Talanta hold Wazito in their FKF Premier League debut

FC Talanta team. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Newly promoted FC Talanta rallied from behind to hold Wazito to a 1-1 draw in their FKF Premier League debut at Ruaraka Grounds on Sunday.

Brian Yakhama scored a 79th-minute penalty to deny Wazito all three points after Michael Owino had given the moneybags the lead in the opening half.

Wazito dominated the match from the word go with numerous goal attempts in the opening ten minutes of the match as the newbies were slowly settling in.

In the quarter-hour mark, former Kisumu All-Stars full-back Alvin Ochieng came close to giving the newbies the lead after rising higher than the Wazito defense to meet Anthony Gicho’s corner but his effort would narrowly sway wide.

Moments later, Wazito captain Kevin Kimani showed Talanta how to do it after releasing Michael Owino with a super through ball that he scored to take a 1-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes.

In the 34th minute, Talanta left-back Eric Shikono surged forward into Wazito half, went past several defenders before shootings at goal but his effort would be deflected for a corner.

Three minutes later, Wazito responded with their own attack which almost bore fruits after another wonderful delivery from Kimani to Swaleh Hamisi saw the latter hit the side netting with the net at his mercy.

The match headed to the break with Wazito narrowly leading 1-0, a lead that would be scrapped off in the final half.

Talanta were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after Hamisi was found culpable of handling in the box. Brian Yakhama stepped up to score and restore parity.

In the end, Talanta and Wazito shared the points after a 1-1 stalemate.

Talanta were promoted to the topflight league after winning the National Super League last season. They were joined by Kenya Police and Vihiga Bullets.