SPL Wrap: Vihiga Dent Sofapaka's Chase Of Gor, Sharks Blow Lead

4th April 2019 - by SPN Correspondent

Stephen Waruru put Batoto ba Mungu ahead in Machakos only for the title chasers to stumble when Chris Mazinga forced a share of the spoils

Kariobangi Sharks FC striker, Eric Kapaito (20) with the ball during their SportPesa Premier League clash against Zoo Kericho FC at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on April 4, 2019. PHOTO/Kariobangi Sharks FC

SUMMARY

Earlier, 2018 SPL most-valuable player, Eric Kapaito, notched his fourth goal in as many games but it was not enough to lift Kariobangi Sharks FC above Kakamega Homeboyz FC in another 1-1 stalemate at Kenyatta Grounds in Machakos
That is how it stayed after both teams failed to add to their tally and the only consolation for Sharks was snapping a two-game losing streak having surrendered to a 1-2 loss to Gor in Kisumu over the weekend in their last fixture before this

NAIROBI, Kenya- Second-placed Sofapaka FC missed the chance to craw the difference at the summit of the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) with champions Gor Mahia FC when they were forced to accept a 1-1 draw by battling Vihiga United FC on Thursday.

Earlier, 2018 SPL most-valuable player, Eric Kapaito, notched his fourth goal in as many games but it was not enough to lift Kariobangi Sharks FC above Kakamega Homeboyz FC in another 1-1 stalemate at Kenyatta Grounds in Machakos.

The results left Gor (44) seven points clear of the 2009 league champions with Bandari FC (36), 2008 winners Mathare United FC (34) and Homeboyz (30) rounding off the top five ahead of sixth-placed Sharks (30) on goal difference.

The record 17-time titleholders have a game in hand over their top-10 rivals having played 19 fixtures

Vihiga (20) moved above 12-time league winners, AFC Leopards SC on goal-difference ahead of their afternoon clash against Chemelil Sugar FC with the tie between Nzoia Sugar FC and Posta Rangers FC closing Thursday's SPL programme.

Another victory

Sofapaka were well on course for another victory that would have moved them to within five of Gor when ex-Ulinzi Stars FC Golden Boot winner, Stephen Waruru, placed Batoto wa Mungu six minutes after the teams returned from the break having gone in at half time deadlocked at 0-0.

Vihiga keeper, Michael Matasio was at fault, spilling the ball into the path of the former Harambee Stars home who could not miss the chance to punish his error as head coach John Baraza's side laid the platform for a fifth SPL win on the bounce.

However, the western Kenya based outfit restored parity to earn a share of the spoils when Chris Mazinga fired in the equaliser in the 73rd to earn the Mike Mururi's side a valuable point that put them three clear of the dreaded SPL/National Super League play-off spot.

Its current occupants, Zoo had earlier clawed the deficit after Kapaito put the 2018 SportPesa Shield champions Sharks ahead in the 20th minute but the 2019 SportPesa Cup holders could not maintain their advantage when Kevin 'Ade' Omondi hauled the strugglers level on the half-hour for 1-1.

That is how it stayed after both teams failed to add to their tally and the only consolation for Sharks was snapping a two-game losing streak having surrendered to a 1-2 loss to Gor in Kisumu over the weekend in their last fixture before this.