Karela United gave away a second half lead to draw 1-1 with Hearts of Oak on match day 21 of the Ghana Premier League at Aiyinase on Sunday.
Kojo Obeng Jnr climbed off the bench to score the equalizer five minutes from time to cancel Maxwell Boakye’s opener.
After a barren first half, Karela United took the lead in the 70th minute through Maxwell Boakye - who had come on for Richard Berko. But Hearts of Oak responded after Kwadwo Obeng Jnr soared above everyone else to head in Ibrahim Salifu’s corner kick.
Hearts of Oak were the better side in the opening stages – as they played a delightful football and controlled affairs, making a few incursions inside the area of Karela United – But Ibrahim Salifu, Daniel Afriyie and Victor Aidoo failed to score. Diawusie Taylor also had one big chance inside 18 minutes but the League’s top scorer, headed over the bar to leave things squarely.
Richard Berko made way for Maxwell Boakye inside 53 minutes for Karela United. Boakye's instant impact was felt after breaking the deadlock on the 70th minute mark.
Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu introduced Kojo Obeng Jnr for Victor Aidoo and Isaac Mensah taking the place of Patrick Razak.
Hearts of Oak began to dominate again and with five minutes of play left; they won a corner which was swung in by Salifu – that met the head of Obeng Jnr. for the leveller.
Hearts of Oak pinned Karela United into the half in search of the winner – but the hosts stood firm to end the game 1-1.
Karela United who led the League log for 10 straight weeks, have not won a game since the resumption of the League. They drew with AshantiGold- lost to Inter Allies and Dreams FC before settling for a draw against Hearts of Oak on Sunday.
Hearts of Oak moves to third with 34 points while Karela United drops to fifth with 33 points from 21 matches in the League.
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