Nyaga, Masud star in Posta-Sharks stalemate

Kariobangi Sharks rallied from two goals down to draw Posta Rangers 2-2 in an entertaining SportPesa Premier League match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday.

Joseph Nyagah and Masud Juma netted two goals each in the 9th, 27th and 42nd and 81st minutes respectively.

Posta’s 14th draw of the season takes them to 38 points, one below Sharks who recorded their ninth draw after 25 rounds. The Mailmen were 1-0 winners in the first leg match in Nakuru in April.

“Lots of energy eventually paid off. We gave away two easy goals in the first half but managed to fight back. We had the spirit and utilised our moments,” Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya said.

“We missed Masud against Sofapaka and you could see his impact today. He is the type of player you need in such games but tactically we were superb in the second half,” Muluya added.

Posta Rangers assistant coach George Maina blamed sloppy defending after they threw away a two-goal lead.

“We started well, took our chances in the first half but unfortunately we gave away an easy goal. In the second half again, defensive lapses cost us the equaliser. Eight games now we’ve not yet won it cooks up more pressure in the playing unit,” he said.

Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo handed goalkeeper Martin Musalia his Posta Rangers debut in the absence of suspended Patrick Matasi. Charles Odette and Joseph Nyagah also got a nod from Omollo among changes made from the goalless draw against Ulinzi Stars on Sunday in Thika.

Muluya made two changes to the team that held Sofapaka to a scoreless draw in Machakos on Saturday. Juma returned after serving a one-match ban while goalkeeper Geoffrey Oyemba and Calvin Odongo returned to the starting eleven.

Nyagah struck the opener in the ninth minute after intercepting a Wycliffe Otieno back pass to place the ball to the far left hand side of Oyemba.

Odongo teed up Masud with a sumptuous through pass but the Kenyan international shot over the bar at the quarter hour mark.

Sharks won a free kick in a dangerous position in the 23rd minute after Odette fouled Matthew Odongo, but the resultant free kick was tipped over the bar by Musalia for a fruitless corner.

In the 27th minute, Nyagah completed his brace, this time round playing a one-two with John Nairuka before beating Oyemba yet again.

Three minutes to the breather, Patillah Omotto dispossessed Nairuka, drove down the midfield and released Juma.

Juma’s attempt to round off Musalia was first blocked before finishing off the rebound with a beautiful left foot shot to the far corner of the net.

Muluya pulled out Calvin and Matthew at the start of the second half for Christopher Kimathi and Ovellah Ochieng’ respectively.

The changes saw Sharks enjoy bit of possession. Ovella delivered a dangerous cross into the box but Duke Abuya’s connection was off the mark in the 54th minute.

It was the introduction of Rodgers Omondi for Paul Kamau in the 70th minute that yielded the equaliser. With nine minutes to go, Juma claimed his brace, burying home the equaliser from close range.