NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 11- Boniface Muchiri tapped home three minutes from time to rescue a point for Tusker who fought for a 2-2 draw with Posta Rangers at the Camp Toyoyo Ground on Monday afternoon.

Posta looked to be sailing to victory after Jeremiah Wanjala had completed a comeback for the mailmen, but a lapse in concentration in the Rangers box saw Muchiri tap the ball home after Peter Nzuki had flicked on a corner from Brian Osumba.

Tusker scored in the first half though Mike Khamati but a well struck freekick by Georson Likonoh 10 minutes into the second half saw Posta claw back.

Both sides came into the tie off a poor run of just one win in their last four games and it promised to be a hugely contested affair. However, the pace wasn’t as high, drifting to some pedestrian movement at some point.

Tusker had the early chances of the half, first Lloyd Wahome’s point blank header off a Khamati cross from the right being saved by keeper Baraza before Robert Achema’s cross from the right evaded the keeper and Khamati inside the box.

Likonoh had his first attempt in the 13^th minute taking a first time shot from distance after Tusker had lost the ball cheaply in midfield. However, the effort went inches over the bar with keeper Duncan Ochieng well beaten.

Five minutes later, Khamati had another effort from the right when he found some shooting space but his effort rolled across the face of goal begging for the slightest of touches to direct it into the net.

Tusker coach Robert Matano was forced into a change after 25 minutes, midfielder Hashim Ssempala being forced out injured and was replaced by Apollo Otieno.

The brewers broke the deadlock on the half hour mark when Khamati’s well struck low shot from the right after being set up by Boniface Muchiri found keeper Baraza flat footed.

The visitors took control of proceedings, manning possession and forcing the mailmen to play on the back foot.

But Posta came back a changed side in the second half, chasing the game for the equalizer and a hunt for the winner.

They got the equalizer just 10 minutes in when Likonoh’s well struck freekick from range found keeper Ochieng flat footed, dipping into the top left corner.

The mailmen got the confidence they had been yearning for and the introduction of Kennedy ‘Agogo’ Otieno for goal scorer Likonoh added in some much needed punch in attack.

With his side playing second fiddle to Posta , Matano was forced into a double change bringing off Khamati and Achema for Peter Nzuki and new signing David Juma.

Nzuki brought the much needed punch upfront and a well worked team move by the brewers in the 67^th minute saw Nzuki break into the box but he could not pull the trigger, the Posta defense knocking the ball off.

However, it only went as far as Jackson Macharia but his effort was well saved by Baraza.

Posta continued to press nonetheless and they got the reward they wished for in the 77^th minute when Jeremiah Wanjala had the easiest of finishes, tapping home from a yard out after keeper Ochieng spilled a shot from Dennis Mukaisi.

Matano was enraged on the touchline after the goal with defender Wahome having stood still waiting for the ref’s whistle after a foul, but the official had waved play on, Mukaisi storming into the box to shoot at goal.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 11- Olympic Marathon Champion Eliud Kipchoge will return to the Berlin Marathon on September 16 as he goes out on yet another mission of lowering compatriot Dennis Kimetto’s World record of 2:02:57.

Kipchoge whose personal time of 2:03:05 set in winning the 2016 London Marathon is eight seconds shy of the world’s best is optimistic that if the conditions are perfect, then he will be in line to improve his personal best time and probably have a stab at the record.

“Berlin is a special race and a marathon I love to run. Every edition I run faster than the previous edition. In the first edition I ran 2:04:05, in the second time I ran 2:04:00 and last year, I ran 2:03:32. What will I do this year? You will see in September,” Kipchoge posed on a short promotional video posted on his official Twitter feed.

The Olympic champion entered the race last year with high hopes of having a go at the record especially coming on after his record breaking ‘test-tube’ run in the Nike Breaking Two project where he ran an incredible 2:00:25 at the Monza Formula One track.

However, unfriendly weather meant he couldn’t go on to break the record on a course that has seen the time shattered time and again. He nonetheless went on to win the race ahead of the Ethiopian duo of Guye Adola and Mosinet Geremew.

“My preparation is entirely concentrated on the Berlin Marathon on September 16. I am confident I can beat my personal best on this fast course if conditions are good,” Kipchoge told the Berlin Marathon official website.

Kipchoge’s mental as well as physical prowess has suggested for some time that the world record is within his reach.

This year, Kipchoge will once again face familiar foes former world record holder Wilson Kipsang who dropped off the race midway last year. Kipsang will have pleasant memories of Berlin, coming to a course that he ran 2:03:23 to set a new record in 2013 with Kipchoge finishing second.

Another contender to be taken into consideration is Eritrea’s five time World Half Marathon champion and record holder Zersenay Tadese. The Eritrean is the oldest of the three and, though highly experienced over the distance events in general, has the least experience in the marathon.

No-one has gone close to his world record of 58:23 for the Half Marathon, set in Lisbon in 2010. His personal best for the marathon is 2:10:41, achieved in the London Marathon in 2012.

The post Kipchoge returns to Berlin, eyes on record appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 11- In front of a packed Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Gor Mahia delivered a firm statement, beating Tanzanian champions Simba SC 2-0 to retain the SportPesa Super Cup title and book a ticket to face English Premier League side Everton FC in a friendly match in Liverpool next month.

We share some of the photographic moments from the Afraha Stadium where close to 15,000 fans thronged the stadium to watch proceedings.

Well, they say, play for the name infront of the jersey, and they will never forget the name at the back. Rwandese forward Meddie Kagere opened the scoring in the 2-0 win.

Kagere was rewarrded for his hard work, winning the Golden Boot for the second consecutive time after bagging four goals in three matches.

Literally, Simba were blurred out of the trophy with Gor Mahia going on to register a 2-0 win and clinch the crown, earning a repeat date with Everton.

The passionate Dylan Kerr was at hand to clap away his former side Simba as they received the loser’s medals.

And boy wasn’t the Briton elated! Literally, Dyllie was on fire!!!

And oh, the good news, the trophy was a thing of beauty! Oh, well, plus the bearers of bearers of good news as well ;-).

Talk of world class commentary, it was the seasoned Bernard Otieno pairing upfront with the Big Yak, Everton and Nigeria legend Yakubu Ayegbeni.

We all guess this is why they call it the beautiful game, eh?

On the stands as well, smiles were plenty, the beautiful game producing its beautiful moments.

Those who could sing sung; those who could drum drummed, those who could clap clapped. Well tomatoes will always tomate and potatoes will always potate….

Oh, and vuvuzelas will always vuvuzale and whistles will always whistle…

After finishing fourth, Homeboyz players sat down to enjoy the beauty of the finale.

Samuel Onyango hasn’t enjoyed much playing time since last month’s game against Mathare United in Machakos, but hopefully, he will be back stronger.

It was a beautiful final. Smiling wasn’t an option for most.

Every moment had to be captured and shared across all social media platforms. Here, this passionate fan came in with an editor to ensure grammar nazis didn’t skin him in case of typos.

Probably he was whistling, but we are also trying to understand what was going on here.

Age is just but a number. Dancing is an inborn thing to people from the lakeside!

The post Glitz- SportPesa Super Cup finale in pictures appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 12- The week-long SportPesa Super Cup hosted in Nakuru gave the four invited Tanzanian clubs an opportunity for post-season review with the teams saying they gained massively from the tourney after the completion of their domestic campaign.

Champions Simba SC who reached the final and lost to Gor Mahia, third placed side Singida United, Yanga and Zanzibar’s Jeshi La Kujenga Uchumi (JKU) were the invited sides from Tanzania.

While Yanga, Singida and Simba had completed their domestic campaign, JKU were preparing for the play-off round with the top two teams from Pemba Islands to determine the overall winner of the Zanzibar league after finishing top of the Unguja region.

“It was a great opportunity for us to weigh ourselves against one of the best teams in the region and see what we need to do to ensure that we go back home better,” JKU head coach Salum Khatib Omar said after his side’s 3-0 loss to eventual champions Gor Mahia in the quarter finals.

“In football you must be ready for any result and for us I think we did well in many areas. Gor are a better side, they are more experienced and physically, they are at a better place. For us, we were not at our best physically also considering most of our players are fasting,” the tactician added.

Omar further notes that the opportunity to play in the SportPesa Super Cup also handed them an opportunity to learn from other teams and give them an edge when they go back to vie for the title at home as well as preparing for the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

Meanwhile, Yanga who had a disastrous season domestically further had a disappointing outing in Nakuru, bowing out in the quarter finals after losing 3-1 to debutants Kakamega Homeboyz.

The Tanzanian giants have expressed they will not be taking part in this month’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup as they choose to concentrate on their CAF Confederation Cup campaign where they will clash with Kenya’s Gor.

Assistant coach Juma Mensah was dejected that his side bowed out in the first round of matches, but noted the gains picked from the tournament will be vital even as among other agendas they plot to wrestle the title back from sworn enemies Simba.

“We had very many new young players in the squad because up to seven of our first team players were not with us. This tournament gave the young boys a chance to show what they can do and gain experience,” Mensah noted.

His charges will face Gor in the first leg of the Confederation Cup on July 18 in Nairobi before playing the return leg in Dar es Salaam 10 days later.

Meanwhile, Singida United came into the tournament under the tutelage of new head coach Suleiman ‘Morocco’ Hemed who was taking over from Dutchman Hans van der Pluijm who left for Azam at the close of the season.

Hemed who guided Zanzibar to the CEACAFA Senior Challenge Cup final last year said it was a good starting point from him and added winning the tournament’s bronze was a huge plus for his confidence and that of the team.

“It was very difficult to plan for this tournament because I am new in the team and I didn’t even have time to know the players and train with them. Everything we did was in-match and that made it very tough for us,” the tactician said.

He added; “I can say it’s a good start and I have seen the players and their abilities and also if need be where we need to bring in new players. From here now we can plan for the new season.”

Singida finished sixth in the Tanzanian Premier League on their debut season and reached the domestic cup final. From the Super Cup experience, Hemed is confident they can be a force to reckon next season in the Tanzanian top tier.

Meanwhile, Simba SC who lost the final to Kenyan giants K’Ogalo were disappointed not to end their otherwise successful season with a ticket to England but stand-in coach Djuma Massoud was pleased with the performance of his players.

“This was a good opportunity for me to give the young players a chance to prove themselves. We also have very many new players who needed an opportunity to integrate with the team and I am pleased with how they performed,” Djuma noted.

He added; “Obviously it is sad for us not to win but we choose to look at the positive side of it and what we have gained.”

Simba will now switch their attention to the Kagame Cup which kicks off later this month.

The post Tanzanians count SportPesa Super Cup gains appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 12- Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne has rued the absence of key players during the Hero Intercontinental Cup in India where Kenya reached the final but lost 2-0 to the hosts at the Mumbai Arena on Sunday.

The national team boss missed all Gor Mahia players and a few AFC Leopards players after their clubs held on to them for the SportPesa Super Cup, meaning the coach had to do with a different squad.

“It was difficult at the beginning because without professionals, without the best local players and with only 20 players it was a difficult mission but not an impossible mission,” Migne said after the team jetted back to the country on Monday evening.

Stars played four matches, losing two, both to India while they won two, 4-0 against Chinese Taipei and 2-1 against New Zealand.

Migne was impressed however with the performance of the team and hopes they can pick the gains moving on especially ahead of September’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in Nairobi.

“When you start a competition, the aim is always to do the best and try to reach the final. We achieved this but it was not easy to recover for the final after playing just two days before. I am happy with the players because we had several who were on their first cap and now I have some answer about them,” the coach added.

Looking back at the final where they lost 2-0 to hosts India courtesy of a brace from skipper Sunil Chhetri, Migne admitted the team might have suffered from stage fright.

“We missed some experience at the beginning. We were a little afraid but I was happy with the second half reaction. I think the tournament was okay for us to see the locals and I was surprised with the quality,” the Frenchman further added.

Meanwhile, skipper Musa Mohammed noted the tournament gave the local based players an opportunity to impress the coach and noted they gained a lot from it.

“It was a great experience and everyone showed what they can do. We failed to come back with the cup which is sad, but we learnt a lot which is positive for us moving forward,” Mohammed noted.

Migne will now get down to work with clearly a lot to do before Kenya plays Ghana in September and the tactician is hopeful he will be able to knit in a competitive team.

Nonetheless, he is still worried that he hasn’t had an opportunity to play a friendly match with his full squad including the foreign based stars.

The post Migne rues absence of key players in India appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 12- After two-day trials at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Athletics Kenya on Tuesday afternoon named a team of 27 athletes to represent the country at the IAAF World Under-20 Championship to be held in Tampere, Finland from July 10-15.

The team has included a huge number of athletes who competed when Kenya hosted the World Under-18 Championship in July last year with 10 of the 15 medalists Kenya had from that competition making the World Junior team.

“We are happy with the transition that these athletes have made and it shows that there has been some work and follow up which was put in after the World Under-18 Championship,” Athletics Kenya head of youth Barnaba Korir said on Tuesday.

George Manangoi, Edward Zakayo, Stanley Waithaka, Leonard Bett, Dominic Ndigiti, Mary Moraa, Lydia Jeruto, Jackline Wambui, Mercy Chepkirui and Edinah Jebitok all won medals at the World Under-18 and have earned tickets to graduate to the Under-20.

On the final day of the trials at Kasarani, there wasn’t much room for shocks with most of the ‘big names’ progressing.

The most riveting race was the 1500m where Justus Soget crossed the line first ahead of World Under-18 Champion George Manangoi who had to compete with a slightly injured knee.

Up until the bell, a group of almost five athletes, Soget at the front and Manangoi in between were hurdled together. Manangoi, younger brother to world champion Elijah had started the race perched at the tail end of the pack.

With 200m to go, Manangoi took his long strides going past the rest of the pack, but Soget had already put on the afterburners to assure himself of victory.

Soget crossed the line in 3:37.79 ahead of Manangoi who timed 3:39.87. Brimin Kiprotich and John Kibui both ran under the minimum required time, but only the top two qualified into Team Kenya.

“It was a tough race but the most important thing is that I made the team. I am happy that the experience I have gathered running in Europe helped me a lot and hopefully when we go to Finland, I take the gold medal,” Soget said after the race.

Manangoi’s coach Bernard Ouma hopes that he will have regained full fitness by the time the team travels to Finland.

“He picked a knock on his knee during the Oslo Diamond League and we had agreed that he runs at the back throughout the race and only work to get into the team. We didn’t want to push much. It is a minor knock so definitely he will be back to full fitness. He ran quite well today,” Ouma noted.

Meanwhile, head coach Robert Ngiserei is confident the team is strong enough to finish top of the world having come second with nine medals during the last championships held in Poland in 2016.

“Things are changing, the coaching techniques will change, we will try to make sure these athletes do well than all other years. In 2010 I was the coach when we were number one in Canada. This year, I am certain that this team will do wonders,” Ngisirei noted.

At the same time, AK boss Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei has warned unscrupulous agents against trying to tap in the young athletes and has warned the youngsters to be careful on which management group they drop into.

“We know there are very many conmen around and I want to warn them to desist. We have their eyes on them. There is also this issue of doping. We can’t shy away from talking about it because now some agents and coaches have started targeting the young athletes. I want to urge you to be very careful,” Tuwei said while speaking to the athletes at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

The team is expected to report to camp on Sunday evening and will start training for the championship at the Kasarani Stadium on Monday.

Kenya team to Tampere, Finland

Men:

Laban Kiplangat, Gabriel Nkaka (400m), Justus Soget, George Manangoi (1500m), Solomon Lekuta, Kipngetich Ngeno (800m), Leonard Bett, Philemon Kiplagat (3000m SC), Philip Musyoka (Tripple Jump), Moitanel Mpoka, James Mucheru (400m H), Dominic Ndigiti (10,000m walk), Edward Zakayo, Stanley Waithaka (5,000m), Rhonex Kipruto, Solomon Kiplimo (10,000m).

Women:

Mary Moraa (400m), Edinah Jebitok, Mirriam Cherop (1500m), Lydia Jeruto, Jackline Wambui (800m), Zena Jemutai, Mercy Chepkorir (3000m), Celliphine Chespol, Mercy Chepkurui (3,000m SC), Beatrice Chebet, Hellen Ekalale (5,000m).

The post AK selects 27 for World U20 Championships appeared first on Capital Sports.

NYERI, Kenya June 12-The Ministry of Sports has launched investigations into the truth behind Kenya Sevens Rugby team playing without the official ‘Make It Kenya’ branding on their jerseys at the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Paris 7s last weekend.

Shujaa is said to have resisted on donning the branded ‘Make It Kenya’ jersey over pay dispute with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and the team sponsor, Brand Kenya.

Pursuant to these allegations, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Rashid Achesa, said they have summoned the KRU officials to shed light on matter that caused a huge uproar on social media.

The CS said the issue of payment should not arise as the Ministry had released Sh80 million to the team before leaving the country.

“As far as we are concerned, we have fully funded the rugby team as well as other federations including, Football Kenya and Boxing,” said Echesa.

The CS said this while opening a four-day sports stakeholder’s workshop in Nyeri aimed at improving the sporting sector in the country to a level of making it a major contributor to the economy.

On Saturday, Brand Kenya released a statement concerning the state of the contract between them and KRU/Kenya 7s.

On the statement released minutes before Kenya 7s played Samoa in the last pool match at Paris 7s, Brand Kenya said:

“The board confirms payment of agreed partnership funds to Kenya Rugby Union in accordance with the contract and remains committed to supporting the team that is now the official global ambassadors for the entire country.”

“Kenya Rugby Union is working round the clock to ensure that each player gets paid by Monday.”

-KRU apology-

A day later on Sunday, Kenya Rugby Union offered undue apologies to Brand Kenya on damages caused by the blackout in Paris as they promise to clear out the mess at hand.

“KRU would like to clarify the issues surrounding the Brand Kenya Sponsorship which has led to the embarrassing situation in Paris. We’d like to begin by thanking Brand Kenya for their support to KRU which is greatly appreciated especially coming at a time when KRU is operating on a shoe string budget with some support from only one other sponsor.”

“The sponsorship had an element of cash to be paid directly to the players for direct promotion of Brand Kenya. Brand Kenya have already submitted 4million as part payment of the sponsorship as per the contract.”

“This has gone into funding more priority needs of the team such as player allowances for the London and Paris legs, Accommodation and Airfare for the extra management carried on the tour and outstanding training allowances.”

“What is due to the players is Sh2.5 million which will be paid as soon as additional installments or money from other sources is received by KRU. The incident is highly regretted and we unreservedly apologize to Brand Kenya for the embarrassment this has caused and are working to sort out the situation in Paris.”

-Adan Marwa-

Echesa continued that they had also summoned officials of Football Kenya Federation, with a view of getting to the bottom of bribery allegations facing referee, Aden Marwa who was set to officiate in the forthcoming World Cup tournament in Russia.

The CS warned that action would be taken against Marwa should the allegations be proven to be true. The referee has so far resigned from the officiating lineup.

-Doping-

On doping issues that has continued to taint the image of the country, Echesa said the government was developing a curriculum on good sportsmanship.

He revealed that the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) was working closely with Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to develop the curriculum that will among other things, teach good sportsmanship to young sportspersons.

-By John Gathua-

The post Echesa speaks over Kenya 7s pay dispute appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 12 – Just hours after the Ministry of Sports said it had fully funded the Kenya Sevens team, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has denied the claims and stated that they are considering pulling all its representative squads out of international assignments if the Government does not come out to support them.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Rashid Echesa speaking in Nyeri, stated that he had summoned the KRU officials to explain why the Kenya Sevens team did not don the jersey bearing the sponsors’ ‘Make It Kenya’ logo despite claiming the ministry had remitted money to the federation.

However, KRU swiftly responded to the allegations revealing that it had only received Sh31 million out of a budget of Sh124 million that they presented to and accepted by the Ministry of Sport after their main partner SportPesa pulled out.

“Following a meeting with the Ministry of Sports on January 10, it presented a budget of Ksh124m two days later. (January 12). A second meeting with the Ministry took place on January 15 before the KRU received a payment of Ksh 31mn in early February. This amount has been used to support our national squads in various assignments and we thank the Government for this,” a statement from KRU read.

“Several meetings between the Ministry and KRU have since taken place, the latest one on May 29 where assurances that part payment of the balance would be made to the KRU by June 5. No further payment has been received to date despite assurances to the contrary,” the statement added.

“Operations of the KRU have ground to a halt at a time when our two national squads, Simba and Shujaa are preparing for critical assignments in the coming days. In the absence of Government support, KRU is considering pulling all its representative squads out of international assignments.”

ALSO READ: Echesa speaks over Kenya 7s pay dispute

The Kenya 15s team are set to begin their Rugby World Cup qualification process with a match away to Morocco on June 23 and will have four other fixtures and training programs between now and August.

On their part, Shujaa are preparing for the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in San Francisco in July.

“In light of the fiasco in Paris this past weekend, the KRU will take action to make sure that this does not happen again,” KRU lamented.

All this erupted on Saturday during the opening Day of the final leg of the 2017/18 HSBC Sevens World Series in Paris where Kenya Sevens players protested their lack of payments by not wearing the jersey bearing the front shirt sponsors Brand Kenya under the logo ‘ Make It Kenya’.

Claims are that the players were demanding Sh100,000 each for the photo shoot they conducted during the launch of the new sponsors.

The post KRU considering pulling Shujaa, Simbas out of international assignments appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13- Struggling Wazito FC tackle Kenyan Premier League leaders Gor Mahia at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday afternoon on the backdrop of losing six key first team players in the mid-season transfer window.

Tough financial times at the club has forced several players to decamp with more said to be on their way out, a situation that leaves head coach Frank Ouna scratching his head over their future in the top tier league.

“It is definitely a tough call when you lose six first team players. All this boils down to the financial situation of the club because we have not yet found a sponsor since coming into the league. We are trying to see whether we can have some replacements,” Ouna noted.

Harun Nyakha and Joe Waithira both decamped to Nakumatt, Piston Mutamba moved to Sofapaka while Luis Tumba, Mark Odhiambo and Patience Lukige have all asked to be released as they pursue greener pastures.

The departure of the six leaves the team hugely punctured. Ouna has already brought on board experienced midfielder Erick Ochieng and Anthony Njeru from KCB FC as he looks to seal the loopholes.

“At this time I will change my approach a bit. I will not go in for young players but I will try to get players who are experienced in the league and who understand the situation we are in and can help pull us out. At this time I can’t say much about our future in the league until I get the players I need for the second leg,” the tactician noted.

In the midst of the storm, they come face-to-face with a team that’s on top of their game and still steaming in celebrations following their SportPesa Super Cup win.

The league leaders sit top of the standings with a two point buffer over second placed Mathare United and with a healthy five game deficit, Ouna knows, it is not an easy tie to go to.

“Definitely this is not the best time to play Gor because currently they are the best team in the country. My biggest challenge now is to rebuild the team and we start now. It will be a tough game for us definitely but we have to go in there and give our best,” the tactician noted.

Wazito sit at the basement of the standings with a meager 17 points off their first 18 games of top flight football and have lost six consecutive matches in the league. Their only win in that period was a 3-0 result against Nairobi Water in the FKF Shield.

Meanwhile, Gor will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season and head coach Dylan Kerr has warned his side not to take Wazito lightly.

“They have been struggling yes, but any team that comes to play against Gor Mahia takes it as a Cup final. It will definitely be a tough match because they want to be the first team to beat us,” warned the British coach.

He is expected to make changes to his starting 11 so as to give rest to some of his first team stars who played two matches within three days in the SportPesa Super Cup.

“It is very tough for me because every time I have to put in a different team because I have to look out for my players not to get too worked up. We have to look at who feels fresh physically and mentally then put out our best team to face Wazito,” further noted the coach.

A win for Gor will take them five points clear at the top of the standings as they look to keep in track to defend their crown. Kerr has also warned that his team wants to go in and fight for all the trophies they are competing for.

The post Light Wazito face steamy K’Ogalo in Kisumu appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13- Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Paul Nkata will take charge of his first league match on Wednesday afternoon when the side takes on Ulinzi Stars at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Nkata was hired by the club at the beginning of last week after the firing of Mike Mururi and as he prepares to take on the final 17 matches of the season, he hopes the lessons his boys picked from the SportPesa Super Cup.

Homeboyz finished fourth in the Super Cup after losing both their semi-final and third place play-off matches on penalties, incidentally on the same venue they play the soldiers on Wednesday.

‘It was a good opportunity for me to have a look at my players and get to know them more. I am happy with how we performed because we didn’t lose a game in 90 minutes. It is going to be a very good starting point for me and I am hopeful the performance can spur us into the league,” Nkata said.

The soldiers won the first leg 1-0 in Kakamega picking their first ever win against the side and Homeboyz will be coming in breathing revenge with Nkata hoping to start his tenure positively with a win.

Of their last seven meetings, Homeboyz has won twice, lost once while the rest of the fixtures ended in draws. Their last visit to Nakuru last season ended in a 1-0 win.

Four points separate the two teams in the standings, Ulinzi at fifth with 28 while Homeboyz are 10th with 24 points.  Ulinzi come into the tie on the backdrop of back-to-back losses while Homeboyz have won two of their last three league fixtures.

Meanwhile, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, a titanic battle awaits as AFC Leopards clash with third placed Sofapaka.

Batoto ba Mungu are enjoying brilliant form under new coach John Baraza, winning four of their last five games to push to within three points of leaders Gor Mahia, though they have played four matches more.

Baraza, who has managed to spin results off the side after a shaky start to the season, expects a huge battle against Ingwe but he says his charges have pumped up confidence after their recent run of wins.

“I think we are now playing better and the team work has improved. The confidence that comes with winning has also enabled us to keep our consistency but we know we face a very tough team in AFC,” Baraza acknowledged.

Fixtures between the two sides have been tight and over their last 19 league meetings, Sofapaka have won nine of those, losing seven while the remaining ended in draws. Batoto ba Mungu have won all the last four meetings between them including the first leg 2-1 victory late February.

AFC under new head coach Rodolfo Zapata have been unbeaten, but the side has picked up four consecutive draws before breaking the run with a 2-0 result against Thika United in their last league assignment.

In other fixtures to be played in midweek, Kariobangi Sharks will be at the Camp Toyoyo Ground taking on Nzoia Sugar in another top drawer fixture.

Nzoia at sixth and Sharks at eight have a similar run of form, picking two wins and two draws over their last four games.

KPL Midweek fixtures (All games kick off 3pm)

AFC Leopards v Sofapaka (Machakos), Ulinzi Stars v Kakamega Homeboyz (Nakuru), Kariobangi Sharks v Nzoia Sugar (Camp Toyoyo), Wazito v Gor Mahia (Kisumu).

The post Homeboyz take Super Cup lessons into KPL appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 11- Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medalist Edward Zakayo has warned decorated Ethiopian World Under-18 and World Under-20 Champion Selemon Barega of Ethiopia that he will be going in for revenge when the two clash at next month’s IAAF World Under-20 Championship in Tampere, Finland.

Berega, 18, beat Zakayo in the 3,000m on home ground during the 2017 IAAF World Under-18 Championships at the Kasarani Stadium and still bearing hurt one year later, Zakayo says he is ready for revenge.

“Barega beat me here in Nairobi last year and I wasn’t happy. Now, we will be in Finland and I will do my best to beat him and win gold. He is the only threat heading there and I don’t see anyone else as a big threat. It will be me versus him,” the 17-year old Form three student at Kapsait Secondary School said.

Whilst Zakayo went on to win bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in March, Berega who won the Under-20 title in Poland in 2016 has been on a roll winning silver at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham as well as top positions in the Eugene and Stockholm legs of the Diamond League.

Nonetheless, Zakayo who has immense self belief is confident that on a good day, he will be able to beat the Ethiopian.

“I have gained so much experience running with the seniors especially at the Commonwealth Games. I believe I am a better athlete now,” the 17-year old added.

Zakayo booked a ticket to Finland after winning the Athletics Kenya trials at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday and will be joined in the team by Stanley Waithaka who finished third at the Under-18 Championship last year.

Zakayo timed 13:19.74 while Waithaka clocked 13:23.67.

“It has been my dream to make the team to the Under-20 Championships and before the race, we talked with Waithaka and said we had to continue with the good work.”

“When we go to Finland, we have to win 1-2. The coach has also done well to prepare us and I am hopeful we will have more good moments,” he added.

Meanwhile, the athlete who wore spikes for the very first time in his life at the World Under-18 games said that athletics has hugely changed his life having come from a poor background in his native Narok South.

“Things have been better since then because I have been able to uplift my family and I paid all my outstanding school fees balance. Now I can smile and the only thing for me is work hard in training and in school with my studies,” Zakayo added.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, June 13 – Three top marathoners Mary Keitany, Geoffrey Kirui and Geoffrey Kamworor will spend the next five days at the Amboseli National Park, Diani Beach and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park after being rewarded by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for a fully paid vacation.

This is the second time that KTB is rewarding Kenya’s elite marathon runners with vacations under a programme that was launched in November 2017, with former marathon World Record holder Wilson Kipsang and Sarah Chepchirchir being the first beneficiaries.

Speaking during a press conference to announce the reward of the three marathoners, KTB Chief Executive Officer, Betty Radier has said the gesture is recognition of the important role that Kenyan athletes play in selling Kenya abroad.

“Kenyan marathon champions are undoubtedly our nation’s best ambassadors given that the races they participate in are held across Kenya’s key tourist source markets. Our champion athletes rub shoulders with ordinary citizens in the cities hosting the races as well as with professional athletes from other nations,” she said.

“As the body mandated with the task of marketing Kenya’s tourism products, we recognize the huge profile that our athletic heroes occupy on the world stage. We believe our marathon champions can help push Kenya as a top tourist destination in the various marathon events that they participate in,” the KTB CEO added.

Kirui topped the 2017 Boston Marathon men’s category, stopping the clock at 2:09:37 while Kamworor finished first in the 2017 New York City Marathon men’s division in 2:10: 53.

Superstar Keitany completed a Kenyan clean sweep at the Big Apple, clocking 2:17:01 to win the women’s category and becoming the second fastest female marathoner.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13- Gor Mahia have opened a five point gap at the top of the Kenyan Premier league standings after thrashing struggling Wazito FC 4-0 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday afternoon.

A brace from Boniface Omondi and a goal each from Meddie Kagere and Francis Kahata saw K’Ogalo retain their unbeaten run in the KPL while Wazito suffered a seventh consecutive loss.

In other midweek KPL results, Argentine Rodolfo Zapata picked his second win as AFC leopards coach as Ingwe beat Sofapaka 1-0 at the Kenyatta Stadium courtesy of Brian Marita’s 84^th minute goal.

At the Camp Toyoyo ground, Kariobangi Sharks won 2-1 against Nzoia Sugar to move to sixth in the standings while in Nakuru, hosts Ulinzi Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Kakamega Homeboyz.

In Machakos, Sofapaka will only have themselves to blame after missing the game’s best opportunities with Ingwe hitting late on off a counter attack.

-Waruru chance

Stephen Waruru had the first chance for the 2009 champions in the 10^th minute when a cross from Umaru Kasumba found him isolated in the box but his volley went straight to keeper Ezekiel Owade.

In the 23^rd minute, the former Ulinzi Stars hitman turned provider making a run on the right before cutting back a cross into the box, but a rushing Salim Abdallah managed to cut it off as Ezekiel Okare prepared to pull the trigger unmarked.

The final five minutes of the opening half were intense as both sides looked to close with a goal. In the 40^th minute, Mohammed Kilume’s shot from range went wide while two minutes later, Jaffery Owiti had a similar effort for AFC but it went begging as well.

In the second half Sofapaka sought to start strongly and Elli Asieche came cross with a shot from inside the six yard box off a corner, but the effort on the volley was blocked by the AFC defense.

On the hour mark, Kassumba had a brilliant chance to break the deadlock after being picked out by a looping ball from Asieche but he could not direct his volley on target.

-Two brothers, one team

AFC made changes, Aziz Okaka coming into the fray to join his younger brother Jaffery Owiti. Okaka almost made an immediate response when Marita’s cross from the right found him at the backpost but AFC keeper Mathias Kigonya made a brilliant point blank save.

With six minutes ot play, Sofapaka were punished on the counter when keeper Owade quickly launching play after making a save off Kassumba, the ball being flicked into Marita’s path at the edge of the box.

The former Western Stima man seeing Kigonya off his line lifted the ball over him to hand Ingwe the win.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13- Hopes of the World Cup coming to the African continent for the second time in history were dashed when Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 games failed after losing to a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Morocco in the voting process at FIFA’s Congress on Wednesday.

Morocco garnered only 65 of the 203 votes cast while the ‘United Bid’ gathered 134 votes, 67pc of the total cast. A total of 203 associations voted with the four bidding nations exempted. Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands did not enter to vote.

And just like president Gianni Infantino had promised in his quest for transparency and accountability, how each association voted was made public.

Kenya which had promised beforehand that they will be backing Morocco did not go back on their word with Nick Mwendwa pressing his vote in favor of the North Africans.

Kenya has been one of the beneficiaries of Morocco’s generosity, having hosted the Harambee Starlets in a 10-day camp prior to their participation at the African Women’s Cup of Nations in 2016 and most recently hosted Harambee Stars for two friendly matches against central Africa Republic and Comoros.

Africa was expected to vote as a bloc and it was almost so, save for 10 countries of the 51 that cast their votes. The entire CECAFA region backed Morocco, but the varieties came with the West and Southern Africans.

Interestingly, South Africa which hosted Africa’s first ever World Cup in 2010 did not vote for Morocco, instead opting for the United Bid.

Guinea, Liberia, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana all did not vote for the Moroccans.

Most of Europe went in favor of the United Bid, but interestingly, giants like Italy, Turkey, Netherlands, Belgium and Serbia voted in favor of Morocco. Brazil who hosted the 2014 showpiece also went for the North Africans.

Arabian countries were hugely in favor of Morocco’s bidding including 2022 hosts Qatar. However, Saudi Arabia voted in favor of the American bid.

Here is a breakdown of how each of the 203 Associations voted.

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 VOTE

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 15- Africa Under-20 800m champion Solomon Lekuta is eager to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, World Record Holder David Lekuta Rudisha and go on to be a household name in the two-lap race.

Lekuta who will be part of the Kenyan team to the IAAF World Under-20 Championship in Tampere, Finland from July 10-15 says he keenly follows his idol, the two-time Olympic and World Champion and hopes that once he hangs his spikes, the next name that causes shivers in the race will be his.

“It is an inspiration of sorts for me because I always look up to him. He has done very well for the country being the best in the world and one day I want to be just like him. Yes, many people think we are related but we are actually not. But it is a good thing to share names with him,” Lekuta told Capital Sport.

The 19-year old easily won the race at the Athletics Kenya national trials for the junior games, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:46.21 ahead of Kipng’etich Ng’eno who timed 1:46.49.

His season’s best this year is 1:46.16 while his Personal Best time is 1:45.4. This season, he has run in the Shanghai leg of the IAAF Diamond League where he finished ninth clocking 1:47.51.

“Running in the Diamond League gave me a lot of experience which will be valuable for me moving forward. When you run with better athletes, you get to know your strengths and weaknesses,” added Lekuta.

He now hopes to go to Finland and defend the title won by Kipyegon Bett two years ago in Bydgoszcz, Poland and is confident that he will be able to deliver the gold.

“I feel I am in very good shape and heading to Finland, we have to bring that title home. We will work with Ng’eno and ensure the title does not move away from Kenya,” he added.

Meanwhile, after missing out on the gold medal in the 400m Hurdles race at the World Under-18 Championship in Nairobi last year coming second behind South Africa’s Zazini Zozakhwana, Moitalel Mpoke has vowed to make amends and go for the junior title in Finland.

Mpoke clocked an impressive 50,88 to win the Athletics Kenya trials at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, beating James Mucheru, younger brother to 2016 Rio Olympics Silver medalist Boniface Mucheru.

The two however qualified for the games in Tampere, Finland.

“The first target was to qualify with my brother Mucheru and I am so glad that we finally did. We had worked so hard for this and before the race I told him, since we always train here (Kasarani), this is our home ground and we should win,” he said, emotions still running all over his face.

He added; “The next target for us now is to go and get a medal in Finland. I got silver here at the Under-18 games and my hope is to go and better that performance to get a gold medal.”

“I know there is a lot of competition especially from Bahamas and Jamaica but we will work hard to get that medal.”

Mpoke tried his luck at the Commonwealth Games trials early in February but could only finish fifth in his heat.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 15- With only one win in their last 11 games, second placed Mathare United will be looking for redemption when they host Vihiga United at the Camp Toyoyo Ground on Saturday afternoon.

Mathare, who started the season with superb form, will still be without head coach Francis Kimanzi who returned from national team duty and asked for a short extension to his leave for personal reasons.

Mathare’s last win was a blanking 3-1 victory over Zoo Kericho in Machakos, but before then, their previous win was on April 8 against Tusker FC.

In the 11 games that followed, they have picked six draws and lost four times, seeing them drop five points behind leaders Gor Mahia who have played four matches less.

A win against a struggling Vihiga on Saturday will hoist them to within two points of Gor and it they will be under pressure to pick up maximum points and get their league title campaign back on track.

Despite the gulf of difference between them and the leaders, forward Clifford Alwanga whose goal scoring prowess has played a vital role in lifting Mathare believes they still have an opportunity to vie for the title.

“The team is playing well and everybody has the belief that we can do it (win the league) this season. Morale is high and personally I am motivated to help the team achieve its target by scoring as many goals as possible,” Alwanga told the club’s official website.

The former KCB and Tusker FC man has scored 10 times already this season having made his debut in the first leg against Saturday’s opponents scoring both goals in their 2-1 win.

Alwanga will be high in hope to add on to his tally as he chases down leader Elvis Rupia of Nzoia whose scintillating form has seen him hit the back of the net 15 times this season.

“I will continue working hard in training because 15 matches are enough for me to overtake Rupia. It is possible with the right commitment and focus,” Alwanga further told the club’s official site.

Vihiga meanwhile come into the tie with huge struggles of their own having lost all their last three matches. They have lost to Zoo Kericho, Bandari and Thika United, all in 1-0 margins.

Their record away from home hasn’t been the best as they have won on only two of the 10 occasions they have been on the road.

Mathare has been boosted with the return of defender Johnston Omurwa and midfielder Chris Oduor who have been away with the national team in India. Skipper George ‘Wise’ Owino has also returned to training after recovering from a hairline fracture, but will not be fit enough to make the squad.

-Bottom side battle- 

Elsewhere, the Kericho Green Stadium will host a possible relegation brawl when bottom sides Zoo Kericho and Sony Sugar battle out, each looking to crawl off the drop zone. Zoo are 15th in the standings with 19 points while Zoo are second from bottom with 17.

The Sugar Millers, who have roped in experienced players to aid their push off the bottom won the first leg 1-0 in Awasi and having won their last game 3-1 against Nakumatt, they will be keen to pick back to back victories.

Zoo also come into the tie with some boosted confidence having picked up a 1-0 win away to Vihiga United in midweek.

KPL weekend fixtures:

Saturday: Mathare United v Vihiga United (Camp Toyoyo), Zoo Kericho v Sony Sugar (Kericho Stadium), AFC Leopards v Chemelil Sugar (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos).

Sunday: Nakumatt v Kakamega Homeboyz (Camp Toyoyo), Nzoia Sugar v Gor Mahia (Moi Stadium, Kisumu), Sofapaka v Thika United (Narok Stadium), Kariobangi Sharks v Posta Rangers (Camp Toyoyo), Tusker FC v Wazito FC (Ruaraka), Ulinzi Stars v Bandari (Afraha Stadium, Nakuru).

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 17- It took Vivian Cheruiyot three attempts at the distance to get it absolutely right but it wouldn’t be fair to say her win at this year’s London Marathon was simply a case of third-time lucky.

The outcome was the result of a more rounded and robust preparation.

The Kenyan covered more miles in training in the build-up and combined it with a game-plan which was mindful of Cheruiyot’s condition, the experience of her debut last year when she faded to fourth, and the fact the race was billed as a world record attempt.

Mary Keitany and Tirunesh Dibaba both started aggressively in pursuit of Paula Radcliffe’s mark in conditions which Keitany later reflected were not conducive for such exploits but Cheruiyot – unlike last year when she described herself as “totally kaput in the last half” – still had plenty in reserve at the corresponding checkpoint in 1:08:56, one minute slower than in her debut last year.

But not only was Cheruiyot on course to run a big lifetime best, she was still within striking distance if either of the leaders faltered. They both did. She caught Dibaba in the 19th mile before reeling in Keitany four miles later.

This performance was Cheruiyot’s arrival into the big-time at the distance, moving to fourth on the world all-time list with 2:18:31.

It was a masterclass in strategy and pace judgement (there was only a 13-second discrepancy in her four 10km segments: 32:53, 32:39, 32:51, 32:49) and a performance which was respectful of both the conditions and the distance.

“Based on her training, I had a good idea what she was capable of running,” said her coach and manager Ricky Simms. “I have coached Vivian for 14 years and we have a very good understanding.

“I didn’t know what the other girls could run but I knew that going out in 1:07:30 was too fast for her. We studied previous performances in the London Marathon over the past 15 years and, more often than not, even splits – or even negative splits – produced more success than a large differential.

“Last year Vivian went off very fast and paid the price in the final stages,” he added. “She did not want to repeat that again this year.”

-Getting to grips with the distance

Last year’s debut was a tough baptism for Cheruiyot, although a fourth-place finish in 2:23:50 was by no means a poor showing for a newcomer to the distance.

She won her second attempt at the distance at the Frankfurt Marathon in October with a near identical time of 2:23:35 in cold and windy conditions which Cheruiyot expresses a distaste for.

But as solid as her first two marathons were, they were not quite on a level with her fantastic times and performances over 5000m and 10,000m.

“Vivian was one of the best track runners in the history of the sport but it took her some time to change her mentality from track training to marathon training,” said Simms. “She learned a lot in her first two marathons and this helped her to be successful in London.

“As someone who was at the top of the world on the track, it was hard for her to not be immediately successful in marathon. We expected her to run about 2:20 on her debut but her first half last year ruined her chances of doing so. She was running most of the race in Frankfurt at 2:19-2:20 pace but a strong wind blew away a fast time and she slowed a lot in the final 10 to 15 kilometres.

“Our aim for London this year was to be strong in the latter part of the race, unlike her two previous races,” he said.

Cheruiyot extolled the virtues of being patient and “running comfortably” at the winners’ press conference. While reluctant to discuss the prospect of challenging the world record any time soon, the consensus in the Cheruiyot camp is there is still room for improvement.

Cheruiyot said she is “learning about the event” and while her preparations were better than they were for her two marathons in 2017, it was “still not close to perfect”, according to Simms.

Cheruiyot missed one week of training in early March due to a bout of flu and she was forced to miss another week after the New York Half Marathon on 18 March.

She was taken to hospital after extreme breathing problems caused by the cold temperatures forced her to drop out. “This is not in the ‘how to prepare for a marathon’ textbook,” said Simms.

Cheruiyot increased her weekly mileage to an average of 100-110 miles at her base in Kaptagat where she is aided by a group of male pacemakers with her husband Moses overseeing her programme.

Looking ahead, there is scope to further increase the volume as Cheruiyot gets stronger and more used to the rigours of marathon training.

“We had to very gradually increase her mileage to ensure her body could handle it,” said Simms. “Looking ahead, she can definitely add more volume – in line with what other top marathon runners are doing – but also run high mileage for a longer period.  She may not be an athlete that needs to run very high mileage compared to some others.”

-Keeping the winning habit on the road to tokyo

Having won two world titles at 5000m, two at 10,000m and the 2016 Olympic title at 5000m, Cheruiyot’s esteemed career on the track was defined by her excellent championship record.

This is the approach they will assume over the marathon distance with race victories – not fast times – being the foremost goal.

“Vivian definitely has the potential to run faster but with the marathon you never know what you are going to do on the day and you don’t get that many attempts when you are fully healthy on a fast course with good weather,” says Simme.

“For Vivian it will be about trying to win races and hopefully she will be able to improve her time if she gets to run on one of the fast courses.”

Cheruiyot confirmed at the press conference she has fully retired from the track but that is not to say she is altogether done with championship racing. There aren’t any races on the immediate itinerary but the Tokyo Olympics – which would be her fifth Games – very much feature in the long-term plans.

“I think we will take it step by step,” said Simms. “It is important for her to be consistent at the level she is at now, stay healthy and try to move forward. It would be great if she could have the option to run at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Olympic Games but unfortunately the Kenyan selection system does not allow us to plan in this way.

“She has one gold, two silvers and one bronze from previous Olympic Games,” adds Simms. “I know she would like to add another gold in Tokyo.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 17- After seeing his contract terminated at Bulgarian top tier side Slavia Sofia, Harambee Stars left back Aboud Omar has opened a new chapter in his career joining newly promoted Belgian top tier side Cercle Brugge ahead of the new season.

Omar’s move to Brugge was announced by the club on Saturday evening and he is set to join his fellow Kenyan Johannah Omollo who joined the club at the start of last season helping them to gain promotion to the top tier after winning the promotion play-off.

“We are happy to announce the arrival of Omar. He is a player with many qualities, who will certainly make progress and will show himself this season in the Jupiler Pro League,” Brugge Sports director François Vitali is quoted as saying on the official club website.

The left back who has formerly played for Kenyan Premier League sides Tusker FC and Bandari FC had been scouted by various clubs in the Belgian top tier, but eventually made the decision to move to Brugge.

Cercle have played in the Belgian Pro League since the 2003–04 season, having previously spent several years in the Belgian Second Division following relegation in 1997.

Omar was sacked by Sofia two months ago after personal differences with the team which accused him of lacking respect for the club, teammates and the country, seeing his contract cut short.

But in response, Omar accused the club of high handedness saying problems started as soon as he expressed interest to leave the club with his contract almost lapsing.

The move will be a huge plus for the left back as he seeks to catch the eye of new Harambee Stars boss Sebastien Migne with Belgium offering him a better chance to grow in a competitive environment.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 17- Goalkeeper Lucas Indeche scored from 70 yards out to put the icing on the cake as relegation battling Nakumatt revenged for their first leg 2-0 loss beating Kakamega Homeboyz 6-1 at the Camp Toyoyo Ground on Sunday morning.

Nakumatt who have been in resurgence since the take-over by city politician Francis Mureithi picked a vital three points that catapulted them to 12^th in the standings with 23 points, further injecting some confidence into their fight to avoid the chop.

Indeche’s goal which beat his opposite number Mike Wanyika in comical fashion put to the end Nakumatt’s dominance after Cornelius Juma stepped off the bench to score a brace adding on to goals from Kevin Thairu, Tom Adwar and Boniface Mukhekhe.

Homeboyz new coach Paul Nkata continued his search for a maiden win since taking over with his first game in charge last week ending in a 1-1 draw with Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru.

Nakumatt had a perfect start to the match with Boniface Mukhekhe striking them into the lead within the opening minute of the game with a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box after Homeboyz’s clearance of a corner fell on his path.

Ten minutes later, Nakumatt were wheeling away celebrating their second goal after Tom Adwak’s powerful header off a Moses Odhiambo freekick found keeper Mike Wanyika off his guard, the ball bouncing off the inside off the upright into the net.

Nakumatt were dominant from the start,, commanding possession and passing the ball sweetly around the park.

In the 26^th minute, Moses Chikati almost turned the ball into his own net as he attempted to cut off a powerfully inswinging freekick from Odhiambo. From the resultant corner Timonah Wanyonyi wasted a glorious opportunity directing a header wide unmarked from Kevin Thairu’s delivery.

Homeboyz started growing into the match and they had a chance in the 28^th minute when Eston Esiye picked the ball off an error from Wanyonyi but his powerful shot was fisted away by Lucas Indeche in the Nakumatt goal.

Four minutes later though, they halved the deficit and revived their hopes of a comeback when Andrew Waisswa rose above everyone else in the box to head home a corner from Noah Wafula on the second attempt after his first was cut short by the defense.

The goal aroused some fighting spirit from the visitors and they pressed more. Wafula had an effort in the 35^th minute with a shot from range which was tipped over the bar for a corner by Indeche.

Nakumatt thought they had a third seven minutes to half time when Wanyonyi tapped the ball home from a Thairu pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

In the second half, Nakumatt enjoyed a similar start to the one they had in the opening half, scoring within the opening minute. Substitute Brian Nyakan who had come on for John Njoroge made an immediate impact delivering a cross from the left which was headed home by Thairu.

Wafula almost made a response on the other end for Homeboyz in the seventh minute but his shot from the right was punched away by Indeche.

On the turn of play, Nakumatt almost made it 4-1 when Juma broke into the box but his shot was saved by Wanyika.

However in the 67^th minute, he made amends with a sweet finish from inside the box after outmuscling Waisswa inside the box.

He completed his brace five minutes later in the same fashion this time running into a Thairu through pass before shooting low past Wanyika.

Indeche then put the icing on the cake with a sumptuous goal, his long range shot from almost 70 metres out finding Wanyika off his line.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 17- Ebrimmah Sanneh stepped off the bench to score a 75^th minute winner as Kariobangi Sharks beat Posta Rangers 1-0 at the Camp Toyoyo Ground to pick their third win on the trot to move to fifth in the standings.

The game seemed to be headed for a toughly fought 0-0 draw, but Sanneh rose in the midst of lanky Posta defenders to power a header past Patrick Matasi.

A tough tactical approach from both sides meant chances in the opening half were few and far in between. Posta head coach Sammy Omollo put up a defensive shield with the returning Jockins Atudo starting o the left side of defense while Suleiman Ngotho was employed on the right.

Posta had the first chance of the game in the ninth minute when Atudo’s powerfully struck freekick from range was pushed behind the bar for a corner by Sharks keeper John Oyemba.

None of the two sides threatened much, most of the battle reduced to the middle of the pack each of the two sides muscling out for possession.

In the 32^nd minute, a deep cross from Patillah Omotto found George Abege at the far post but the lanky Ugandan could not connect a header on target.

A minute to the break, Omotto had a chance for himself when he pulled off a shot from range, but the effort went inches wide with keeper Matasi beaten.

In the second half, Posta started off strongly and within the opening minute, Dennis Mukaisi attempting to catch keeper Oyemba off his feet with a dinking effort from the left but the shot stopper managed to backtrack and tip the ball over for a corner.

On the other end, a brilliant square ball from Abege found Fidel Origa running in from the right, but the midfielder’s connecting shot was awry going wide.

Looking to inject some fresh attacking feet introduced the speedy Harrison Mwenda for Origa while new signing Moses Mwangi came on for Bolton Omwenga.

Posta continued to push for a win having picked victory in only one of their last five games. They almost broke the deadlock in the 67^th minute but Oyemba pulled off a brilliant save to pluck the ball off the top corner from a superbly taken Joseph Mbugi volley.

A minute later, Jerry Santo also came close with a header off an Ochieng long throw which went wide. On a counter, Posta had another chance when Jeremiah Wanjala cut back a cross for Mukaisi but he shot wide.

Having survived, Sharks made use of their chance 15 minutes to time when Mwenda’s run on the left gifted him space and he put in a cross that was well headed home by Sanneh

Sharks almost doubled their lead at the stroke of fulltime but Atudo made  goal-line clearance to deny Abege who had picked up a cross from Mwenda.

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