Nzoia edge Western derby, Zoo flounder in KPL

Nzoia United raced from behind to overcome derby rivals Kakamega Homeboyz 2-1 in an entertaining Kenyan Premier League clash at the Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.

Playing at home, Homeboyz needed no invitation as Charles Momanyi thrust them into the lead in the second minute before Lawrence Juma pulled level with four minutes before the break.

With the tie poised to end in a stalemate, Edwin Wafula converted from the spot after Charles Momanyi had been penalized for handling the ball in the box.

Elsewhere at the Kericho Green Stadium, Zoo FC’s floundering start to the top flight showed no signs of stopping as they slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat in the hands of Sofapaka FC.

That Sofapaka were 2-0 up inside the first seven minutes is testament to the gulf in class that needs to be breached by Zoo and with the final score reading 3-0, the side that occupies rock bottom of the table is yet to score a single league goal this term.

Ezekiel Okare opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Paul Odhiambo doubled the visitor’s advantage three minutes later as the home fans were treated to an opening horror show.

Odhiambo grabbed his brace at the hour mark to seal the win and ensure his side moved into third, level on 10 points with Bandari FC and AFC Leopards who are second and fourth.

At the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bandari humbled 10-man Thika United 3-0 with former Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserunkuma bagging a brace and Darius Msagha adding the final.

Sserunkuma scored the first from the spot in the 24th minute, before Msagha added the second six minutes to the break. It took the Ugandan only four minutes after the restart to put the tie beyond Thika’s reach.

The visitors woes would be compounded in the 82nd when Joel Tata was given his marching orders, leaving the James Nandwa-coached side in danger of conceding more till the last whistle.

Leopards bounced back to winning ways after against Muhoroni Youth with Allan Kateregga’s 35th minute strike proving the all important goal.

In another encounter, Western Stima and Chemelil Sugar battled to a barren stalemate.

Following the results, Bandari, Ingwe and Sofapaka are tied at 10 points, in second, third and fourth places respectively just above Chemelil, Posta Rangers and Ulinzi Stars all with 8 points in that sequence.

Nzoia leapt to eighth, while Western Stima escaped the relegation zone albeit temporarily pending Monday’s matches.