Sofapaka make light work of Kariobangi Sharks

©Sofapaka

FKFPL Sofapaka make light work of Kariobangi Sharks

Festus Chuma 17:15 - 07.05.2023

Nigerian forward Sébastien Sunday scored the lone goal of the match in the first stanza.

Sofapaka edged out Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 in an Football Kenya Federation Premier League  match at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Batoto ba Mungu moved up to 12th place on the league standings, while Sharks remained stagnant at position 11th on the table.

Alex Imbusia was recalled to the starting line-up as Sofapaka coach David Ouma made one change to the team which beat Vihiga Bullets  in a midweek clash away in Muhoroni.

Sofapaka hit the ground running and they went ahead in the 15th minute through deft glancing header by Sebastien Sunday who connected Ben Omondi’s header for the opener.

Red-hot striker Roddy Manga nearly extended the visitors tally in the 27th minute with a smart effort in the first time of asking following a delivery, but Omondi read the danger and stopped the Congolese in his tracks.

Kariobangi Sharks did attempt to put up a fight as the half went by, but the Batoto ba Mungu proved difficult to crack and in fact enjoyed a large share of chances in the danger area.

Sharks still believed in their ability despite trailing and forced Sofapaka to timeous last-ditch challenges with Sharif Mussa particularly causing uncertainty.

The Slum Boys came back rejuvenated following their half-time team talk with coach William Muluya and they threatened first through substitute Tyson Otieno. The Harambee international turned brilliantly inside the hosts' box, but he failed to keep his attempt on target.

Ouma then introduced  Nixon Omondi and Alex Imbusia to replace Brian Wepo and Addis Panoam as the Batoto ba Mungu looked to change the complexion of the game in bid to contain the midfield. 

Simon Ambuko cut inside from the right hand and he unleashed a rasping shot which was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by  goalkeeper Kevin Ouru.

With Sofapaka's defence looking solid and compact, Sharks resorted to crosses and long-range shots. Sigmun Maina also had his attempt from range saved by Kevin Omondi in the closing minutes.

Nevertheless the Batoto ba Mungu stood firm at the back and the match that was attended by Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa ended 1-0 in favor of the hosts.

How they lined up

Sofapaka:Kevin Omondi, Brian Wepo, Stephen Okola, David Nshirimana, Levain Ochieng, Roya Okal, Ben Omondi, Sebastian Sunday, Jacob Addis, Simon Abuko, Roddy Manga

Kariobangi Sharks: Kevin Ouru, Kevin Musamali, Collins Obanda, Kevin Otiala, Biko Omollo, Keith Imbali, Fortune Omotto, Geofrey Onyango, Humphrey Oroko, Sharif Mussa, Leon Otieno