In September 2018, he was signed by Western Region-based club Karela United by then coach Johnson Smith on an initial two-year contract.[2] He became a key member of the club, as he featured in 7 league matches before the league was put on hold and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] He featured in 10 league matches in the first round of the 2020–21 Ghana Premier League and helped them to a first round 1st place league position before joining Aduana Stars in March 2021.[4][5] He played a total of 26 league matches before leaving the club after his contract expired.[6][2]
Aduana Stars
In March 2021, when Abdulai's contract with the club expired he left Karela as a free agent after the first round of the season and signed a 2-year deal with Aduana Stars.[2][6] He was signed to replace the club's defender Farouk Adams who was in custody and standing trial for allegedly killing a Police officer with a car.[6]