Evans Adomako Wiredu's missed penalty in the dying moments of the game resulted in the continuation of Tamale-based side's winless streak, now reaching 7 games.
The hosts managed to score first in the early minutes, with Emmanuel Owusu Boakye finding the back of the net in the 5th minute. However, the Phobians' teenage sensation, Hamza Issah, equalised in the 40th minute.
Here are four things we learned from the match at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
Richmond Ayi the hero
He may be unpopular among Hearts fans but Richmond Ayi put that behind him to excel for the club. He saved a late penaltyto earn his side a precious point.
Entering the game, Martin Koopman's charges knew nothing other than a defeat would be okay to appease their fans, and they had it thanks Ayi. The goal custodian's penalty save was all the Phobians needed to salvage the day.
With such consistent impressive performances, fans of Hearts will surely revise their notes on the former WAFA man and grant him the love he so deserves.
Karela don’t offer enough in attack
Karela's defensive organization was good in the opening minutes of the game, making life difficult for Hearts. They had a few promising moments in attack in the first 10 minutes and got a goal in the process.
They did not offer much of a threat after the first quarter of the game, though, and they were unable to ask enough questions when the need arose. The Karela players simply did not look comfortable when forced with the ball, and they struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances.
This is a team built to defend stoutly and break quickly on the counter-attack but they are unable to adjust when the scoreline forced a change in approach. Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu's team will need to improve significantly in order to stake a claim in the league.
Ibrahim Salifu shows signs of finding his best form
Last season was a very difficult season for Ibrahim Salifu. After a sterling debut season with the Phobians, much was expected from the former Techiman Eleven Wonders man but that wasn't to be.
The first few games of the season was torrid for him that culminated in him losing his position and sidelined for most part of the season. Salifu, however in recent outings has shown glimpses of his old self in their stalemate with Karela on Saturday.
The intelligent midfielder stood up to the physical battering that the Karela midfielders offered and gave the Phobians an assist to earn them a crucial away point.
Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu faces huge challenge to transform Karela United
Ibrahim Tanko Shaibu requires a commodity that money cannot buy if he's to make Karela United a respected force on the local scene. Time.
Ahead of their game with the Phobians, Karela had not won in six games- drawing five and a loss. Against the Phobians, it was a largely drab, uninspiring stuff from his charges as Hearts made Karela look like mugs at times in the first half.
Shaibu has no magic wand and will need time to truly stamp his mark on the squad – with an improved second-half display not enough to win the game for them.
