Mara Sugar inch closer to safety leaving Sharks deep in relegation quagmire

Mara Sugar FC handed themselves a shot in the arm in the survival race by deepening Kariobangi Sharks’ woes after securing a 1-0 win in an FKF Premier League match played at the Kasarani Stadium.

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Heading into the match, Sharks were 14th on the league table with 26 points, just one point above APS Bomet in the relegation zone and were eying a win that would move them further away from the drop zone.

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Sharks were also keen to end their three-match winless run in the league, although encouraged by the draw they managed in their last match against Gor Mahia.

Mara, on the other hand, were 11th on the log and were seeking a win that would move them past the 36-point mark that, from recent seasons’ data, guarantees them safety.

The Sugar Millers started the match on a high note, pinning Sharks in their own half and got their first chance in the fourth minute when Aineah Ndete was brought down and from the resultant free kick, Jimmy Owili floated in an enticing free kick, but there was no white shirt to connect to it.

Robinson Musungu would then come to Mara’s rescue in the 12th minute when he threw himself to block a Sharks attack that was headed goalwards.

For their persistence, Mara would then take the lead in the 22nd minute through Timothy Ndayala, who brilliantly struck past Collins Omondi in the Sharks goal.

William Muluya's charges reacted to going down by mounting a couple of attacks through their traditional short and quick passes, notably in the 31st minute when Humphrey Aroko unleashed a strike that called for a brilliant save from Joseph Ogenda.

Both teams created half-chances thereafter, but none were decent enough to change the scoreline as Mara took a 1-0 lead to the break.

In the second half, Sharks made changes, including the introduction of David Majak and Keagan Ndemi, as they pushed for an equaliser.

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Aroko and Ndemi had half-chances, but the Musungu-marshalled Mara defense stood tall to prevent any harm and preserve their lead to full time.

With the win, Mara have all but secured their place in next season’s FKFPL, taking their points tally to 37, above the average 36 points usually needed for safety.

Kariobangi Sharks Starting XI: Collins Omondi, Ian Karani, Kevinluke Otiala, Zeblon Kutera Imala Ekhavi, Faiz Opande, Patillah Omoto, Steve Mbulere, Humphrey Aroko, Armstrong Omondi, Razel Omondi

Mara Sugar Starting XI: Joseph Ogenda, Joseph Okwenda, Opande, Robinson Musungu, Jimmy Owili, Harun Thomas, Kelvin Longbert, Daniel Wafula, Ainea Ndete, Alex Imbusia, Timothy Ndayala