Asante Kotoko vs Karela United saw two sides on both ends of the Ghana Premier League table contesting for three points.
The two-time CAF Champions League winners have started the season on a poor note, picking just one point from their first three matches to sit comfortably at the bottom of the table.
It seems the days when Asante Kotoko held sway at home are over. It has become a tale of a glorious past.
Perhaps the Asante Kotoko vs Karela United tie was one that fans expected redemption, but even the fans know to keep their hopes on the down low.
There has not been anything inspiring about the great giants of Ghanaian football this season. They have just a draw from three matches, losing the other two.
Perhaps the Asante Kotoko vs Karela United tie came too soon.
Asante Kotoko vs Karela United: Evans Adomako takes season’s tally to three goals
Asante Kotoko has only scored one goal this season, and it came in the 2-1 away loss to Bibiani Gold Stars.
Prosper Narteh Ogum had promised so much heading into the new season, but the cracks are already showing with less than half a dozen games played.
Karela United hit the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, seeking to go home with maximum points, and they started the game on the front foot.
With nine minutes on the clock, Karela United proved they meant business as Evans Adomako scored to take his tally to three goals in this campaign.
Asante Kotoko defender Nana Beyin Amoah failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Adomako to steal the ball and score with a shot from inside the box.
The goal spurred the home side into action, and they started peppering the visitors with waves of attack.
Samuel Asamoah and Michael Kyei were the architects of orchestrating a comeback for the home side.
They built several attacks that came to nought.
Tragedy struck for Karela United as their top scorer, Evans Adomako, pulled up injured in the 20th minute, with Emmanuel Owusu Boakye replacing him.
Undoubtedly, the Asante Kotoko vs Karela United tie was living up to the billing, with both sides throwing massive attacking jabs at each other.
By the 38th minute, Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum felt the need for a change and brought on Baba Yahaya for Isaac Oppong to shake things up.
With four minutes of regular time left, Zeze came close to getting an equalizer for the home side.
However, his effort could not beat the goalkeeper.
Desperation and frustration soon set in for Asante Kotoko.
Inside added time, they felt they had a good shout for a penalty for a foul on Yahaya, but the referee waved it off. He issued a yellow card to the player.
It was the last meaningful act of the first half, with the Asante Kotoko vs Karela United ending 0-1 in favour of the visitors.
Baba Yahaya spared Kotoko's blushes with a late equalizer
The second half of the Asante Kotoko vs Karela United tie started with the home side trying to get into gear quickly.
Every early effort to unlock the visitors defence, was met with stiff resistance or a poor final ball.
Asante Kotoko was beginning to show frustration and 11 minutes into the game, Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum reshuffled his pack.
Eric Zeze came off for Richmond Lamptey.
The home side was getting more frustrated and started to commit fouls, resulting in cards. Benyin Amoah was the next to go into the book in the 62nd minute.
Asante Kotoko missed a solid chance to level the scores in the 65th minute.
Henry Ansu nodded down a corner kick for Nurudeen, but the ball bounced awkwardly and missed his outstretched leg.
Asante Kotoko continued to pile on the pressure, but it yielded no dividends.
With a quarter of an hour left to play, the Asante coach had another throw of the dice. He made a double substitution.
Sherif Mohammed and Bernard Somuah came on for Michael Kyei and Samuel Asamoah.
The Asante Kotoko pressure finally told as the visitors caved in. In the 90th minute, Baba Yahaya drew level for the home side.
The Asante Kotoko vs Karela United was full of intrigues and excitement, but both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Lineups
Asante Kotoko
Danlad Ibrahim, Nana Benyin Amoah, Samuel Asamoah, Henry Ansu, Nurudeen Mohammed, Andrews Antwi Manu, Michael Kyei Dwamena, Peter Amidu, Steven Mukwala, Eric Zeze, Isaac Oppong
Subs
Frederick Asare, Sherif Mohammed, John Tedeku, Dawuni Yahaya, George Mfegue, Kalo Quattara, Richmond Lamptey, Baba Yahaya, Bernard Somuah
Karela United
Ganiu Mohammed Abdul, Abdul Fatawu Mohammed, George Amonoo, Samuel Attah Kumi, Evans Adomako Wiredu, Abdul-Raman Yaya, Mohammed Asigre Suleman, Maxwell Agyemang, Samuel Arthur, Maxwell Arthur, Hafiz Abdulai
Subs
Emmanuel Anaful, Alex Kuffour, Bashiru Abdul, Basit Abdul, Dubi Kassi Tayi, Prince Nana Akwasi Darmang, Emmanuel Owusu Boakye, Umar Faruk
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago
