Sofapaka down Bidco to bag tenth win of the season

A first half brace from Roddy Manga inspired the 2009 league champions Sofapaka to a 2-1 win over Bidco and their tenth win of the season at the Kasarani Annex.

Manga found the back of the net within the first fifteen minutes of the contest to enhance Sofapaka's chances of finishing in the top half of the table.

Reacting to the win, Sofapaka midfield Sébastine Sunday observed that the team played well but there was room for improvement.

"We are improving in every game but we are still not yet there. We just need to maintain the good run," said the Nigerian.

Bidco head coach Anthony Akhulia on the other hand revealed that their preparations were not good owing to a number of reasons but promised to inspire the team back to winning ways.

"We had difficulties in preparing for the match as two of my players are bereaved. We also have other issues affecting us that led to the poor start but we will be back stronger," said the youthful tactician.

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Jacob Onyango would have given Bidco the lead in the fourth minute after David Kalama picked him with a well weighted cross but his free header swayed off the target.Bidco were made to pay for the missed chance as Manga kissed the back of the net from close range, heading home from a cross from Ambrose Sifuna who had made a terrific run on the right wing. 

The Congolese import who had been Police-marked by Anthony Simasi reacted quickest to head in the goal, beating the advancing Simasi and the on rushing Edwin Mukolwe. 

Manga, proved his marksmanship was top notch as he volleyed home the second goal five minutes later from edge of the box, catching Mukolwe flat footed. 

Sofapaka who had no challenges in executing their free flowing football continued to press for more goals forcing Bidco to commit players in their half to contain the pressure. 

Manga who was constantly getting instructions and motivation from Sofapaka trainer Leon Dialo in the Congolese dialect continued to knock on the Bidco door but the double marking by Simasi and Kassim Mwinyi saw him resort to creating. 

Bidco recovered from the pressure towards the end of the first half but it was too late to get them something as Sofapaka defended resolutely and would be glad that they proceeded for the breather with two unanswered goals against their name. 

Second half

Prior to restart, Bidco threw in the trio of Alex Juma, Collins Neto and Nelson Chieta for David Gateri, Stephen Waruru and Zacharia Gathu who were largely ineffective in the first half.

Sofapaka also sent in Alex Imbusia for Ambrose Sifuna who had done incredibly well in pressing the defence in the first half. 

The changes paid off as Bidco pressed the gas pedal and would half the deficit in the 54th minute through Mwinyi who headed in David Kalama's freekick from close range. 

Seven minutes after conceding, Sofapaka brought in Joe Waithira for Nixon Omondi, a change that saw Titus Achesa who was playing at an advanced role drop to the left back. 

With the possibility of grabbing a point from the game, Bidco threw everything to the Sofapaka goal but were met with equal force. Sofapaka held on the slim advantage throughout to bag maximum points.

Bidco United XI: Edwin Mukolwe, David Kalama, Anthony Simasi, Kassim Mwinyi, Peter Nzuki, Lambert Oyuga, Emmanuel Mogaka, Jacob Onyango, Zacharia Gathu, David Gateri, Stephen Waruru, 

Substitutes: Ezekiel Owade, Francis Oduor, Stephen Okiro, Nelson Chieta, John Nairuka, Collins Odhiambo, Henry Omollo, Lameck Oloo,

Sofapaka XI: Frédérick Odhiambo, David Otieno, Stephen Okola, David Nshimirimana, Nixon Omondi, Roy Okal, Geoffrey Ojunga, Sunday Sébastine, Ambrose Sifuna, Titus Achesa, Roddy Manga

Substitutes: Kevin Omondi, Simon Masaka, Ronack Otieno, Brandon Obiero, Joseph Waithira, Hamid Mohamed, Alex Imbusia