Zoo cage Vihiga as Sharks tear Rangers apart in NSL

Zoo Kericho and Kariobangi Sharks gave their promotion hopes from the National Super League (NSL) a shot in the arm after beating Vihiga United and Modern Coast Rangers in Saturday’s round of fixtures.

The relentless march of second-tier leaders, Nzoia United towards playing in the Kenyan Premier League next season continued after completing a 2-1 victory over visiting Moyas FC to improve their tally at the summit of the standings to 67 points, 12 clear of second placed Nakumatt FC who play on Sunday.

Lethal striker Masita Bitolwa Masuta put Nzoia ahead in the 18th minute before the unbeaten front runners were stunned shortly after the break when Collins Okeyo fashioned an equaliser in the 55th.

Luke Namanda claimed maximum points with the winner in the 77th at their Kanduyi Stadium fortress in Bungoma to stretch the unbeaten run of the former two time national champions in the NSL this season to 27.

The match of the day was without doubt the encounter at Kericho Green Stadium between the hosts Zoo who started the day in fourth behind visiting in form Vihiga who were above them only on goal difference.

Nicholas Kipkurui was the hero for his side at a packed stadium when he settled the keenly fought contest with his strike in the 32nd, handing Vihiga only their third defeat of the season as Zoo jumped above them to third on 53.

Joining them on 53 but behind on goal difference were Sharks who inched up a place to fourth after making short work of Rangers at the Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani in romping to a 3-0 victory.

Former Gor Mahia ace and Sharks skipper, Ibrahim Kitawi notched a brace, opening the scoring with a first half screamer and rounding off the scoring from the spot in the dying embers of the game. John Macharia added the third.

Basement side Shabana FC are all but doomed after a Nasoor Hassan second half double in the 52nd and 70th minutes led visiting Ligi Ndogo to a 2-1 victory at the Awendo Green Stadium.

Timothy Atanga had managed to fashion an equaliser in the 65th to give Shabana hope against the side immediately above them on the log who improved to 19, ten points clear of the fallen former Gusii top flight giants.

Elsewhere, FC Talanta silenced Agro Chemicals 2-0 at home as Wazito FC earned a rare away victory at St. Joseph’s FC.