Four teams managed to squeeze maximum benefits of their second round of matches as the 2017 Sportpesa Super 8 Premier League season continues to pick up.
It was a perfect outing for defending champions Kayole Asubuhi FC, table leaders NYSA and MASA FC registered similar wins of a 2-1 score line over their respective opponents while Metro Sports FC beat Meltah Kabiria FC 1-0 in matches played over the weekend.
As a result of the of the outcome, new comers NYSA extend their leadership at the summit of the log with six points followed by MASA’s three points while Metro Sports occupy third place on two points. For Kayole, it was their first three points of the season that sees them sit sixth on the log.
Team Umeme FC 1-2 Kayole Asubuhi
East conference champs Kayole Asubuhi FC sparked life into their title defending campaign following a 2-1 away success over west siders Team Umeme FC in an absorbing Sportpesa Super 8 Premier League encounter on Saturday 11 March staged at Ziwani grounds, Nairobi.
An early close range strike by deadly striker Tobius Olum (6th min) and a second half tap in by Brain Ochieng’ (52’) handed Isaiah Omondi’ s Kayole their first three points into the new season at the expense of newly promoted Umeme who had their only goal scored by Naieem Ashraaf (24’).
For new-comers Umeme, the loss condemned them to their first defeat in their maiden premier league appearance and their Team manager Francis Paul blamed lack of experience from his side but urged the players to continue with the fighting spirit.
“We were over-powered slightly but the next games we’ll fight on. Our opponents were better than us, they showered more experience where they killed us with the aerial balls but we also had our chances but we’ll continue fighting on,” He said after the match. Umeme sit 11th with a point.
On his part, coach Omondi of Kayole congratulated his side on a job well done and credited the win on proper planning.
He said: “We were looking forward to this match, I have seen Umeme play before so we knew what to expect today and we planned well. In the opening moments they played better than us so we tried to pile more pressure while denying them from building up their play so that really helped us in the game. We are happy for the win but it’s now on our back we are looking forward for the third match where we’ll be at home against Kabete.”
NYSA 2-1 Kiambiu Youth FC
NYSA extended their form to two consecutive home wins after hitting Kiambiu Youth 2-1 on Sunday 12 March at the Ngong grounds.
Red hot new signing Sam Lemashon was Kiambiu’s tormentor in chief as his brace on either halves ensured the west conference side bagged the vital points in their title charge. Valdo Madegwa’s 20th minute goal was not enough to spare Kiambiu from their second successive defeat that leaves them with a deficit of three points at the second from the bottom of the 16 team table standings.
Kabete United 1-2 MASA FC
Tonny Okello was twice on the mark on the 45th and 70th minute as Makongeni based MASA humbled Kabete United 2-1 at home at Kabete grounds.
George Ochieng netted Kabete’s consolation with forur minutes to spare on the clock but their fate was sealed as they loss means they remain perched at the bottom of the standing.
Ole Rongai 1-1 Jericho FC
At Nakeel grounds, a 30th minute strike by Jericho’s David Were negated George Odhimabo’s opener three minutes earlier forcing Ole Rongai to share the spoils with the east conference visitors. With two points, Jericho now occupy seventh place as Ole Rongai sit 11th with a singly points from two matches.
Metro Sports FC 1-0 Meltah Kabiria FC
George Ochieng’ netted the solitary goal of the match as home team and eastsiders Metro Sports beat Meltah Kabiria 1-0 at Drive Inn grounds. At 12th on the log, Meltah have only two points thus far.
TUK FC 0-0 Kawangware United
TUK FC and Kawangware United played to a barren draw so did Ajax Youth FC and Macmillan as well as the tie between Shauri Moyo Blue Stars and Zamalek FC at Makongeni grounds. As a result of sharing the points, TUK, Kawangware, Ajax, Macmillan, Blue Stars and Zamalek sit 10th, 5th, 8th, 14th 9th and 4th respectively on the league standing.
COLLECTED WEEKEND RESULTS
Team Umeme FC 1-2 Kayole Asubuhi FC – NYSA 2-1 Kiambiu Youth -TUK FC0-0 Kawangware Utd
Shauri Moyo Blue Stars 0-0 Zamalek fc -Metro Sports FC 1-0 Meltah Kabiria
Ole Rongai FC 1-1 Jericho FC – Kabete United 1-2 MASA -Ajax 0-0 Macmillan
African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com