Mara Sugar extend resurgence leaving Kariobangi Sharks rooted to the bottom
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 13.12.25. | 16:56
The crucial win lifted Mara Sugar to 17 points, moving them within three points of the league summit, underlining their growing credentials as genuine contenders.
Mara Sugar FC produced a composed and authoritative performance to register a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Kariobangi Sharks in a closely fought FKF Premier League encounter played under torrential downpour at Awendo Green Stadium on Saturday, 13 December.
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Second-half strikes from Jim Owidi and a late Dennis Cheruiyot penalty proved decisive as the Kilgoris-based outfit secured back-to-back league wins, continuing their upward surge in the standings.
The crucial win lifted Mara Sugar to 17 points, moving them within three points of the league summit, underlining their growing credentials as genuine contenders.
For Kariobangi Sharks, however, the defeat compounded a difficult campaign, marking their sixth loss of the season and leaving the 2018 Mozzart Bet Cup champions marooned at the foot of the 18-team table on eight points.
Buoyed by last weekend’s victory over Mathare United, Mara entered the contest eager to build momentum and consolidate their push up the table.
Sharks, desperate to claw their way out of the relegation zone, approached the fixture with urgency but struggled to convert promising spells into tangible reward.
The opening exchanges were cautious as both sides took time to settle on a rain-soaked surface that increasingly hampered fluency.
Sharks registered the first meaningful attempt in the 10th minute when Keegan Ndemi combined neatly with Markvivian Kesa before unleashing a powerful drive that forced Mara goalkeeper Felix Adoyo into a parry, with Harun Thomas reacting quickly to clear the danger.
Mara responded moments later through Felix Casillas, who capitalised on defensive hesitation following Timothy Ndayala’s delivery but blazed his volley over the bar with the goalkeeper beaten.
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Sharks continued to probe, coming close again in the 18th minute as Kesa rose to meet Andres Odhiambo’s corner, only to be denied by a sharp Adoyo save.
Two minutes later, a swift Sharks counter saw Andres strike from distance, Adoyo fumbling the effort before Kesa failed to direct the rebound on target.
Mara nearly broke the deadlock midway through the half when Dennis Cheruiyot surged down the left flank, beat his marker and fired a fierce shot that was bravely blocked by Steve Biko.
Sharks responded with a threatening free-kick from Kesa on the half-hour mark, but David Owino stood firm to avert danger.
As heavy rain worsened the pitch conditions, the contest became increasingly physical and scrappy. Mara came closest to opening the scoring just before the interval when Ndayala headed Jim Owidi’s delivery past Sebastian Wekesa, only for the ball to roll agonisingly wide as both sides headed into the break level.
Sharks emerged with renewed intent after halftime and nearly took the lead within three minutes when Kesa pounced on a defensive lapse, dribbled into the area and fired narrowly wide.
However, Mara struck first in the 52nd minute. From a corner situation, Jim Owidi initially saw his delivery blocked before reacting quickest to unleash a thunderous curling effort that evaded Wekesa’s grasp and nestled into the net, giving the hosts a deserved breakthrough.
Sharks attempted to respond, with Stephen Bwire coming close just before the hour mark, only for Drona Langa to produce a timely interception.
Head coach William Muluya then introduced Humphrey Aroko, whose immediate impact injected urgency into the Sharks' attack, but Mara’s defence held firm.
Mara doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Dennis Cheruiyot calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending Wekesa the wrong way after Silas Oningo was brought down by Timothy Ikavi during a marauding build-up.
Sharks continued to push in search of a lifeline, with Aroko testing Adoyo from a set-piece and Bwire later denied by Owino’s crucial sliding tackle.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Mara’s defensive discipline ensured they preserved their clean sheet.
The final whistle confirmed valuable three points for Mara Sugar, whose resurgence gathers pace, while Kariobangi Sharks were left to reflect on another frustrating afternoon as their battle for survival deepens.
