Kariobangi Sharks drop into relegation zone despite last-gasp Homeboyz draw

Kariobangi Sharks slipped back into the relegation zone, despite a last-gasp equaliser to force a 2-2 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz in an FKF Premier League clash staged at the Police Sacco Grounds.

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The 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup champions are now one point below Ulinzi Stars on the log after the latter secured a crucial 2-1 win over Mathare United in a match played concurrently.

Goals from David Majak, Oliver Majaka, Boniface Nyabuto and Faize Opande ensured the two teams shared the spoils in a four-goal thriller that carried significance at both ends of the table.

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For Kariobangi Sharks, the encounter was a must-win fixture as they continue battling to escape relegation with only two matches now left to salvage their season.

Kakamega Homeboyz, meanwhile, arrived in Nairobi desperate to end a frustrating six-match winless streak and finish the campaign strongly.

© Rodgers Odhiambo

The match started cautiously, with both teams taking time to settle into rhythm. Sharks carved out the first meaningful opportunity through the lively Humphrey Aroko.

The youngster latched onto David Majak’s pass, danced past a couple of defenders and unleashed a low drive from close range, but the effort rolled narrowly wide.

Homeboyz slowly grew into the game and nearly broke the deadlock in the eighth minute.

A neat passing sequence involving captain Moses Mudavadi and Rodgers Ouma down the left flank ended with the latter delivering a cutback into the area.

Kenya U20 forward Oliver Majaka found himself unmarked with only goalkeeper Collins Omondi to beat, but he miscued his touch and squandered a glorious chance.

Sharks responded almost immediately. Patillah Omotto released Aroko with a quick pass before the forward slipped Majak through on goal, but the South Sudanese striker’s powerful attempt narrowly missed the target.

The hosts eventually made their pressure count in the 20th minute. Steve Mburele's well-delivered corner caused confusion inside the Homeboyz box before the ball kindly fell to David Majak, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and hand Sharks a deserved lead.

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Four minutes later, Sharks thought they had doubled their advantage when Mburele capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and found the net, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the effort out for offside.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and came close again through Keegan Ndemi.

Goalkeeper Collins Omondi initiated a swift attack with a long ball that found Mburele, who quickly laid it into Ndemi’s path, but goalkeeper Wanzala Ibrahim made a comfortable save.

Aroko also threatened from a set-piece situation after connecting with Ndemi’s corner delivery, though his volley drifted inches wide.

After weathering sustained pressure, Homeboyz gradually found their footing and nearly restored parity just before the half-hour mark.

Majaka picked up Mudavadi’s pass, glided past his markers and curled a superb effort beyond Omondi, only to be denied by the woodwork.

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The visitors’ persistence finally paid off four minutes later. Estone Omengo threaded a brilliant pass into the path of Peter Thiong’o, who drove into the Sharks' penalty area before being brought down under pressure, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Oliver Majaka stepped up confidently and calmly converted the penalty, sending Omondi the wrong way to level matters for the visitors.

Sharks nearly reclaimed the lead moments later when Faiz Opande delivered a teasing cross into the area, but Majak’s header narrowly missed the target.

Homeboyz ended the first half strongly and almost grabbed a second through Rodgers Ouma after Moses Shikanda’s incisive pass released him through on goal, but Zablon Kutela recovered well to make a timely interception.

At the other end, Omotto came close for Sharks in the closing stages of the half after evading his marker and firing a powerful effort that sailed just over the crossbar as the sides headed into the break level at 1-1.

Sharks resumed the second half with renewed intensity and immediately took control of possession.

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Captain Kevin Otiala produced a brilliant run through the Homeboyz defence before squaring the ball to Victor Ngume, but the former Mara Sugar FC forward failed to connect properly with the inviting delivery.

Ndemi then came close after reacting quickest to Aroko’s pass, but Peter Thiong’o produced a heroic goal-line clearance to deny the midfielder.

Opande also tested Wanzala with a speculative long-range strike after reacting to a poorly cleared ball, though his effort drifted narrowly wide.

Sharks were handed a golden chance to retake the lead when Otiala was fouled inside the penalty area after weaving his way into the box.

However, Humphrey Aroko wasted the opportunity from the spot, smashing his penalty against the crossbar in what proved to be a massive let-off for the visitors.

Homeboyz almost punished Sharks moments later through substitute Samuel Odaro, who beat his marker with ease before dragging his low effort wide.

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Despite Sharks enjoying the better spell, it was Homeboyz who struck next in dramatic fashion.

Substitute John Omondi floated a dangerous delivery into the area, and fellow substitute Boniface Nyabuto rose highest to power home a thumping header, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead and scoring in back-to-back matches.

With Homeboyz seemingly headed for victory, Sharks produced one final response deep into the closing stages.

A poorly cleared ball inside the Homeboyz area fell kindly to Opande, who fired a low, powerful strike beyond Wanzala to rescue a dramatic late equaliser for the hosts.

The final whistle confirmed a point apiece in an enthralling contest, though the outcome did little to ease Kariobangi Sharks’ relegation worries as they now face a must-win situation in their final two matches of the season.

For Kakamega Homeboyz, the draw extended their winless run to seven matches, leaving them searching for a positive ending to the campaign in their upcoming fixture against Kenya Police FC.