Sharks stumble again against City Stars

Nairobi City Stars have stretched their wins in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) to six after humbling Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 at the Utalii Grounds. 

Goals from Peter Opiyo and Oliver Maloba reduced a late strike from Daniel Sakari to a mere consolation as City Stars avenged a first-leg loss suffered at the same venue. 

With Eric Kapaito unavailable, head coach William Muluya tasked John Omondi to fill in his shoes but the budding forward who was tightly marked by the duo of Salim Abdallah and Kennedy Onyango had a difficult time in weaving his way past the two rugged defenders.

He would be withdrawn before restart for the experienced Julius Masaba who recently renewed his stay at the club by inking a new deal.

The introduction of Masaba saw the versatile club captain Eric Juma, a natural right-back slot in as the center-forward.

After squandering clear-cut chances in the first half, City Stars finally broke the duck in the 57th minute through Peter Opiyo who sent Brian Bwire the wrong way from the spot.

The league returnees were gifted the penalty after Bwire fouled Nicholas Kipkirui in the area while attempting to clear a back pass from Boniface Onyango.

This becomes the second consecutive penalty that Kipkirui has won for City Stars after being fouled by Aigba Moubarak in the 3-0 win over Sofapaka last time out.

A minute later, Alagic made his first change, resting Rodgers Okumu who was arguably the most fouled player in the first half for Oliver Maloba.

Muluya made his second chance in the 69th minute, bringing in the duo of Shaphan Oyugi and Robert Onyango for James Mazembe and Douglas Mokaya respectively.

Maloba justified his inclusion six minutes later after firing past Bwire to double City Stars' advantage in the game, as the goal proved to be the match-winner.

The former Gor Mahia man who was unmarked in the box was teed up by Davis Agesa. 

Daniel Sakari reacted quickly to half the deficit in the 90th minute after Steven Njung'e had saved Patillah Omoto's penalty.

Sharks were given the spot-kick after Kipkirui who later made way for Edwin Buliba had handled in the box.