Cold Tusker fire blanks as KCB rise to NSL summit

It was a dour afternoon at the Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi as Kariobangi Sharks played out to their second successive barren draw, holding Tusker at their home turf on Wednesday.

At the Moi Stadium in Kisumu, Boniface Akenga climbed off the bench to save Nakumatt’s blushes, as his strike ensured for shared spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw with relegation threatened Western Stima, who are feeling the heat of the dog fight.

Stima had earlier on opened their accounts through Brian Marita but it was not enough as the noose tightens on their KPL future.

In Kericho,  hosts Zoo Kericho settled for a 2-2 draw against visiting Nzoia Sugar at the Green Stadium.

Danson Namasaka and Geoffrey Gichana were on target for the hosts, while Lawrence Juma and Vincent Ngesa replied for the travelling Nzoia.

In Nairobi, Noah Wafula tested Sharks goalkeeper John Oyemba early in the game, but his tame effort was easily picked up.

Tusker’s Brian Osumba fired the next warning but was unable to trouble Oyemba, as his shot from long range fizzled off target.

Winger Elly Asieche created the visitor’s first chance, whipping a cross toward Calvin Odongo but the brewers skipper, James Situma, got in the way to intercept and clear.

Tusker enjoyed the better start to the second half, intensifying their search for the opening goal with a flurry of attacks with Sharks  soaking the pressure, with a plot to sting on the break.

Collins Shivachi blasted two free-kicks wide from promising positions as the home side continued to press. The defender should have made it 1-0, but he headed wide from close range after a neat delivery from Asike.

The Sharks were seeing less of the ball in the second half, having been pegged inside their own half.

Wafula missed yet another chance, this time after being fed through by Jackson Macharia, dragging his shot just wide off the mark.

Sharks finally broke away, creating two chances in quick succession for Masoud Juma and substitute Ebrima Sanneh, yet the breakthrough was still not forthcoming.

Lloyd Wahome missed what would be the last clear cut chance of the match, scooping his shot over the bar inside the six-yard area.

Meanwhile, KCB went top of the National super League after a 1-0 win over stiff challengers Vihiga United on Wednesday.

Summarized Results

Tusker 0-0 K Sharks

W Stima 1-1 Nakumatt

Zoo Kericho 2-2 Nzoia Sugar

KCB 1-0 Vihiga United