Swedru All Blacks come face to face with Karela United on Sunday, December 28, in a keenly-anticipated matchweek 16 clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign at the Swedru Sports Complex.
Match Preview
Swedru All Blacks return home looking to bounce back from last weekend’s away defeat at Bechem United. The Black Magicians have experienced a stop-start run of form so far this season, registering five wins, three draws and seven defeats from their opening 15 league fixtures.
That tally has them sitting 11th on the 18-club league log with 18 points, and with the table still tightly packed in mid-section, a home victory on Sunday would provide a significant boost to their ambitions of climbing toward the top half.
Karela United, meanwhile, have put together a more consistent campaign to this stage. The Pride and Passion side have chalked up six wins, five draws and four defeats, collecting 23 points to place 8th on the table after 15 matches.
With Karela eyeing a push toward the top four and All Blacks eager to respond in front of their own supporters, this fixture shapes up as a competitive mid-table showdown with plenty at stake on both sides.
Possible Lineups
Swedru All Blacks possible starting lineup:
Clement Aryee (GK); Kwadwo Opoku Gyamfi, Oscar Mensah, Solomon Nereba, Clement Tutu; Samuel Fosu, Arthur Shadrack, John Andoh;
Rudolf Mensah (C), Abdul Aziz Adam, Kweku Baffoe.
Karela United possible starting lineup:
Abdul Ganiu (GK) (C); Malik Abubakar, Alhassan Ali, Ibrahim Issa; Ege Bless, Gideon Boateng, Abdul Rahman Yaya, Abdulai Zakari;
Philip Adom, Eric Antwi Konadu; Faisal Gariba.
Team News
Swedru All Blacks
Head coach of the Black Magicians Ahmed Ibrahim Fathi is expected to ring a few tactical tweaks after last weekend’s defeat, though captain Rudolf Mensah will once again lead the line as the focal point of attack. Samuel Fosu and Arthur Shadrack are likely to retain their roles in midfield, tasked with linking play and offering control in possession, while Abdul Aziz Adam and Kweku Baffoe provide pace and penetration in the wing areas.
Karela United
Karela United are tipped to maintain their three-man defensive structure, with skipper Abdul Ganiu controlling matters from goal. Gideon Boateng is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Abdul Rahman Yaya, while Philip Adom and Eric Antwi Konadu will support the attack behind the main striker as Karela look to threaten on transitions.
We say: Swedru All Blacks 1–1 Karela United
This encounter could prove finely balanced, with Swedru All Blacks motivated to respond at home and Karela United carrying solid away discipline.
We predict Rudolf Mensah to put All Blacks ahead through the first half with a well-placed finish inside the box, before Karela United reply after the break through Eric Antwi Konadu, who may capitalise on a breakaway move to level the match.
Where is the game being played?
The match takes place at the Swedru Sports Complex, home of Swedru All Blacks.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
