Sharks, Wazito share spoils at Kasarani Annex

Kariobangi Sharks squandered an opportunity to close in on Football Kenya Federation Premier League leaders Kakamega Homeboyz after playing Wazito to a 2-2 draw at the Kasarani Annex on Friday afternoon.

Sharks were headed to a 2-1 win but an own goal in the final minutes of the game saw Wazito register the second draw under coach Fred Ambani who has been in charge for eight matches.

Wazito had taken an early lead but Sharks recovered and netted two goals in an almost similar fashion but could not hold on them up to the final whistle.

Sharks head coach William Muluya, reacting to the result said he was disappointed with the manner in which they let Wazito salvage a point.

"We dropped two points easily simply because we did not defend well and I take responsibility for the result. The last three matches have not been good to us but we shall shake the poor run off and get back to winning ways," he said.

His Wazito counterpart Ambani said lack accuracy in passing the ball against a team that is known for free flowing football in the first half cost them a win.

"It was a tough match considering that we came up against a high pressing side. We made a number of miss passes which saw our opponents score twice in the first half but at least we stabilized once we made the early change," he said.

Curtis Wekesa scuttled Sharks plan of settling in the game by knocking the ball around when he rose high to head in a cross delivered by James Kinyanjui in the fourth minute. 

The early goal is perhaps what they needed to execute their plan in an effective way as their transitions were more expedituos and the runs made into the Wazito area grew as the minutes progressed. 

The hunt for the equalizer bore fruits in the eleventh minute when Julius Masaba dispossessed Amos Asembeka few metres off the area before putting Geoffrey Onyango through who crossed the ball to Eric Mata. The latter, despite being under pressure from Maurice Ojwang expertly tapped the ball past Bashir Sekagya to draw Sharks level. 

The goal injected more hunger for goals for Sharks as they pinned Wazito deep into their area and were unlucky to break to the first half water break without netting the second goal. 

However, the prowling Muluya's charges could not be stopped from going ahead in the 27th minute as Onyango who was a thorn in the flesh of Wazito's full backs slotted home the second goal in a move similar to that bore the equalizer. 

The youngster who was put through by Boniface Onyango muddled the Wazito defence with a dummy that initially was disguised as a diagonal pass to the forwards only to sneak the ball past the unsuspecting Sekagya. 

In a move aimed at stabilizing the midfield, Wazito made their first change in the 31st minute where Amos Ekhalie paved way for Sharks old boy Fidel Origa. 

The introduction of the defensive midfielder ticked the right boxes as the leaking Wazito defense fould a solid shield who not only thwarted attempts to approach the area but also helped launch missiles to the Sharks goal. 

Eli Asieche could have drawn Wazito level in the dying minutes of the first half but his left footed baby shot did not trouble Brandon Obiero who comfortably gathered the ball. 

Second half

What was supposed to be an explosive second half appeared cagey for the better part of the first ten minutes with both teams failing to make any meaningful attack. 

Wazito threw more fresh legs in the 65th where Ezekiel Otieno and Tyson Otieno came in Michael Owino and Asembeka respectively. Few minutes later, Sharks also introduced the duo of Fortune Omoto and Mathew Kibiwott for Isaac Wasambo and Mata. Steve Otieno was also brought in for Onyango in the 72nd minute as Sharks sought to ignite the right flank again.

Wazito drew level in the 82nd minute when Rooney Onyango's deflected effort sailed to the back of the net. The right back had leaped to head in a short corner whipped in by Levin Odhiambo.

Wazito staged a late onslaught in search for the winning goal but Sharks defended resolutely to pick the fifth draw of the season.

Wazito Starting XI: Bashir Sekagya, Maurice Ojwang, Rooney Onyango, Levin Odhiambo, John Kuol, Amos Ekhalie, Eli Asieche,Amos Asembeka, Curtis Wekesa, James Kinyanjui, Michael Owino

Substitutes: Omar Adisa, Dennis Sikhayi, Fidel Origa, Swaleh Pamba, Tyson Otieno, Levis Adet, Ezekiel Otieno, Eric Otieno

Kariobangi Sharks XI: Brandon Obiero, Frédérick Alushula, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Onyango, Samuel Olwande, Boniface Onyango, Patilah Omoto, Douglas Mokaya, Isaac Wasambo, Julius Masaba, Erick Mata

Substitutes: Brian Olang'o, Tom Teka, Steve Otieno, Reagan Odede, Enock Wanyama, Fortune Omoto, Mathew Kibiwott, Keith I mbali, Henry Juma, Fortune Omoto