Kariobangi Sharks’ defence keeps leaking as they throw away two-goal lead to draw with FC Talanta

Photo Credit: Kariobangi Sharks

FKFPL Kariobangi Sharks’ defence keeps leaking as they throw away two-goal lead to draw with FC Talanta

Joel Omotto 16:05 - 03.06.2023

The Slum Boys were cruising to victory but calamitous mistakes at the back in the final 10 minutes saw them share the spoils with Talanta

Kariobangi Sharks’ defensive problems were exposed yet again as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with FC Talanta in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match at Kasarani Annex on Saturday.

Sharks were the better side on the day but failed to utilise their advantage with mistakes at the back proving costly once more.

After a goalless first half, William Muluya’s side went ahead in the 53rd-minute courtesy of Tyson Otieno who broke the deadlock following a neat passing move.

A good exchange of passes in the build-up saw Otieno turn Talanta right-back Luis Masika inside out before unleashing a low shot to the bottom left corner on his weaker left foot for his ninth goal of the season as Sharks got the reward for their enterprising display.

Sharks would double their advantage eight minutes later through substitute Shariff Musa. Against the run of play, Geoffrey Onyango teed up Musa and the player poked home with what was his first touch of the ball, having just come on.

However, as it has become their norm this season, Sharks could not hold onto their lead and shot themselves in the foot with 10 minutes remaining.

Peter Njama brought a speculative cross into the box in the 81st minute and Sharks goalkeeper Gedion Ogweno who was not under any pressure made a mess of it. Ogweno attempted to punch the ball out but his weak effort saw the ball roll into the net to the astonishment of those watching.

The goal seems to have pressed the panic buttons for Sharks as just two minutes later, Talanta were level. Njama brought in a corner which was not dealt well with by the home side with the loose ball falling to Clinton Machaka who unleashed a left-footed stunner at the edge of the box to make it 2-2 as Ken Kenyatta’s men picked a point out of nothing.

It is a display that will leave Muluya with much to ponder as his charges have now let in 44 goals, with only the bottom four Talanta, Wazito FC, Mathare United and relegated Vihiga Bullets having conceded more.

Sharks have the second-best attack in the league, which has scored 46 goals only bettered by Kenya Police (48), but their leaky defence has seen them stuck in mid table where they occupy 10th spot ion 41 points.