Sharks edge Gor as Tusker sink Ulinzi in KPL friendly matches

Gor Mahia midfielder Bernard Ondiek (right) dribbles past Kariobangi Sharks striker Ebrimmah Sanneh during their friendly match at Camp Toyoyo grounds on March 24, 2018. PHOTO | VINCENT OPIYO |

What you need to know:

  • At Camp Toyoyo grounds Saturday morning, a brace from Harrison Mwendwa and an Ovella Ochieng’ strike helped Kariobangi Sharks to down champions and leaders Gor Mahia 3-2 in a friendly match.
  • In Ruaraka, spluttering Tusker edged out Ulinzi Stars 3-1 in an exciting encounter.

With the Kenyan Premier League on a break to allow the national team to take part in international friendly matches, local clubs were busy on Saturday morning with practice matches ahead of the next round of fixtures.

At Camp Toyoyo grounds Saturday morning, a brace from Harrison Mwendwa and an Ovella Ochieng’ strike helped Kariobangi Sharks to down champions and leaders Gor Mahia 3-2 in a friendly match. In Ruaraka, spluttering Tusker edged out Ulinzi Stars 3-1 in an exciting encounter.

At Camp Toyoyo, Mwendwa broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after looping the ball over Gor goalkeeper Shaban Odhoji before Joakim Oluoch equalised from a penalty spot five minutes later.

Michael Bodo fouled Humphrey Mieno inside the box to concede the penalty.

Mwendwa, who joined the William Muluya-led side in January after a five-year stint with Mathare United, restored their lead in the 48th minute after tapping in from Ovella's cross.

MISSED A PENALTY

Second half substitute Eliud Lukworm would have levelled matters in the 54th minute but blasted wide his penalty after Pascal Ogweno had brought him down in the area. Oluoch then completed his brace a minute later.

Ovella, who replaced Shaphan Oyugi at the start of the second half, struck the winner 15 minutes to time.

The speedy winger won possession in the middle of the park, drove forward before beautifully curling the ball past goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo who had left his line.

Odhiambo came on for Odhoji among changes made by coach Dylan Kerr.

“I was impressed with the way the youngsters who featured in the match played. This was their platform to gain match fitness and they didn’t disappoint,” said Kerr after the match.

Wesley Onguso, Mieno, Cersidy Okeyo, Philemon Otieno, Joakim Oluoch, Lawrence Juma and Bernard Ondiek are among senior players who featured in the friendly.

Muluya on his side fielded Gad Matthews in goal with Ogweno, Wycliffe Otieno, Bodo and Paul Kamau manning the backline.

Duke Abuya, Shaphan Oyugi and Christopher Kimathi combined in the midfield as Mwendwa and Francis Manoa operated on the flanks with Gambian striker Ebrimah Sanneh operating upfront alone.

Sharks, ranked sixth on the table, host Ulinzi Stars in a league match on Wednesday while Gor await Vihiga United test on Saturday, both matches slated for Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

In Ruaraka, Mike Khamati opened the scoring for Tusker in the first half before substitutes Edwin Lavatsa and Timothy Otieno struck to give the brewers a 3-0 lead. Bernard Ongoma reduced the deficit from the spot late in the second half but the hosts held on to emerge victorious.