Sofapaka go top as Sharks down Nzoia

Sofapaka FC took charge of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title race on Wednesday after John Avire’s first half winner gave them a 1-0 victory over AFC Leopards in Kakamega.

The victory took them top of the KPL table standings on 33 points, one ahead of second-placed Bandari FC who have two games in hand while Mathare United could replace them at the top if they beat Kakamega Homeboyz on Tuesday.

In the Matchday’s other league fixtures, Kariobangi Sharks defeated Nzoia Sugar 1-0 thanks to Eric Kapaito’s goal while Chemelil Sugar defeated Western Stima 2-0 away at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium.

In Kasarani, Kapaito’s winner helped reignite Sharks’ fading title challenge as it took them into fifth on the standings.

Sharks were by far the superior side with the super trio of Duke Abuya, Sydney Lokale and Eric Kapaito forcing Nzoia into an early retreat with rapid attacking moves.

Kapaito found the breakthrough in the 20th minute after some remarkable work from Lokale who teed up his fellow forward for an easy finish past Nzoia goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi.

Lokale missed a crucial chance in the 49th to give to gift the Sharks a second goal after beating the Nzoia backline but his shot hit the cross bar .

Eric Kapaito missed  an open  chance to extend Shark’s lead later on  in the 56th minute  from a well executed Harrison Mwendwa’s pass from the left flank but his header went  over the crossbar.

Substitute Henry Juma missed a one on one chance to seal the lead for the Sharks but his shot rolled into the waiting gloves of Nzoia’s goalie.

Gabriel Wandera’s shot from 18 yards in tbe 86th minute as  well as Hansel Ochieng’ several attempts to JumpStart Nzoia’s goal hunting campaign bore no fruits.