2026/27 GPL: Mohammed Zaidan strikes late as Karela United end Hearts of Oak’s unbeaten start

Mohammed Zaidan scored in the 88th minute as Karela United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hearts of Oak to end the Phobians’ unbeaten start to the Ghana Premier League season.

The decisive moment came at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in an entertaining Matchday Four encounter, with Zaidan producing a composed finish late on to send the home supporters into wild celebrations.

Karela United made the brighter start and created the better opportunities during the opening half, but they were unable to turn their early dominance into a goal.

Hearts of Oak also had chances of their own, although the visitors struggled to match the attacking threat posed by their hosts.

Despite an action-packed first half, neither side could find the breakthrough as the teams went into the interval level.

Karela continued to apply pressure after the restart as they looked increasingly determined to find a way through the Hearts defence.

Their persistence finally paid off in the closing stages when Zaidan produced a moment of individual brilliance.

The forward dribbled his way through the Hearts defence before keeping his composure to fire a low effort beyond the goalkeeper in the 88th minute.

The late strike proved decisive, giving Karela United all three points and sparking jubilant scenes inside the stadium.

For Hearts of Oak, the defeat brings an end to their unbeaten run after the opening four matches of the campaign.

Karela, meanwhile, will take confidence from a victory secured against one of the league's traditional heavyweights as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the season.

• What next?

Karela United will hope to continue their impressive performance when they travel to play Asante Kotoko while Hearts of Oak travel to play Dreams FC.