•Matano is pleased motivational talk to his playing unit finally paid dividends
•Bandari suffered a 2-1 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Stadium to fall five behind Sofapaka
Image: FILE
Dennis Oliech’s brace inspired Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia to a comfortable 4-0 win over Zoo Kericho to pile pressure on leaders Sofapaka, who beat basement side Mt. Kenya 3-1 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Oliech would have bagged his first hat-trick since returning to competitive football had he not missed a spot kick while Kenneth Muguna and Nicholas Kipkirui added a goal a piece for the rampant champions at the Kericho Green Stadium.
Meanwhile, Tusker coach Robert Matano is pleased that the motivational talk to his playing unit finally paid dividends as the 11-time champions ended their five-match winless run after edging Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 at Ruaraka grounds.
The Brewers had lost four and drawn once in their last five matches, putting Matano’s job on the line but the veteran tactician revealed that his motivational talk and encouragement changed the mentality of the players and gave their all against Sharks to end their skid.
“I have changed the mentality of the players through a motivational talk and I am happy I am now seeing result. I have talked to them for quite some time and encouraged them to play good football and today, they adhered to my instructions and delivered the win.”
While Matano was delighted to have rediscovered his winning touch, his Sharks’ counterpart William Muluya lamented on the poor state of the Ruaraka grounds and the early goals they conceded in the first half.
“We lost fairly because the two goals we conceded early in the match disoriented my team. We fought well in the second half and I am happy we managed to get at least a consolation. The pitch also worked against our plan.”
Newly acquired Tusker centre half Brian Odhiambo made his debut after joining from Buruburu Youth as a replacement for the departed Lyod Wahome while Adam Athanas also earned his first start for Sharks since joining them from Singida United.
Bandari suffered a 2-1 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Stadium to fall five behind Sofapaka and in the process extended their win-less run to three matches. Shaban Kenga gave the Dockers the lead but the visitors restored parity through Festus Omukoto.
Bandari skipper Felly Mulumba would have put the result beyond the reach of Homeboyz but squandered his 80th minute penalty. Collins Agade’s own goal in the dying minutes of the match gifted Homeboyz the three points.
AFC Leopards settled for a two-all draw with Vihiga United at Bukhungu Stadium. Whyvonne Isuza broke the deadlock for Leopards in the seventh minute but Christopher Masinza levelled for Vihiga from the spot minutes later. Isuza completed his brace in the 40th minute but Amos Kigadi denied Leopards the three points in the second half.
Ulinzi Stars coach Benjamin Nyangweso began his third stint with the club on a winning note as the soldiers shot down Sony Sugar 2-1 at Afraha Stadium.