Nine matches were played over the weekend as the SportPesa Premier League entered Round 16.
Saturday 19th May
Saturday was dom
inated with draws as out of the six matches played only two teams won with the other four matches ending in draws.
Wazito 0-2 Ulinzi Stars
Ulinzi’s good form continued as they beat Wazito FC 2-0 at the Ruaraka Stadium. After a goalless first half, second half substitutes Enosh Ochieng and Ibrahim Shambi combined well to release Elvis Nandwa who headed in perfectly to open the scoring in the 73rd minute, his fourth goal of the season. The on form Nandwa turned provider in the 86th minute, crossing perfectly for Masita Masuta to score his ninth goal of the season and seal the crucial win for the soldiers.
Ulinzi Stars move to second on the log after the win with 28 points from 15 matches while Wazito is 14th with 17 points from 16 matches.
Sony Sugar FC 0-2 Vihiga United
Sony Sugar’s woes persisted as they lost 2-0 to visiting Vihiga United at the Green Stadium in Awendo. Joseph Omweri scored an own goal to gift Vihiga an early lead while Vincent Wonder sealed the win with a good striker in the 36th minute.
Zoo FC 1-1 Kariobangi Sharks
Zoo FC and Kariobangi Sharks played to a 1-1 draw in an exciting match played at the Green Stadium, Kericho. Shapan Oyugi scored for the visitors while Nicholas Kipkirui got his ninth of the season to level the scores for Zoo FC.
Other matches
In other matches played on the same day, Bandari and Posta Rangers played to a scoreless draw in Mombasa, Mathare United held Kakamega Homeboyz to a barren draw at Bukhungu while Nzoia Sugar FC and Chemelil also played to 0-0 draw at Sudi.
Sunday 20th May
Thika United 0-2 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata registered his first win of the season as AFC Leopards beat Thika United 2-0 at the Thika Sub County Stadium courtesy of goals from Ezekiel Odera and in form Whyvone Isuza.
Odera was however sent off for a second bookable offense for inciting Thika United fans during his celebration. Rodolfo lauded his players for what he termed a good show.
We tried to play good football in a very hostile surface and that is very impressive. The players responded positively and that is very is good. I am however not impressed with the circumstances that led to the sending off of Odera, such situations are avoidable. We will miss him in our next match. – Rodolfo Zapata, AFC Leopards Head Coach
Nakumatt 2-1 Tusker FC
In an early kick off match played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Nakumatt shocked former champions Tusker FC 2-1.
Kevin Thairu gave Nakumatt the lead in the first quarter, finishing off past Tusker custodian David Okello after a brilliant cross by the experienced Moses Odhiambo. Brian Osumba leveled scores for Tusker at the half hour mark but Cornelius Juma won the game for Nakumatt with just few minutes to stoppage time.
Gor Mahia 3-3 Sofapaka
In arguably the most entertaining match of the weekend, Sofapaka came from two goals down to share spoils with Gor Mahia in a 3-3 draw at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Meddie Kagere gave the reigning champions an early lead in the eight minute and Bernard Ondiek double the lead in the 32nd minute. Sofapaka introduced Ezekiel Okare and Stephen Waruru after the breather and these changes paid off as they proved dangerous going forward. Kepha Aswani reduced the deficit in the 57th minute with a well taken goal while Ezekiel Okare equalized in the 83rd minute before sending Batoto ba Mungu upfront just minutes later. Gor Mahia responded almost immediately with Innocent Wafula’s strike ensuring the two teams share spoils.