• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 48 mins ago

Kariobangi Sharks drop into relegation zone as Ulinzi Stars shoot down Mathare United

Kariobangi Sharks dropped back into the Kenyan Premier League relegation zone after settling for a dramatic 2-2 draw against Kakamega Homeboyz at Police Sacco Grounds on Saturday.

The result left Sharks one point behind Ulinzi Stars, who boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Mathare United in another league match played at the same time.

Sharks started the game strongly as they searched for a vital win to escape relegation. Humphrey Aroko caused problems early before David Majak gave the hosts the lead in the 20th minute after reacting quickly inside the box to score from close range.

The home side continued to attack and nearly doubled their advantage, but Kakamega Homeboyz slowly grew into the game.

The visitors equalised in the 34th minute after Peter Thiong’o won a penalty. Kenya Under-20 forward Oliver Majaka stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to make it 1-1 before halftime.

After the break, Sharks pushed hard for another goal and created several chances. Captain Kevin Otiala and Keegan Ndemi both came close, while Humphrey Aroko missed a huge chance when his penalty hit the crossbar.

Homeboyz then punished Sharks in the later stages of the match. Substitute Boniface Nyabuto headed home from a John Omondi cross to give the visitors a 2-1 lead and put them on course for victory.

However, Sharks rescued a point in dramatic fashion deep into stoppage time. A loose ball fell kindly to Faize Opande, who fired a powerful low shot past goalkeeper Wanzala Ibrahim to make it 2-2.

Despite the late equaliser, the result did little to ease Sharks’ relegation fears with only two matches remaining in the season.

For Homeboyz, the draw extended their winless run to seven matches as they continue searching for a strong finish to the campaign.