SOFAPAKA SURVIVE: Tusker finish on a high, Leopards corned in Mumias

Tusker Fc celebrate after beating Gor Mahia 1-0 to emerge the KPL Champions 2016 at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, Nov 19, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Sofapaka survived relegation yesterday when they thrashed Thika United 5-1 at Machakos Stadium as Ushuru went down 3-1 to Posta Rangers at Kasarani.

At Machakos Stadium, Thika United went ahead in the sixth minute through Onwudi Chibuweze. Sofapaka got a chance to equalise in the 15th minute but Noah Abich failed to score from the spot as the visitors looked like they would pick all three points.

With the threat of relegation on their heads, Sofapaka kept up the pressure and created a number of chances which however they failed to utilise. In the 27th minute, Moses Odhiambo missed to connect from a clear chance.

Thika United captain Vincent Omumbo who was later sent off got his first caution in the 34th minute for rough play.

Sofapaka’s pressure finally paid off in the 42nd minute when Vincent Nyaberi scored into his own net.

Ezekiel Okare then doubled Sofapaka’s lead in the 54th minute from a free kick which Muwonge Hamza in the Thika United goal failed to hold.

Sofapaka were not done yet and Noah Abich made up for his earlier miss with a fantastic free kick. Two minutes later, Ezekiel Okare scored the fourth goal and Moses Odhiambo made it five in the 85th minute.

At Nyayo stadium, Tusker ended the 2016 KPL season on a high after stopping Gor Mahia 1-0. Allan Wanga’s strike in the 76th minute ensured Tusker picked all six points against Gor Mahia this season.

In Nakuru, Ulinzi Stars started preparations for the Confederations Cup in a grand style when they thrashed Bandari 4-2 in an entertaining match at Afraha Stadium.

Coach Benjamin Nyangweso said the victory was a morale booster and had prepared them well psychologically as he goes back to the drawing board to assess weak departments that should be bolstered when the transfer window opens before the continental showpiece.

“Winning the match was a good omen to the team and a morale booster as we start early preparations for the Confederation Cup. We need to assess our weak departments and strengthen them ahead of next season,” Nyangweso told Feverpitch.

In Mumias, hosts AFC Leopards were silenced by Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at the Mumias Complex.

The Muhoroni-based side were the favourites in the game and took an early lead after just 28 minutes when defender Yussuf Mohammed opened the score sheet.

The first half ended in favour of the hosts and during the second half, it took only seven minutes for Moses Arita to add the second before Allan Katarega scored via the spot-kick to draw one back after Mike Simiyu handled the ball in the penalty area.

In Kisumu, Western Stima were forced to a goalless draw by visiting Kakamega Homeboyz at the Moi Stadium.

— Gilbert Wandera, Ben Ahenda and Phillip Orwa