Sharks Coach Muluya rues Juma absence in Leopards draw

Kariobangi Sharks Coach William Muluya rued the absence of his star forward Masoud Juma as AFC Leopards shut his replacements out in Saturday’s barren draw at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The result saw the two clubs, who meet again in just under a fortnight for their GOtv Shield finals showdown, remain unmoved in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings on a day of upset results.

Western Stima were 2-1 winners at home to Bandari FC while bottom table club Muhoroni Youth edged a seven-goal thriller away at Nakumatt to win 4-3, claiming a first victory in six matches.

Hosts Zoo Kericho FC defeated Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 while Ulinzi Stars rallied from a goal down to draw 1-1 and rescue a point at Sony Sugar.

“We were good but lacked the alertness needed to convert chances in the box. Of course when you miss a player of his (Juma) calibre, your best scorer, you feel your team is incomplete. We look forward to have a better result in the GOtv final,” Muluya told Citizen Digital.

Muluya started Calvin Odongo up front but the former Posta Rangers striker failed to give his side the same incision Juma provides and laboured to break down the visiting defence.

The Sharks were also without Patillah Omotto who, alongside Juma, is away on international duty as well as fellow attacker Ovella Ochieng who has been attending trials at Swedish club Djurgaden.

Leopards Head Coach Robert Matano said the result was ‘fair’ with his side also deprived of two internationals, assistant captain Robinson Kamura and Dennis Shikayi.

Forwards Vincent Oburu and Aziz Okaka also limped off with injuries.