Mmata's brace ensures Sharks return to winning ways

Erick Mmata's brace helped Kariobangi Sharks settle the small matter of getting back to winning ways as his goals helped the team end their previous five match winless run following a hard fought 2-1 victory against Bidco United in a Sunday afternoon FKFPL league match staged at the Kasarani Annex Stadium.

In a game that Sharks saw one of their goals chopped off after a weird mixup between the match officials, the William Muluya-coached side managed to keep their heads down as they grinded the victory that looked set to slip away from them.

"It was a very tough game today but we managed to get the three points after the weird refereeing decision. We lost our concentration when we conceded but I'm glad we got the job done," Sharks head coach William Muluya stated post match.

"We failed to take our chances and in football if you do not do that, these are the results you get. It was a very tough game and we should have come out with at least a point from the game today," Bidco's Anthony Akhulia noted.

In a game where Bidco made the brightest start, it is Sharks who found the breakthrough against the run of play as Erick Mmata capitalized on a botched free kick as he hit on the counter before giving his side the lead on the 13th minute.

After Bidco's free kick was blocked, the pacy winger picked the rebound almost on the halfway line, turned Kassim Mwinyi inside out before poking the ball past a hapless Brian Opondo in goal.

Just five minutes to the break though, Nelson Chieta almost drew his side level with a quick snapshot in the area but Sharks goalkeeper Brandon Obiero reacted fast as he dived low to his left to divert the effort that was sneaking in out for a corner, helping his side hold the slender advantage at the interval.

Upon second half's resumption, a determined Bidco made a super fast start to the game as they tried to find an early equalizer to lay the foundation for a possible away win.

Just two minutes in, Emmanuel Mogaka found himself in acres of space and unmarked after the Sharks defenders thought he was in an offside position when he was adjudged not to be. All to himself, the lanky foward failed ro generate any power to his flicked header as a relieved Obiero collected the ball with ease and some stroke of luck.

Minutes later, Chieta thought he had restored parity for Bidco after his run was well spotted by a long Francis Oduor pass from the back. Despite his shot from range going into the back of the net, the linesman lifted his flag to rule out the goal for offside. At that moment, it was clear that Bidco were intent on their mission as they kept on piling even more pressure to Sharks.

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On the stroke of the hour mark, a weird situation ensued in the game after John Omondi rolled in the ball for a Sharks second goal.

In the buildup play, Oduor had been impeded by Mmata, the fourth official, who was closer to the action, calling for a foul on the sidelines while the centre referee overruling the call at the time.

After Sharks scored, Bidco players and technical bench raised arms as they protested the decision leading to the goal being chopped off after deliberations between the officials. Five minutes later, the frustrated Sharks saw that decision come to haunt them as the experienced Stephen Waruru rose highest to head in a David Kalama inch perfect cross from the right to restore parity in the game.

Even more angered by the equalizer, Sharks kept their heads down and continued to work for the winner. Quick decision making by Thomas Omenda led to the team finding that lead once again with ten minutes left on the clock.

After a Bidco foul, the defender quickly picked up the ball on the half line and spotted Mmata who was on the move. His one time ball caught Bidco unaware as a switched on Mmata stayed in check and poked home the ball in a goal that ended up being the match winner and a first win in six games for Sharks.

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Sharks Starting XI: Brandon Obiero, Boniface Onyango, Thomas Omenda, John Omondi, Geoffrey Onyango, Patilah Omoto, Douglas Mokaya, Keith Imbali, Julius Masaba, Steve Otieno, Eric Mmata

Substitutes: Brian Olang'o, Alphonce Omija, Ziyadi Kiwanuka, Isaac Otieno, Ronald Odede, Enock Wanyama, Ken Kyalo, Fred Alushula, Mathew Kibiwott.

Bidco United: Brian Opondo, David Kalama, Lambert Otirno, Francis Oduor, Kassim Mwinyi, Peter Nzuki, Nelson Chieta, Gathu Zacharia, Emmanuel Mogaka, Stephen Waruru, David Gateri

Substitutes. Ezekiel Owade, Gabriel Wandera, Geoffrey Gitau, Lamec Oloo, Stephen Obukui, Batts Awita, Alex Juma, David Orem, Brian Nyakan