Karela United survived a dramatic late cracker from Basake Holy Stars to claim a nerve-shredding 3–2 victory in their 2025/26 Ghana Premier League Matchweek-11 encounter at the Aliu Mahama Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Nurudeen Amadu’s side looked to be cruising after a dominant hour, but were forced into a frantic finale as the visitors struck twice in three minutes to set up a breathless end to a five-goal spectacle.
The Pride and Passion made the breakthrough in the 21st minute through the lively Philip Adom, who swept home after a sustained spell of pressure to ignite Karela’s afternoon. With energy on their side and their midfield finding spaces between Basake’s lines, the Pride and Passion doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.
In the 62nd minute, forward Danlad Nuhu capitalised on hesitant defending to steer past goalkeeper Dubi Kassi Tayi, making it 2–0. Karela then appeared to put the game beyond reach when Eric Antwi Konadu added a third in the 73rd minute, rounding off a flowing move that showcased their renewed attacking sharpness.
But the Big Holy were not finished, as they pulled a surprise four minutes later, forward Prince Tweneboah punished Karela’s slumbering lapse, sliding the ball home to reduce the deficit. Suddenly energised, Evans Adotey’s men pushed forward with urgency and were rewarded again in the 80th minute when they struck their second to make it 3–2.
With the game transformed, Karela were forced to defend desperately as Basake pressed for an equaliser, but the hosts held firm to protect their slender lead and secure all three points.
Despite enjoying less possession - 45% to Basake’s 55% - Karela created the more threatening chances as they registered 9 shots, 3 on target, 6 corners, and receiving one yellow card.
Basake Holy Stars, meanwhile, mustered only 2 shots, both on target, alongside one corner and a single booking.
The win lifts Karela United to 8th place with 16 points, having recorded four wins, four draws and three defeats from eleven matches. Basake Holy Stars, still with a game in hand, remain 17th on six points, their difficult start continuing with just one win from ten outings so far.
By: Pascal Amoah
