Cruel return for Medo as Sofapaka put Mt. Kenya to the sword

Mount Kenya United coach Melis Medo endured a hostile reception on his return to Sofapaka as his basement side were crushed 3-1 in a round 19 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) showdown at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday afternoon.

Winger Michael Oduor capped the colourful afternoon for Sofapaka with a wonderful second half quick fire brace as Batoto Ba Mungu lengthened their stay atop the KPL log.

Skipper Stephen Waruru got the game going four minutes from kick off as he calmly tapped in the ball from a Titus Achesa’s left footed free kick, giving John Baraza’s side a much needed early lead and taking his tally of the season to four goals.

The visiting goal keeper needed some attention 18 minutes into the game after suffering a knock from Sofapaka new signing, the well-built forward Ronald Okoth who had been set up by a marvelous ball from the middle of the pack.

Medo’s side enjoyed a slightly fatter chunk of the ball and dictating much of the play in the opening half as they pushed for the equalizer with Joseph Wanyonyi’s 25th ferocious strike outside the area being parred by custodian Justin Ndikumana.

Medo’s efforts bore fruit two minutes later as Wanyonyi beat the helpless Ndikumana with a finely curled shot to draw the two sides level and taking his season tally to four goals.

The opening half came two a close with two sides level, a half that left coach Baraza with much to do during the break, withdrawing debutant Okoth in favour of Ellie Asieche.

The tactical switch proved important as the league leaders dominated the game in the second half creating numerous chances with Michael Oduor being denied by Odhiambo on a one-on-one situation after he was set up by Emerging Stars striker Pistone Mutamba’s header in the 61st minute.

A minute later Oduor was back to terrorize Odhiambo as he slotted home from the right inside the penalty area, Mutamba again the supplier, restoring Sofapaka’s lead much to the relief of the host coach.

With less than two minutes gone, the winger doubled the 2009 KPL champions lead as he tapped in Brain Magonya’s low cross swung in from the right corner and registering a brace for the day.

Odhiambo firmly held onto Achesa’s free kick moments later, after Amani Kyata fouled Magonya fouled at the edge of the box.

The match came to an interesting close, Odhiambo being given matching orders by centre referee Caroline Wanjala for handling the ball outside his area in bid to stop Waruru from getting his second of the day after being set up by a fine lob.

The American tactician was called to an anticipated switch in tactic and personnel as second half substitute and outfield player Brian Nyakan got between the sticks, the visitors having used all their permitted changes before the red card incident.

The match day 19 saw Sofapaka register a fourth in on the bounce cementing their lead atop the KPL log on 36 points, one above Gor Mahia who have played three games less.