Eric Antwi brace sinks Hearts of Oak in Tamale

Karela United deepened Hearts of Oak’s struggles with a 2-0 victory on Sunday at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.

Eric Antwi was the hero of the day, scoring twice to seal all three points for the hosts. Buoyed by their solid draw against Heart of Lions, Karela started confidently, with coach Nurudeen Amadu naming a strong lineup.

Hearts coach Didi Dramani also kept faith in a competitive side after their win over Vision FC, with Solomon Agbasi starting in goal as Benjamin Asare missed out due to injury.

Karela began on the front foot and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Fatew Mohammed delivered a superb cross that Antwi headed home. Hearts nearly responded through Hamza Issah, but his effort drifted wide.

The hosts continued to dominate, and just before halftime, Antwi pounced on a goalkeeping error to tap in his second, giving Karela a 2-0 lead at the break.

After recess, Hearts pushed forward with more urgency. Hamza Issah again came close but failed to hit the target.

Karela remained compact and disciplined, denying the Phobians any clear breakthrough.

They almost added a third, but Philip Adom’s weak effort was saved.

Karela United stayed firm to record a deserved win. The defeat means Hearts have now managed just one win in their last five matches (two draws, two losses).

The victory lifts Karela to seventh on the league table with 20 points, just one behind Hearts in sixth.