Relief for Zoo after draw

Zoo Kericho striker Nicholas Kipkurui dribbles past Sofapaka's George Maelo. [File]

Zoo Kericho chalked up a second straight point and a goal as they seek to make amends to their difficult start to life in top-tier football.

Michael Madoya, scorer of their first goal of premier league football away to Nzoia on Saturday, was on the mark again yesterday with a beautifully taken penalty.

However, battle-hardened Muhoroni Youth denied Sammy Okoth’s rookies full month of points when Robert Ouma struck with eight minutes remaining.

It was huge relief for Zoo to see the referee rule out for offside Ouma’s effort deep in stoppage time to ensure they pocketed a pricey draw at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Buoyed by the away draw to Nzoia United, Zoo Kericho were the more aggressive side from kick-off and picked an early corner when Isaac Kipyegon’s goal-bound shot was deflected.

Two minutes later, Kipyegon won a free kick near the Muhoroni goalmouth but nothing much came from it.

Zoo suffered a big set-back in the ninth minute when Kipyegon was forced to go out of the pitch after suffering a knock. His place was taken by Dominic Ouma.

The Kericho side, determined to pick their first win of the season, continued to pile pressure on their opponents.

Bernard Odhiambo’s set-piece in the 11th minute went wide as Nicholas Kipkurui stepped up after the substitution of Kipyegon kept the Muhoroni Youth defenders occupied.

A subdued Muhoroni Youth side finally broke free at the quarter hour mark, but Ishmael Kabugu proved too wasteful despite finding himself with only Vincent Misikhu to beat in the Zoo goal.

Muhoroni Youth defenders were living dangerously with constant fouls on Kipkurui and paid dearly for it in the 23rd minute when the KPL newcomers were awarded a penalty after Paul Muchika brought down the Zoo dangerman.

Michael Madoya stepped up to score from the spot.

Muchika was cautioned two minutes after costing his side a penalty for yet another infringement on Kipkurui.

After that, Muhoroni Youth looked to settle down and had Adwar Mudenyo shooting from far and also forced a corner in the 41st minute.

Another corner at the stroke of half-time proved Muhoroni’s determination to get an equaliser before the break but it was not enough as Zoo remained in the lead at half-time.

When the second half kicked off, it is Zoo who got the first chance to increase their lead. First they forced a corner and then Kipkurui wasted a perfect opportunity to put his side two goals up when he failed to beat Salim Sowedi in the Muhoroni goal.

Muhoroni Youth came back momentarily with Daniel Kabugu’s shot going wide even as they rested Bliss Kityo for Philip Muchuma. The constant push by Muhoroni Youth finally paid off in the 82nd minute.