Zoo Kericho Ran Nzoia Rugged To Storm SPL Top 10
11th August 2018
First half blitz inspires 3-1 win for the home side who were missing top scorer Kipkurui
- Victory saw Zoo leapfrog Posta Rangers FC, who lost 2-1 to SPL leaders Gor Mahia FC at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Friday on the SPL log with 32 points from 26 matches
- The winners opened the scoring through Bernard Odhiambo in the 11th minute before Kepha Ondati made it 2-0 in the 36th
- Zoo Kericho FC coach, Sammy Okoth hails side
- Tusker FC next on the SPL calendar for the winners
KERICHO,
Kenya- Hosts Zoo Kericho FC thrashed visiting Nzoia Sugar FC 3-1 at Kericho Green Stadium in Kericho County on Saturday to
move into the top 10 of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) standings.
The victory saw Zoo leapfrog Posta Rangers FC, who lost 2-1 to SPL leaders Gor Mahia FC at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Friday on the SPL log with 32 points from 26 matches.
“We won this match due to good preparations we had in the course of the week. We played according to our script which was to finish the game in first half,” Zoo Kericho FC coach, Sammy Okoth, told SportPesa News.
The winners opened the scoring through Bernard Odhiambo in the 11th minute before Kepha Ondati made it 2-0 in the 36th. Isaac Kipyegon scored the third in the 43rd to give his rampant side a 3-0 advantage at the breather.
Zoo were
under no pressure in front of their fans
as they reassembled for second half where Festus Okiring managed to pull one back
for Nzoia in the 82nd from the penalty shot for the consolation.
Kipkurui absent
“We realised that Nzoia were searching for a draw so we countered that by piling pressure on their side. We are happy that our plan worked out. It was sweet revenge because we lost 1-0 to the opponents in the first leg," the elated Okoth underlined.
Zoo went to the contest without their prolific striker, Nicholas Kipkirui , who was red carded in the previous match. Kipkirui is the club top scorer with 11 and in his absence, Odhiambo and Dominic Kiprono partnered upfront.
Okoth also preferred Martin Elungat between the stikcs instead of Vincent Misikhu.
“We are going to plot on our next assignment which is against Tusker FC who we will be playing away in Nairobi next weekend.
“Our objective is to win the next three matches so we can be firmly placed in top ten," Okoth told of his mission.
-Report by Erick Ochieng
Nzoia Sugar FC Line Up
Starting Line-up: 23. Mustapha Oduor, 05. Edwin Wafula, 26. Festus Okiring, 28. Brian Otieno, 24. Tom Teka, 04. Peter Gin, 12. Luke Namanda, 13. Kevin Juma, 21. Brian Yakhama, 08. Edgar Nzano (c), 09. David Odhiambo
Subs: 39. Benson Mangala, 25. Dennis Wanjala, 22. Elvis Ronack, 11. Hansel Ochieng', 07. Collins Wakhungu, 06. Benjamin Muchuma, 18. Patrick Kwitonda
Zoo Kericho Starting 11: 19. Elungat Martin, 6. Ligare Johnson, 13. Sindani Sabiri, 39. Ouma Dominic, 12. Kipyegon Isaac, 18. Gichana Geoffrey, 16. Chetambe Danson 5. Madoya Michael, 26. Ondati Kepha, 2. Kiprono Dominic, 10. Odhiambo Benard
Subs: 9. Misikhu, 27. Odete, 30. Amalundu, 24. Digba, 44. Kwizera, 15. Oduor, 3. Anami
SPL Sunday July 12, 2018 Fixtures
Thika United vs Wazito FC-Thika Municipal Stadium-3pm
Mathare United vs Kariobangi Sharks-Ruaraka Stadium-3pm
Sofapaka FC vs Vihiga United- Narok Stadium- 3pm
Tusker FC vs Bandari FC- Ruaraka Stadium-3pm
Nakumatt FC vs AFC Leopards SC- Machakos Stadium-3pm
Ulinzi Stars vs Sony Sugar FC- Afraha Stadium- 3pm
SPL Monday July 13, 2018 Fixture
Gor Mahia FC vs Chemelil FC –Kenyatta Stadium- 3pm