A second-half capitulation saw Hearts of Oak surrender a lead to lose 3-1 against newly promoted side Karela United at the CAM park. 

Daniel Kodie put the Phobians ahead on 12 minutes, a nice finish following an amazing darting run and a superb pass from Winful Cobbinah. 

But fans had barely returned to their seats when Karela equalised. Karela drew level two minutes into the second half courtesy substitute William Opoku Mensah, who tapped in from close range after goalkeeper Ben Mensah parried a fierce strike.

Two minutes later, Opoku scored again from a fine finish to make it 2-1.

The goal awakened the sleeping giants, who put in a lot of effort to restore parity. But that led to their leaving spaces in defence, and Opoku duly punished them to seal the victory for the home side.

The 18-minute hat-trick was the fastest the league has seen since October 2017, when Kwame Baffoe scored three times in eight minutes for Wa All Stars against Bolga All Stars.

The defeat summarizes Hearts campaign thus far as they had hoped to end a trophy drought going back to 2009 - but it appears that may not be realised as it stands.

Head coach Henry Wellington who, due to illness, was not in the dugout on Wednesday but this defeat could trigger renewed calls for change. 

For Karela, the win extends their unbeaten to five games. They now occupy the second spot but have the same points as leaders Ashgold, who have a game in hand.