Kariobangi Sharks struggles continue as they fail to bite Muhoroni Youth

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FKFPL Kariobangi Sharks struggles continue as they fail to bite Muhoroni Youth

Festus Chuma 14:57 - 22.10.2023

Kariobangi Sharks aimed to break their losing streak but ended in a frustrating draw against Muhoroni Youth in the FKF Premier League.

In their quest to avoid a third successive Football Kenya Federation Premier League  defeat, Kariobangi Sharks played to a 1-1 draw against Muhoroni Youth at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday afternoon.

Sharks aimed to bounce back from their losses to Posta Rangers and Ulinzi Stars, while the visitors were seeking a second consecutive win after a 1-0 victory over the soldiers before the international break.

Sharks started the match well with Moses Shikanda  being the hosts' livewire as he made some powerful overlapping runs on the right flank.

However, goalkeeper  Ezekiel Owande and his Muhoroni  defense dealt well with the crosses played into the visitors' box by the Sharks  inspirational captain in the opening stages.

However, Muhoroni  improved gradually and they managed to test former Mathare Youth goalkeeper Benard Jairo  who produced a fabulous save to deny Maxwell Odada.

The last chance of the first half fell for Stanely Wilson when he connected with Moses Shikanda's cross, but his attempt brushed the woodwork and the score was 0-0 at halftime.

The visitors pushed for the opening goal after the start with Kevin Okoth working hard in midfield looking to create chances for Muhoroni Youth.

Charles Odero’ men upped the tempo and they managed to break the deadlock in the 50th minute 

Collins Neto was the man who made it 1-0 for Muhoroni Youth  when he nodded a Steve Mbulere free-kick delivery.

Brian Otieno almost  scored an equalizer when he found himself in an unusual territory on the edge of the box, but his volley went just wide with Kennedy Embali  once again in the thick of things. 

Sharks  were threatening while Muhoroni  were tame despite having experienced attacker Stephen Mbulele upfront as their legs began to tire at the hour mark.

Nonetheless, with 15 minutes remaining, Alex Onchwari had the chance to seal the win , but a fabulous save by Bernard Jairo  in a one-on-one situation kept Sharks in the game.

Time was running out for Sharks though, and while they did bring in Signum Maina to add some much-needed creativity upfront, he was not really effective.

Rather it was Muhoroni who again had a chance to score.This time, a fantastic effort by Kelvin Wesonga, who had an impressive evening in midfield, saw his long-range shot crash against the woodwork.

The safety goal never came, as Kariobangi Sharks found an equalizer with ten minutes remaining in the match, resulting in a frustrating draw. This outcome puts them back to the drawing board as they prepare to take on Kakamega Homeboyz in their next game.

How they lined up:

Kariobangi Sharks: Bernard Jairo,Timothy  Ekhavi, Kevin Onesmus, Kevin Musamali, Steve Biko, Brian Otieno, Stanley Wilson, Frederick Alushula, Godfrey Onyango, Moses Shikanda, Kennedy Embali  

Muhoroni Youth: Ezekiel Owande, Clif Otieno, Clifton Bulimo, Alex Onchwari, Erick Juma, Kelvin Wesonga, Ibrahim Ochieng, Maxwell Odada, Collins Omondi, Kevin Okoth, Stephen Mbulele