Western Stima hit Commandoes to extend lead

Leaders Western Stima on Wednesday thrashed Green Commandoes 4-0 in a National Super League match staged at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

The win sees them open a nine-point gap over second-placed Bidco United.

Kevin Okoth bagged a brace, while James Ogada and Fredrick Nyarombo netted a goal each in a match the former Kenyan Premier League side dominated in the entire 90 minutes.

Stima coach Richard Makumbi said he expected his side to score more than the four as they seek to return to the top-flight league.

"Four goals are not bad but I was expecting more. We want to ensure that we are safe in this journey of returning to the top league. With more wins together with many goals, our place in the KPL next season will be guaranteed," said Makumbi.

James Ogada beat Commandoes goalkeeper Brian Opondo with a low shot to open the scoring for Stima after only seven minutes.

GUILTY

Opondo denied Kevin Okoth a chance to stretch his side's lead with the resultant corner kick bearing nothing for the hosts. Hubert Kopany shot hit the woodwork minutes later as the hosts continued to pile more pressure on the newcomers.

The same predicament befell the Commandoes few minutes later when Joshua Otieno's attempt to level matters were thwarted by the woodwork and Geoffrey Ochieng cleared the ball to safety.

Muema Riziki swung a long pass from the left wing but none of his teammates were upfront to send the ball into the back of Stima's net.

Mandela Makuto was guilty as he wasted the best scoring chance for the visitors in the 36th minute with a wide shot despite being at a better place to tap the ball into the back of the net.

Okoth was not lucky as well with his free-kick at the stroke of halftime as it hit the goalpost with Opondo claiming the ball before the waiting Stima charges could make a strike.

Johana Mwita failed to hit the target from the spot in the 49th minute and coach Makumbi replaced him immediately with his place being taken by Fredrick Nyarombo.

'FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS'

Mukisa Junior blocked Victor Matete's dangerous foul from the edge of the box with a header to ensure that his side were on course to securing their 10th victory in the second-tier league.

Okoth placed the leaders two-goals up in the 65th within an easy finish after a one-on-one situation with Opondo.

Five minutes later, Stima were three up when substitute Nyarombo hit a powerful long range shot from outside the box.

Several attempts by the visitors to score a consolation hit a snag as all the attacks were intercepted by Stima's steel-walled defence.

Okoth struck in the 92nd minute to seal the victory for Makumbi's charges after David Omengo supplied him with a dangerous pass.

Green Commandoes coach Brendan Mwinamo attributed his side's loss to financial constraints.

"They (Stima) have a sponsor unlike us who are first timers in this league, nonetheless we will keep fighting to remain in the league," said Mwinamo.