Vincent Atingah Addae’s late headed goal sealed a slim margin victory for Medeama SC at home to Karela United in the Nzema Derby.

Medeama SC welcomed regional rivals Karela United to the Akoon Park, Tarkwa for this crucial Ghana Premier league match week 28 encounter on Saturday.

The home side went into the affair seeking to halt their recent poor run. In their last 5 games, Coach Yaw Preko’s side had won just once, a trend that saw them pace out of the title chase.

The coach’s job was also on the line ahead of the encounter after fans escalated complains against him and called for his exit.

Medeama started the game as the more determined side while Karela United were comfortable maintaining their shape and managing the game well much to the frustration of the home side.

The first half ended hoalles and the second half looked like following same trand until Vincent Atingah happened.

The former Hearts of Oak defensive stalwart headed in from close range with 7 minutes of normal time remaining to end the game. Despite several protests from the Karela United players that goalkeeper Richard Baidoo was impeded, the match referee Maale Imgerde stuck to his earlier decision to award a goal.

The home side held on from there to ensure victory over their rivals. The win moves the Mauves and Yellow to 3rd on the league log on 46 points. Medeama now trail Hearts of Oak in first position by 3 points, while second placed Kotoko lead by just a point.

Both teams have their own regional derbies to contest on Sunday. Hearts face Great Olympics while Asante Kotoko will also face AshantiGold SC.