Celebration on hold

by Robin Toskin and Gilbert Wandera

Sofapaka stepped up their celebrations but had to endure nervy finish that saw goalkeeper, Wilson Oburu save a penalty from George Wesa in their 0-0 draw with Western Stima.

It was an afternoon of mathematics when news filtered to Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega, that Mathare United were losing 1-0 to Ulinzi in Nakuru.

Had Ulinzi held on to the lead, Sofapaka would have been declared the champions, but Mathare United drew level to send the Robert Matano champagne bottle back to the fridge.

Like last weekend, it was individual effort that saved Sofapaka’s dreams of a fairy tale run to Kenyan Premier League glory. This time, it was Oburu who first saved from Fred Nyarombo’s pointblank attempt and later dived to his right to save Wesa’s penalty after Mike Kamadi handled in the box.

Sony had threatened to derail Sofapaka’s quest for the title last week but Bob Mugalia intervened by smashing an overhead kick into the top corner to hand the league debutantes 2-1 victory at City Stadium.

And on Saturday, Stima outplayed Sofapaka and had opportunities to put their visitors to the sword. Nyarombo wasted three glorious chances as Sofapaka failed to pin back Fred Serenge’s Stima.

Flashed wide

Mugalia, who has impressed in recent matches, diverted wide a goal-bound shot by substitute Tafadwza Dondo which was to be Sofapaka’s real threat at Stima’s goal.

The performance, however, satisfied coach Matano who has been criticised for not winning outside Nairobi.

"That point is important. I don’t care what others say but I can assure you we are on our way to winning," Matano said.

High scoring

Tusker are however out of contention for the title after going down to Sony Sugar 4-3 in a high scoring match at Awendo Stadium. The brewers have to fight for second spot.

In the battle against relegation, AFC Leopards and Bandari eased their worries with identical 2-1 win over their opponents. Leopards stopped Red Berets at City Stadium while Bandari edged out Gor at home. The win pushed Leopards’ tally to 30 points with two matches to go.

Unlike previously when they had to struggle, it was a different side that coach Nick Yakhama paraded at City Stadium.

Attention was once again on Congolese imports Laurent Tumba and Imbem Itubu, they created chance after chance and Imbem scored his first early in the fifth minute.

Joseph Kombo did what he does best whenever he is brought in to lift the tired legs. His 77th minute header from a corner kick completed a great afternoon for Leopards. Berets pulled one back late in the second half through a penalty that Joseph Asuza converted in the 88th minute.

Agrochemicals, also facing relegation, held Nairobi City Stars to a 1-1 tie at Hope Centre. The Chemelil versus KCB match was not played after match commissar Robert Anangwe called it off due to lack of security.