St. Joseph overpower Police in NSL five-goal thriller

A last-gasp header saved St. Joseph FC’s blushes as they overcame Police FC 3-2 in an entertaining National Super League (NSL) clash at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Saturday.

St. Joseph were cruising to the three points when they opened the scoring in the second minute and added a second in the 18th with the cops staggering in the opening blitz.

However, St. Joseph FC’s backline buckled under Police pressure in the second half, with Stephen Onyango halving the deficit in the 37th minute.

Dennis Nzomo restored parity 40 minutes later, with St Joseph looking out of sorts in defense and in the middle of the pack where they had dominated so well in the first half.

They were to have the last laugh after goalkeeper Collins Omondi failed to deal with a routine cross into the box and handed St. Joseph the chance to win all three points.

Police Team Manager, Charles Korea Omondi rued the dropped points in the game, laying the blame squarely on the keeper and the failure to be awarded a penalty in the second half.

“We did so well to come from 2-0 down but my goalkeeper let me down a bit. And I don’t understand how the assistant referee awards a penalty but the centre referee ignores that. We should have had a penalty.”

In Ruaraka, Moyas FC left it late to salvage a point against Nairobi Stima after they fell to Congolese import Yema Mwana’s effort in the 20th.

They however, equalised in the 89th through Francis Nyambaka’s beautifully placed finish.

Nairobi Stima Chairman, Vincent Onyango was satisfied with the electricity men’s efforts, though he had complaints about the playing surface.

“The ground is not good at all. It’s too bumpy and after the rains it was just unplayable. It’s not bad just for us but for the other teams too. Something should be done,” he lamented.

He said, ahead of their meeting with Wazito FC next week, they are not underestimating any team, “including the last one on the log.”

In another match Saturday, Zoo Kericho jumped above Kariobangi Sharks into third when they beat Kisumu based Palos FC 2-0 in a match held at a wet Kericho Stadium.

After Saturday’s round of matches, Nzoia Sugar remain on the top of the log with 57 points, six ahead of Nakumatt FC.

Zoo rose to 47, followed by Sharks on 44 and Vihiga United on 43 ahead of their Sunday fixture against Shabana FC.