Resilient Nzoia fight back to hold Nakumatt FC

A controversial last minute penalty denied Nakumatt FC all the three points as Nzoia United fought back to earn a 1-1 draw and maintain their unbeaten run in the National Super League (NSL) in a top-of-the-table clash held at the Ruaraka Stadium on Wednesday.

Joshua Oyoo scuffled in an unlikely opener for the hosts in the 70th minute with a long range effort before Nzoia’s top scorer, Masita Masuta, pulled his side level from the spot in stoppage time as the match went from a lackluster first half to an eventful second half.

Bernard Mwalala’s Nzoia came into the clash only three days after being knocked out of the GOtv Shield quarter finals by Ulinzi Stars but were on a hot five-match winning streak, with Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions – Gor Mahia – falling to their sword along the way.

The first half was a cagey affair, both sides looking comfortable to just prod the ball around and making no real attempts to create opening chances.

A teasing shot from Christopher Wekesa in the tenth almost gave Nakumatt’s Head Coach, Giovanni Troani, a dream start but Nzoia’s custodian, Benson Mangala, was equal to it.

Masuta created the visitors’ only chance of the half in the 37^th as he set up Edwin Walumoli but Nakumatt’s goalkeeper, Charles Ouma, raced off his line to thwart the midfielder’s effort.

Nakumatt’s Juma Cornelius saw his effort fly off target ten minutes after the restart before Masuta headed over from a Bolton Omwenga cross in the other end of the pitch.

There were little clear cut chances created with a succession of niggly tackles and three yellow cards dominating the better parts of the second half.

The game burst to life with only 20 minutes to play as Oyoo robbed Lawrence Juma of the ball, and rifled in the opener with a ferocious half-volley that dipped past the helpless Mangala.

The visitors found themselves in a position they hardly expected; chasing a game they had dominated all afternoon. They almost found the equalizer through substitute Moses Shavanga but the forward’s attempted lob sailed inches over the crossbar with Ouma off his lines.

Just when Nakumatt thought they had won it, an unfortunate mishap saw full-back Nicholas Mejja handle the ball in the penalty area from his own attempted clearance to leave the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

Masuta stepped up to take upon the duty, tucking in the spot kick expertly to the keeper’s left. He was however forced to retake it after a teammate was adjudged to have stepped inside the box by the referee but he had no problem, sticking it right at the same corner.

The result sees Nzoia retain their six-point lead at the summit of the NSL after 24 rounds.