Ushuru rally to maintain top spot

Shabana's Dennis Nyangweso (left) vies for the ball with Ushuru's Luis Masika during their National Super League match at Ruaraka grounds on January 11, 2019. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The hosts suffered a setback shortly after the break when Barrack Odhiambo was sent off by referee Peter Wekesa for retaliation
  • Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ushuru pressed on for the winner which arrived on 84 minutes through substitute Jeremiah Wanjala
  • Elsewhere at the Camp Toyoyo grounds, Wazito boosted their quest for an immediate return to the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) with a 2-0 win over visiting Eldoret Youth

Ushuru maintained their unbeaten run in the National Super League edging Shabana 2-1 at Ruaraka grounds on Friday.

Shabana opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Anthony Ndolo before Edwin Mwaura equalised for the taxmen nine minutes later for a 1-1 score line at the break.

The hosts suffered a setback shortly after the break when Barrack Odhiambo was sent off by referee Peter Wekesa for retaliation. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ushuru pressed on for the winner which arrived on 84 minutes through substitute Jeremiah Wanjala.

Ushuru coach Ken Kenyatta was a picture of joy after picking maximum points with 10 men.

"It was a very tough match against a very good team. It's a plus for my players to score a winning goal with one player less. I'm just taking every match at a time and not concentrating on the unbeaten issue," said Kenyatta.

Shabana coach Gilbert Selebwa decried the poor surface at Ruaraka for their second consecutive loss.

"You cannot expect to have good results in such a pitch where you are forced to play high balls," griped Selebwa.

Elsewhere at the Camp Toyoyo grounds, Wazito boosted their quest for an immediate return to the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) with a 2-0 win over visiting Eldoret Youth.

After a barren first half, the hosts found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute through Kennedy Ayako before David Orem doubled their advantage with only four minutes left.

Wazito coach Mohamed Dmchulla attributed the hard-earned win to teamwork. 

"We played well especially in the second half. We had a lot of chances but didn't use them well. I give credit to my players for stepping up in second half after heeding my advice at the break to be more calm and stay focused," he said.

Washington Munene (right) of Wazito dribbles past Machuoch Nhial of Eldoret Youth during their National Super League match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on January 11, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

Eldoret Youth coach Rodgers Nandwa rued missed chances as well as poor officiating for the loss.

"The boys played well. We got our chances, but didn't use them well. We need to be more clinical in our finishing, this is an area of concern that we are going to work on before we face Shabana in our next match. The referee also denied us some open fouls. We demand fairness because we also want to be promoted to the competitive Kenyan Premier League," he said. 

In the game watched by a handful of fans, the visitors had a penalty appeal ignored on 42 minutes before their custodian Richard Ebenyo prevented them from falling behind with a fine save moments later.

Wazito keeper Vincent Misikhu almost scored a bizarre own goal after parrying a powerful long range drive onto the crossbar.

The opening goal came after Ayako neatly controlled the ball on his chest before firing an unstoppable volley past Ebenyo.

Both sides missed a couple of chances before Wazito went further ahead through Orem.

In another match played at the same venue, Bidco United held Kibera Black Stars to a barren draw.

Friday results

Ushuru 2-1 Shabana

Wazito 2-0 Eldoret Youth

Kibera Black Stars 0-0 Bidco United

Migori Youth 0-1 Kisumu AllStars

Green Commandos 2-2 Nairobi Stima

Kangemi AllStars 1-1 Coast Stima

Modern Coast Rangers 3-1 Nairobi City Stars