2020/2021 Premier League: Ashantigold held at home by Karela United

Karela United FC came from behind to hold AshantiGold SC 2-2 in their opening Premier League game on Sunday.

The Miners welcomed Karela United to the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium with the aim of starting the season with a victory.

But it was Karela who netted after just four minutes through Diawusie Taylor whose powerful shot beat goalkeeper Mohammed Bailou.

In the 18th minute, Diawusie nearly fetched his second goal of the game but failed to direct Richard Berko’s lofty cross into the net.

Ashantigold found their rhythm just after Diawusie’s miss and their incessant pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Appiah McCarthy powered in a brilliant free kick beyond the reach of goalkeeper Yaw Fufuro-Ansah to restore parity.

However, the Miners were dealt a huge blow two minutes later when two key players, Samed Ibrahim and Mark Agyekum were stretched off the pitch through injuries.

With the first half set to end in in a stalemate, Hans Kwoffie headed Ashantigold into the lead after connecting to Bashiru’s pin-point whip in the 23rd minute.

Karela United returned from recess and got a deserved equaliser through substitute Samuel Ofori in the 59th minute when he slotted home a in the penalty box.

AshantiGold improved and nearly regained their advantage in the 61st minute but Appiah McCarthy’s free kick went just wide.

The hosts pushed for the winner in the final embers of the game but couldn’t break the stubborn defence of Karela.