Champs Tusker not out of woods! Sofapaka grind out precious draw as Chemelil pulps AFC, Sharks sink Nzoia for first win

 

James Kasibante of Sofapaka (left) challenges James Situma of champions club Tusker at the Thika County Stadium. [

Ten-man Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker played to a 2-2 draw with a resurgent Sofapaka as AFC Leopards suffered their first loss of the season after falling 2-0 away to their bogey team Chemelil Sugar.

Kariobangi Sharks registered their first win of the season with a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma as Posta Rangers silenced Western Stima 1-0 at Afraha Stadium.

Joel Tata’s 25th minute screamer piled more misery on Zoo Kericho as Thika United beat the newcomers by a solitary goal in the second game at Thika Stadium, while Ulinzi Stars gunned down Bandari 2-1 in Nakuru.

John Mwita and veteran Hillary Echesa netted a goal each to end AFC’s unbeaten run as Bolton Omwenga and Patillah Omoto scored the two goals for Sharks.

At the muddy Thika Stadium, Wanok Pate put Batoto Ba Mungu in the driving seat with the fastest goal of the season in the first minute.

However, Michael Khamati drew level in the 25th minute when he easily headed home Jackson Macharia’s corner kick before Allan Wanga scored on the stroke of halftime to give the brewers a slim 2-1 halftime lead.

This was just after Sofapaka had missed two clear-cut chances in succession with Paul Odhiambo and Wakon victims.

But an evergreen Maurice Odhiambo cheekily tapped in Paul Odhiambo’s cross from the right to make it 2-2 two minutes into the second half.

In the 65th minute, Wanok outpaced Tusker defence, only for his shot to hit the side-netting as brewers captain James Situma was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Tusker had a chance in the 80th minute, but substitute Humphrey Mieno’s shot missed target by inches before Wanga’s goal was ruled offside.

By Stephen Rutto 51 mins ago
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