Longonot edge ‘Nation’ in friendly encounter

Nation Media Group striker Enock Sikolia (right) celebrates his goal with captain Allan Munga during their friendly match against Longonot Horticulture at the "Old Trafford" Stadium on January 20, 2018. Longonot won 3-2. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

What you need to know:

  • The newly-assembled NMG side showed little respect for the more illustrious Naivasha side featuring players with Kenyan Premier League experience.
  • Nation opened their accounts in the 23rd  minute through tricky Enock Sikolia after weaving his way past the static Longonot rearguard to crash his shot into the net. 

Battling Nation Media Group FC went down 3-2 to Longonot Horticulture FC in a friendly match at Naivasha’s ‘Old Trafford’ stadium on Saturday.

The newly-assembled NMG side showed little respect for the more illustrious Naivasha side featuring players with Kenyan Premier League experience.

Nation opened their accounts in the 23rd  minute through tricky Enock Sikolia after weaving his way past the static Longonot rearguard to crash his shot into the net. 

The home team replied almost immediately when former swashbuckling Harambee Stars defender, Antony Lituku, buried home his shot from close range.

PRESSED HARD

The media side pressed hard in search of another lead and their efforts were rewarded when burly striker and team captain Allan Munga scored a beauty of a goal after beating giant Longonot defender Stephen Mwangi. 

The Nation outfit looked the better side, dominating play with one touch football as they headed for the break.

But the tiring legs of the Media side - do doubt because of their late start to pre-season training - gave them away in the pulsating encounter with dependable Harith Salim being pulled out with a groin injury and manager-player Elias Makori also rested.

The hosts then toyed with the substitutes and scored two easy goals in the second half through Hesbon Okoth and Jacton Moyale to seal their decidedly hard fought victory.