Champions Kayole Asubuhi were shocked 2-1 at home by lowly ranked Kabete United in a pulsating third round match of the Sportpesa Super 8 Premier League staged at Camp Toyoyo grounds on Saturday 18 March.
First half goals from forward Steve King’ori who opened the scoring for the Kabete in the first minute and a marvellous solo effort from deadly winger Leonard Ferdy in the 19th minute condemned the defending champions their second defeat of the season against the visitors who were forced to play with ten men for the better part of the second half after Larryson Lugalia was sent off in the 70th minute for a second bookable offense.
Moses Wambaki’s effort in the 38th minute was not enough to inspire a comeback from Kayole who were outwitted by their opponents from onset until the final whistle.
Despite a gallant fight, Kayole who are coached by former Gor Mahia man Isaiah ‘Song’ Omondi will rue the priceless chances they failed to convert through striker Tobius Olum and midfielder Wambaki who came agonizingly close in the second period.
Coach Omondi lashed at his defenders for the loss saying they soaked in easy goals but remained optimistic that they will bounce back.
He said: “Being the home team, it’s a demoralizing loss but that’s football. We conceded easy goals which is down to individual players especially at the back line, besides that I was pleased with how we controlled the game but unfortunately we did not convert our chances.
“We started the match casually, lack of concentration and carless mistakes really coast us the match but we created chances which was a good sign. However it is still early so there is no pressure but we should win these kind of matches.”
On his part Kabete United coach Peter Opiyo attributed the morale boosting win to confidence and self-motivation and dedicated the three points to the whole team for the combined effort.
“It is a good results for us; we started well by giving the players psych and motivation. We have worked hard for this so I dedicate the win to all the players and technical bench for playing their part. The players followed instruction; they showed confidence and a positive attitude approaching the game which I can say is what inspired us.” Opiyo said after the match.
With the three points Kabete climb to 12th on the log with three while Kayole drop to 9th with the same points.
Jericho FC 3-0 TUK FC
Later on at the same venue, a man of the match performance by dead ball specialist Hansel Ochieng’ who grabbed a brace and a second half tap in by speedy forward Victor ‘Pompii’ Walera inspired Jericho FC to a 3-0 mauling of rivals TUK FC in a riveting encounter that had attracted a sizeable crowd.
It was a sweet payback for the Thomas Okongo led Jericho who were thrashed 1-3 by TUK in last season’s SPS8 Champions League finals.
New signing Ochieng’ netted twice on either halves in the similar fashion, lashing a set piece from outside the box in the 12th and 50th minute with his preferred right foot and both occasions outclassing the reigning goal keeper of the year and TUK shot stopper Peter Maina.
Walera then tapped in a 72nd minute rebound of Maina from a Marten Weinitsche close range strike for the third and final goal that handed TUK their first defeat of the season that sees them trickle to 14th on 2 points while Jericho ascend two spots up at 5th with three points.
MASA 0-1 NYSA
Elsewhere, a last minute strike by Bobby Onyango ensured that current league leaders NYSA stretched their perfect form into week three following a crucial 1-0 win over home side MASA at Makongeni grounds. The outcome means NYSA stretch their stay atop with 9 points while MASA who suffered their first loss drop to 4th on 6 points.
Kiambiu Youth FC 2-0 Shauri Moyo Blue Stars FC
At the same time, Valdo Madegwa helped himself to a brace as Kiambiu Youth FC inked their first win of the season in a resounding 2-0 win over 10-man Shauri Moyo Blue Stars at Makongeni grounds. The win sees Kiambiu climb seven spots up to 8th on the table while Blue Stars drop to 13th on two points.
Zamalek FC 0-2 Team Umeme
At Drive in grounds, Team Umeme sparked life into their premier league life in a 2-0 victory over fellow rookies Zamalek FC who were undone by goals from Victor Hanyolo (25th min) and Calton Ofula’s 50th min. Zamalek are now placed 7th with four points while Umeme move to 6th with similar points.
Kawangware United 1-0 Ajax Youth FC
Last season’s leading scorer Francis Thairu finally rediscovered his scoring boost after his sole goal (6’) of the match helped Kawangware United beat visiting Ajax Youth FC at BP grounds.
Macmillan FC 0-0 Metro Sports FC
Metro Sports FC and Macmillan played to a dull goalless draw at Landi mawe grounds meaning they the visitors stay put at 3rd on 7 points while Macmillan climb to 12th with two points so far.
SUNDAY FIXTURE 19/3/2017
MELTAH KABIRIA FC VS OLE RONGAI (3:00PM) AT BP Grounds-Kawangware
