Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards draw a blank in Machakos
AFC Leopards defender Salim Abdalla (left) vies for ball with Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Duke Abuya during their SportPesa Premier League match at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on October 7, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- At Ruaraka, relegation battlers Muhoroni Youth nicked a rare 4-3 victory over Nakumatt, as Kakamega Homeboyz tasted their first defeat in eight matches following a 1-0 loss away to Zoo Kericho.
- In Awendo, former champions Ulinzi Stars had to dig deep and eventually recorded a come from behind one-all draw against hosts Sony Sugar.
It was a tale of missed chances as 13-time champions AFC Leopards battled to a barren draw with Kariobangi Sharks in a SportPesa Premier League match staged in Machakos on Saturday.
At Ruaraka, relegation battlers Muhoroni Youth nicked a rare 4-3 victory over Nakumatt, as Kakamega Homeboyz tasted their first defeat in eight matches following a 1-0 loss away to Zoo Kericho.
In Awendo, former champions Ulinzi Stars had to dig deep and eventually recorded a come from behind one-all draw against hosts Sony Sugar.
In Machakos, Sharks and Leopards could not find the back of the net in their encounter. The two teams meet again in the GOtv Shield final on October 20.
Sharks were missing the services of striker Masoud Juma and midfielder Patilla Omotto, while the big cats had to do without the defensive duo of Robinson Kamura and Dennis Sikhayi. The four players are part of the national team that is currently on international duty in Thailand.
In light of this, both coaches made changes to their regular starting lineups, with Ingwe's Robert Matano introducing Lewis Wanami and Duncan Otieno at the heart of defence.
His opposite number William Muluya also effected changes upfront, bringing in Cavin Odongo as Masoud’s replacement.
While Ingwe had only one shot on target in the first half, Sharks were guilty of wasting several chances especially in the opening 45 minutes.
Odongo missed two clear-cut chances in that period, the first being a ferocious shot unleashed in the 18th minute which ended up hitting the post before ricocheting out of danger.
Odongo also missed the target in the 38th minute when he was left with only the goalkeeper to beat, but made a grievous misjudgement with his foot while executing his shot, and missed the ball in hilarious fashion.
Ingwe came back stronger in the second half and had a goal rule out for an offside at the hour mark when Vincent Oburu found the back of the net.
"Football is a game of chances. Had we converted even one of the chances we created, we would have had an upper hand in this match," said Sharks coach William Muluya.
RESULTS
Kariobangi Sharks 0-0 AFC Leopards
Nakumatt 3-4 Muhoroni Youth
Sony Sugar 1-1 Ulinzi Stars
Western Stima 2-1 Bandari
Zoo 1-0 Kakamega Homeboyz
