Kariobangi Sharks had their first win of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) after edging out Sony Sugar 2-0 at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.
It was an inspiring result for Sharks as they prepare to take on Ghanian giants Asante Kotoko in this weekend’s return leg of the Confederations Cup.
The Kenyan club failed to score against Kotoko as the match ended in a barren draw and will be hoping yesterday’s win will inspire them to score in west Africa.
The team still wasted a lot of chances especially in the first half with George Abege on mark several times.
There was an improved performance by Kariobangi Sharks in the second half as the team showed more urgency in front of goal.
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But George Abege was still very wasteful. He got the first chance of the half three minutes after resumption but he fluffed Henri Juma’s well placed cross.
The former Sony Sugar forward was generally wasteful in the better part of the match but this was not entirely unexpected as he is coming back from an injury.
In the 56th minute, Henri Juma put Sharks ahead placing home Harrison Mwendwa’s pass.
The sugar millers then made the first substitution bringing in Maxwell Onyango for Michael Apudo. Sharks, on the other hand, benched Duke Abuya for Vincent Wasambo.
A long throw in from Enock Agwanda failed to be cleared properly by the Sharks backline earning the visitors their first corner of the second half.
The new comer Maxwell Onyango was causing trouble to his markers and he nearly pulled one back for Sony Sugar at the hour mark. Gad Mathews came out quickly to deny him.
In the 76th minute, it was the turn of Henri Juma to turn provider picking out Harrison Mwendwa to score Shark’s second goal as the hosts looked completely dominant at this time.
Sharks pulled out Henri Juma for Patrick Nguyi with a quarter of an hour to go before full time in a bid to hang onto their lead.
But Sony were not giving up and with eight minutes to go Maxwell Onyango was denied by Gad Mathews in goal from a clear scoring position.
Onyango was again denied by the wood work with the Sharks goalkeeper well beaten. The ball spilled into the path of Enock Agwanda but he failed to beat Gad Mathews with a clear sense of urgency building in the Sony Sugar side.
The home team managed to hung onto their lead to ascend to fifth spot on the log with four points.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne said it will be difficult for him to stay in the position owing to the numerous salary delays.
Migne said yesterday he has not received his salary for the last three months despite various assurances.
“I have checked my account and there is nothing. It is not a good thing and it means I will not be able to continue in this role.”
