Sofapaka, Bandari win season opening matches
Sofapaka began their 2015 Kenyan Premier League campaign with a come from behind 2-1 win over Ushuru FC at the Machakos County Stadium on Sunday.
In other matches, a disjointed AFC Leopards were held to a barren draw by Chemelil Sugar in a dull encounter at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru while Bandari were 3-1 winners over Muhoroni Youth at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.
Striker Moses Arita put Ushuru ahead with his first touch minutes after kick off, but second half goals form veteran striker John Baraza and Collins Shivachi helped Batoto ba Mungu secure their first win in three matches.
The rest of the first stanza was marked with very little attempts at goal for both teams, with Sofapaka’s Danson Kago producing the only real threat in the 39th minute.
The 2009 league champions however levelled the match 13 minutes after resumption through Baraza, who easily slotted home Shivachi’s inviting pass.
SECURED VICTORY
Shivachi then secured victory for Sofapaka with a beauty of a goal from the far left wing in the 75th minute from Erastus Mwaniki’s brilliant pass.
Coach Sam Timbe was happy with the win and said that the match had revealed to him certain areas that need tweaking ahead of their Caf Confederations Cup match against FC Platinum next weekend in Zimbabwe.
“The team struggled a little in the first half but I am glad we recovered in time. There are a few weaknesses that I have noticed and we have some work to do before our next match,” Timbe said.
In Mombasa, Andrew Waiswa, David King’atua and Juma Masoud all got their names on the scoresheet for Bandari with Jeremiah Wanjala responding for Muhoroni early in the second half.
In Nakuru, Leopards’ newly appointed coach Lugarusic Zdravco did not mince his words after the match.
“I am not happy with results. The team lacks physical fitness and this is what I will embark on ahead of the next match which is a must win,” said Logarusic.