Karela United have ended Hearts of Oak’s unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale on Saturday.
Mohammed Zaidan scored two minutes before the end of regulation time to settle a closely contested Matchday Four encounter and secure a valuable three points for Karela United in front of their home supporters.
The hosts started the game with greater attacking intent and created the better opportunities in the opening half, but they were unable to find the breakthrough. Hearts of Oak also had chances of their own, although the Phobians struggled to match Karela’s attacking threat as the first half ended goalless.
Karela continued to push after the restart, maintaining pressure while remaining patient in search of a decisive goal. Their persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute when Zaidan found himself unmarked inside the box and reacted quickly to a low delivery, poking his effort past Hearts goalkeeper Sharif Shuaib.
Shuaib, who was deputising for captain Benjamin Asare during his absence with the Black Stars, made several important saves to keep Hearts in the contest. However, he could not prevent Zaidan’s late effort as Karela held on during the closing stages to claim the win.
The result gives Karela a major boost after their stoppage-time defeat to Aduana FC in their previous league outing. For Hearts, it is their first loss of the campaign after two wins and a draw from their opening three matches. Karela will next travel to Kumasi to face Asante Kotoko, while Hearts of Oak will look to return to winning ways against Dreams FC.