Accra, May 31, GNA – Sulley Ali Muntari displayed a masterclass performance in Accra Hearts of Oak’s 1-1 draw with Karela United in a match-day 31 encounter of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League.
Benjamin Yorke gave Hearts the lead after a superb assist from Muntari, but Emmanuel Owusu Boakye’s late second-half strike ensured that the spoils were shared at the end of the match.
Hearts stayed in the fourth position with the point secured, while Karela United moved into the seventh position on the league table.
It was a high-octane start to the game with both sides on the front foot, but it was Hearts who had a fair share of the possession, but were not clinical enough in the final third.
Hearts were certainly missing the services of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, who was away on national team duty as they struggled to test Karela United goalkeeper Felix Kyei.
Gladson Awako came within a whisker of putting Hearts ahead after the half-hour mark, but his free-kick from 25 yards was feeble and easily gathered by Karela United’s goalkeeper.
The home side made their pressure count in added time in the first half after Benjamin Yorke scored a superb goal after Muntari’s beautiful pass found him in the penalty box as he duly capitalized.
Yorke at the start of the second half could have doubled the lead for his side, but his close-range effort was dealt with by the Karela United defense.
The game was very enthralling in the opening quarter of the second half and Karela United striker Richard Berko bearly restored parity for his side, but Muntari stepped up with a brilliant defensive tackle.
There was drama in the 74th minute after a football fan stepped onto the field to take a selfie with Karela United player Souradjou Rayies Alhassan but was apprehended by the Police as the game continued.
The introduction of Umar Bahiru and Emmanuel Owusu Boakye did spice up the Karela United attack and deservedly pulled parity in the 84th minute through Boakye, who finished off a brilliant team move.
Both sides had to settle for a point at the end of the match.
Man-of-the-Match: Benjamin Yorke
GNA