Sharks end Matano’s perfect Tusker run

Kariobangi Sharks snapped Tusker FC’s three-match winning run as they claimed a 2-1 victory to hand Robert Matano his first loss since his managerial return to the Brewers.

Pascal Ogweno and Eric Kapaito scored in the opening half to put Sharks in control and their healthy lead looked barely under any sort of threat until Boniface Muchiri pulled one back for the hosts late on.

The win meant Sharks ended a seven-match winless streak as they climbed up to eighth on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) table, level on 20 points with Kakamega Homeboyz although they have a superior goal difference.

Homeboyz had been buoyed by a 2-0 win over Chemelil Sugar at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County thanks to goals from Allan Wanga and substitute Hassan Kikoyo as climbed off the relegation zone.

At the Thika Sub-County Stadium, John Kamande started his managerial debut for Thika United on awinning note as they condemned Sony Sugar to a 3-1 defeat.

Elsewhere at the Camp Toyoyo Grounds in Nairobi, David Odhiambo played a starring role as his brace helped Nzoia Sugar to an impressive 2-1 win over Posta Rangers to go seventh on the KPL log, level on 22 points with sixth-placed AFC Leopards.

At the Ruaraka Grounds where Matano was seeking his fourth successive win at Tusker, the visitors made a dream start as Ogweno put them in front from the penalty spot inside just three minutes.

Kapaito made it two to the good for William Muluya’s men as he tucked home their second with a headed finish to ensure they took a comfortable lead into the break.

Tusker came back fighting after the interval, creating several chances but were denied by a brilliant performance from goalkeeper John Oyemba.

Oyemba was finally beaten in the 90th minute as Muchiri drove home what would only serve as his side’s consolation.

-Report by Robbie Chome and Martin Ngeleso.