Nakumatt, Sharks lose ground in barren NSL stalemate

National Super League (NSL) giants Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt FC played to a barren draw at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Monday to give Zoo Kericho FC’s bid to earn promotion into the country’s top flight league a shot in the arm.

It was a classic end to end encounter that was otherwise blighted by the glaring lack of goals and – coincidentally – the result meant three consecutive league stalemates for both teams who have now lost considerable grounds to second-placed Zoo.

In the day’s other NSL fixture, Job Endriseh was the hero as KCB beat Oserian 1-0 at the Camp Toyoyo but remained sixth on 51 points, three behind fifth-placed Vihiga United.

Sharks started the better of the two and almost took a 14th minute lead but striker Rodgers Omondi shot wide after good work from Yidah Sven. Sloppy defending from the hosts’ backline nine minutes later allowed Sharks their second chance but winger Asieche Elli fired straight at goalkeeper, Charles Ouma.

The visitors continued to mount pressure on their opponents, bossing possession but created limited chances with Nakumatt’s tightly knit defence – which has only let in one goal in their last five outings – shutting them out.

Omondi was presented the opportunity to atone for his spurned chance earlier on when he won a free-kick just at the edge of the penalty area after being hacked down by Daniel Musoti. However, his effort was well saved by Ouma.

Nakumatt soon imposed themselves on the game, capitalizing on a mispass from Kevin Ndungu to launch a quick counter-attacking move but John Njoroge failed to apply the finishing touch.

The visitors then introduced their top scorer, Boniface Akenga, for the off-pace Odongo Tayo in the 63rd minute and his impact was instantly felt as his pressure on the opposition defence resulted in a foul outside the 18 yard area but once again Ouma came out on top of the attack.

-Report by Richard Obaga