Sharks down Tusker at Ruaraka

Tusker striker Timothy Otieno is fouled by Kariobangi Sharks defender Geoffrey Shiveka during their SportPesa Premier League match at Ruaraka grounds on May 13, 2018. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO |

By  Vincent Opiyo, SJ

What you need to know:

  • Sharks had never won against Tusker coach Robert Matano, who masterminded a 2-0 win during his time at AFC Leopards in the GOtv Shield final October last year.
  • Victory also saw Sharks, who are enjoying their second stint in the top flight, end an eight-match winless streak that takes their point tally to 20, one better of Tusker, after 15 rounds.
  • Matano on his side has suffered his first loss as Brewers coach after three consecutive wins.

Paschal Ogweno and Eric Kapaito scored a goal apiece as Kariobangi Sharks recorded a 2-1 win over Tusker in a SportPesa Premier League (SPL) clash played at Ruaraka grounds on Sunday.

Sharks’ maiden win over Tusker, a team they played to identical 0-0 draws last season in the league, ends their seven-match winless streak taking their point tally to 20, one ahead of Tusker, after 15 rounds.

At Camp Toyoyo grounds, David Odhiambo’s brace helped Nzoia Sugar to a 2-1 win over Posta Rangers who got a consolation via Calvin Odongo.

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A similar score line was recorded in Mumias in favour of Vihiga United against Wazito thanks to Andrew Murunga and Patrick Okullo goals that rendered Pistone Mutamba’s goal null and void.

Closely at Bukhungu stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz beat cash-strapped Chemelil Sugar 2-0 courtesy of Allan Wanga and Hassan Kikoyo strikes as Thika United made it two wins in a row with a 3-1 result over Sony Sugar at the Thika Sub-County stadium.

Back at Ruaraka grounds, Sharks had never won against a Robert Matano team, who downed them 2-0 during his time at AFC Leopards in the GOtv Shield final October last year.

Matano on his side has suffered his first loss as brewers coach after three consecutive wins.

Ogweno broke the deadlock five minutes into time from a penalty spot after a handball from Eugene Asike. Eric Kapaito doubled the scores in the 33rd minute with a bullet header emanating from a well-taken Patillah Omoto free kick.

Substitute Boniface Muchiri scored a consolation in added time.

“It feels like we’ve just won our first game of the season, we had gone for 630 minutes without winning and this should be motivating enough in the upcoming games,” a delighted Sharks coach William Muluya said after the match.

His opposite number Robert Matano was disappointed with the officiating albeit exalting the fighting spirit from his boys.

“We missed two experienced defenders in Wahome (Lloyd) and Ambunya (Eric) making it difficult to play with a new backline but the referee should’ve been fair also. We conceded a penalty at the start and deserved one in the second half but he ignored,” lamented Matano.

SUNDAY'S RESULTS

Kakamega Homeboyz 2-0 Chemelil Sugar

Thika United 3-1 Sony Sugar

Vihiga United 2-1 Wazito

Tusker 1-2 Kariobangi Sharks

Posta Rangers 1-2 Nzoia Sugar

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