and change their technical leadership.
Match Preview
Karela United have enjoyed an impressive first half of the season and currently sit seventh on the league table with 24 points from 16 matches. The Tamale-based outfit has been one of the more organized sides in the division, combining defensive discipline with efficiency in attack.
Nations FC, by contrast, have endured a dramatic downturn in form. After challenging for the title last season, the Abrankese-based club has struggled badly this term, managing just 19 points from 16 games and sitting only two points above the relegation zone. Their slump recently led to the dismissal of head coach Kassim Mingle, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Recent Form
Nations FC have won two and lost three of their last five league matches, a run that reflects their inconsistency. However, they will take confidence from a morale-boosting 3-0 FA Cup victory over Ashanti Gold in midweek at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, a result that could spark a turnaround.
Karela United, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last five matches, recording two wins and two draws, underlining their stability and growing belief as the season reaches its midpoint.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record slightly favors Nations FC. The two sides have met four times in the Ghana Premier League, with Nations FC winning three of those encounters. Notably, all four meetings ended 1-0, suggesting another tight contest could be on the cards.
Team News
Nations FC will be without Prince Badu, who completed a move to Asante Kotoko during the transfer window. Much of the responsibility will fall on captain Razak Simpson, alongside creative midfielder Faisal Charwetey, to inspire a positive result.
For Karela United, attacking threats Malik Abubakar, Bless Ege, and Eric Antwi Konadu are expected to play key roles as they look to exploit Nations FC’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nations FC:
Rabin Sanon (GK); Razak Simpson (C), Boateng Mac Williams, Samuel Kuffour; Kelvin Ampoful, Sulemana Suhuyini, Raymond Oko Grippmann, Evans Sarfo; Richard Danso, Emmanuel Annor; John Ahuma Ocansey.
Karela United:
Abdul Ganiu (GK) (C); Malik Abubakar, Alhassan Ali, Ibrahim Issa; Bless Ege, Gideon Boateng, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Abdulai Zakari; Philip Adom, Eric Antwi Konadu; Faisal Gariba.
Prediction
With Karela United enjoying better form and stability, they appear slight favourites. However, Nations FC’s strong home record against Karela and their recent FA Cup confidence boost could make this a closely contested affair.
Prediction: Nations FC 1-1 Karela United
