Sharks edge City Stars as FKF-PL resumes

Kariobangi Sharks returned top of Football Kenya Federation Premier League table for the first time since Round Three following a 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars at Ruaraka Grounds on Saturday.

The 1pm kickoff set the ball rolling for Round Seven matches as the league resumed following a three-week break imposed by the FKF Caretaker Committee.

With league leaders Gor Mahia missing in action this weekend owing to its Caf Confederation Cup assignment, either team had a chance to move to the summit of the league table and it was the away side who ended the day on top with 16 points.

The defeat left Nairobi City Stars in third place with 13 points.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya was satisfied with the result and lauded his players' mentality.

"We had stayed long without playing and it showed with how we struggled to get this win. I commend my players for their mental strength in going out to search for the winning goal and protecting their advantage to the end," Muluya said.

"Being on top, even if it is for one hour, gives us a great psychological boost going forward and, encourages us to work even harder," he added.

On his part, Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti rued several decisions by the referee that cost his team. 

"This was a very competitive match and even though I am happy players met my expectations today, I am disappointed we did not get the reward for our effort," Muyoti said.

"It is unacceptable to see such calibre of refereeing at this level. It is not what we need to take our game forward. We lost to a dubious penalty and were denied three penalties on clear handballs that would have made the difference for us," he added.

After a promising start, the home side fell behind to a Geoffrey Shiveka penalty in the 22nd minute after Lennox Ogutu had fouled Erick Mmata.

The Sharks captain sent Jacob Osano the wrong way to register his first goal of the season and Kariobangi Sharks held on to the lead until half-time.

The scoreline at the break set up an interesting second half as Kariobangi Sharks had conceded only one second half goal all season while 10 of Nairobi City Stars' 13 goals this season had been scored in the second half.

It was Nairobi City Stars' record that prevailed as Ezekiel Odera equalised for the home side after scoring from close range in the 55th minute.

However, parity did not last long as substitute Patrick Otieno sneaked past the Nairobi City Stars defence at the near post to flick a low Erick Mmata cross the right wing over a helpless Osano in the 67th minute.

Kariobangi Sharks almost surrendered that lead two minutes later but their goalkeeper Brandon Obiero was alert to push a Timothy Ouma attempt over the bar for a corner after the forward had connected well with a Dennis Wanjala freekick from the left.

Wanjala's crosses troubled the Kariobangi Sharks defence as City Stars almost equalised in the 78th and 80th minute but were left to rue two refereeing decisions.

Firstly, the hosts were denied a penalty over an alleged handball before they had Vincent Otieno's goal disallowed after the second assistant referee ruled the striker's header had not crossed the line.

Kariobangi Sharks continued to defend resolutely and had Obiero to thank for a series of saves that preserved their lead and sealed a precious win.