Real Tamale United recover from opening loss with dominant 4-1 victory over Debibi

Real Tamale United have steadied their campaign in the 2026 X1 Division One League Super Cup after a resounding 4-1 victory over Debibi United at Obuasi Len Clay Stadium. The result comes just days after the Northern club suffered a demoralising 4-1 opening-day loss to Ebusua Dwarfs, and signals an emphatic response from the Pride of the North.

The contrast between RTU's first and second matches could hardly have been starker. Where they collapsed against Dwarfs, they controlled proceedings throughout against Debibi, taking the game by the scruff of the neck from the opening exchanges. Abdul Rahim Lamale set the tone early, finding the back of the net in the third minute to give RTU an ideal platform from which to build momentum.

A commanding first-half display

Lamale's early strike appeared to release pressure that had built following the opening defeat, and RTU capitalised by extending their advantage before the interval. Emmanuel Owusu added a second goal in the 25th minute, establishing a commanding two-goal lead that reflected RTU's superiority in the opening 45 minutes. Debibi United offered little in response and headed into the break facing an uphill task.

The second half began with Debibi showing greater intent, and they were rewarded when Leslie Aryeetey pulled one back in the 74th minute. The goal appeared to inject hope into the visiting side's prospects of clawing their way back into the contest. However, any momentum they had gained proved short-lived.

Rahim Akanta restored RTU's cushion with a penalty conversion just eight minutes later to make it 3-1, with the striker now boasting two goals from the tournament's opening two matches. Real Tamale United continued their attacking dominance in the closing stages, adding a fourth goal to complete a comprehensive win that showcased their attacking prowess.

What this means for RTU's tournament prospects

The victory brings RTU to three points from their opening two Group A fixtures—a tally shared by Ebusua Dwarfs, though the Dwarfs hold a game in hand and remain within striking distance. Debibi United, by contrast, have taken just one point from two matches and face an increasingly uphill battle to progress from the group stage.

For RTU, this result demonstrates that their opening defeat was an aberration rather than a sign of deeper problems. The attacking unit, led by Lamale, Owusu, and Akanta, proved sufficiently clinical to dismantle a Debibi side that offered limited resistance. If the Northern club can maintain this level of performance going forward, they will fancy their chances of competing for progression from their group and pushing deep into the tournament.

The 4-1 scoreline also sends a message to other Group A contenders. Despite the opening loss, RTU remain a force to be reckoned with, and their ability to bounce back so emphatically will have strengthened their campaign considerably. As the group stage progresses, how they perform against Ebusua Dwarfs in any head-to-head fixture could prove decisive in determining who emerges from the group.