Sofapaka Sink Hard-Fighting Nzoia, Leapfrog Gor Mahia In SPL

MACHAKOS, Kenya- Sofapaka FC edged Nzoia Sugar FC 1-0 in a SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Thursday evening to temporarily move into the top three in the standings.

The solitary goal was scored by John Avire who tapped in a Stephen Waruru’s pass to give his side a 1-0 lead in the 56th minute.

This is the second victory for Sofapaka in four days after they ended Kariobangi Sharks FC unbeaten run at the same venue last Sunday.

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The Batoto Ba Mungu eclipsed champions Gor Mahia FC (who still have two games in hand) by dislodging them from third after taking their tally to 20 points after five wins, five draws and two losses. The defeat dropped Nzoia to eighth with 17. 

Sofapaka started the game strongly in search of an early breakthrough. Cliff Kasuti, Avire and Umar Kasumba were the men leading the onslaught but Nzoia managed to contain their early pressure to keep the scores even.

Despite being the second best team in the opening minutes, the first real chance of the game went Nzoia's way in the sixth minute. 

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Striker Abraham Kipkogei was put through on goal but the former Eldoret Youth FC man failed to keep his strike on target as his low attempt went narrowly wide.

Scoring opportunity

Two minutes later, it was Sofapaka's turn to throw away a great goal-scoring opportunity. A long ball from Titus Achesa at the back put Kasuti through on goal but his attempt from a prime position went wide.

The hosts continued running the proceedings but Nzoia remained tight at the back and looked particularly dangerous on the break. 

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Towards the halftime break Justin Mico and Avire wasted chances that could have put their side on the lead. 

Avire shot wide from inside the penalty area while Mico's long-range attempt failed to trouble Benson Mangala in Nzoia goal as the first half ended barren.

Sofapaka made two half-time changes as they looked to bolster their attack. Waruru was introduced for Mico while an off-colour Kasuti went off for forgotten man, Ibrahim Kitawi.

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The first real chance in the second stanza went Nzoia's way as well.

A well floated ball from Steven Etyang on the left flank was met with a powerful header from Hansel Ochieng but the striker's attempt went over the bar.

Against the run of play, Sofapaka went ahead 11 minutes into the second stanza.

Waruru beat the Millers' right back Brian Wepo before squaring the ball to Avire to score with the easiest of touches.

Moments later, Kasumba had a chance to double the lead but his attempt from the edge of the box went over the bar.

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Nzoia now in need of an equalizer went for a tactical change hauling off midfielder Peter Gin Juma for Kenya U20 forward Patrick Otieno at the hour mark.

A dangerous challenge from Brian Magonya on Collins Wakhungu inside the penalty area in the 64th minute won Nzoia a penalty. 

Hansel Ochieng  stepped forward to take but he failed to get one over his former side as his penalty attempt came off the upright with Sofapaka keeper Justin Ndikumana well beaten. Ochieng was taken off moments later for midfielder, Jackson Dwang.

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A goal-line clearance from Elvis Ronack denied Kasumba what looked like an obvious goal after he unleashed a shot inside the penalty area in the 74th minute, a minute later he missed  a one-on-one chance shooting over the bar after picking a loose ball following an error from Nzoia central defender Gabriel Wandera.

The match slowly turned to an end to end affair. Sofapaka ran down the clock to claim maximum points.

-Material from Kevin Teya used to compile this report