- Mara Sugar’s goal was scored by Erick Juma in the 70th minute.
- The win increased Mara Sugar’s tally to 19 points, four behind league leaders KCB FC, who are set to play Shabana on Sunday.
- Ulinzi Stars played to a 1-1 draw with Kakamega Homeboyz in Mumias.
Mara Sugar returned to winning ways on Saturday evening after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks.
The George Midenyo coached side scored the goal through super substitute Erick Juma in the 70th minute of the match which was staged in Awendo Stadium.
Juma, who replaced Noah Jagongo in the 65th minute, scored a beauty of a goal that was made possible by Brian Ochieng’s assist.
The match started on an electric pace with both sides trying their best to take control of the proceedings.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 394 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
Although both clubs created a couple of goal-scoring chances in the first half, they did not use it to their advantage thus ensuring they went to the half time break empty handed.
Mara Sugar players increased their energy at the start of the second half, but the reliable Kariobangi Sharks defense remained solid.
In the 55th minute, Ruben Mita went down injured but after a short session with the physio, he was able to continue.
However, Midenyo decided to pull him out five minutes later and gave Robert Maina an opportunity to change the outcome of the fixture. In addition, he replaced Mike Isabwa with Samuel Odaro.
The introduction of the duo changed the game slightly and with the addition of Juma, the hosts were able to break the deadlock.
The huge win increased Mara Sugar’s tally to 19 points and propelled them to position four in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) table, four points behind leaders KCB FC.
ALSO READ: Rwanda announces intention to bid for Formula 1 Grand Prix
On the other hand, Kariobangi Sharks remained stuck at position six, having collected 18 points since the start of the season.
Elsewhere, Ulinzi Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling game that was staged at the Mumias Complex.
Homeboyz were the first ones to put the ball into the net through Moses Shumah’s penalty before the soldiers equalized in the 72nd minute via Amatton Samunya.
How Mara Sugar and Kariobangi Sharks Lined up.
Mara Sugar
Felix Adoyo (32), Vincent Mulama (26), Kelvin Luvanda (3), Matthias Isogol (6), Brian Ochieng (10), Joseph Okwenda (12), Reuben Okoth (16), Michael Isabwa (19), Noah Ngiendo (22), Woodvine Okoth (23), David Owino (28)
Substitutes
Samwel Odaro (2), Fredrick Ng’iela (4), Yusuf Ochieng (5), Erick Juma (7), Robert Obaga (8), Lankas Lenana (11), Felix Opiyo (15), Drona Openda (18), Ezekiel Owade (33)
Kariobangi Sharks
Bernard Jairo (16), Timothy Ekhavi (14), Ghai Panchol (2), Fredrick Alushula (3), Ian Karani (4), Izaak Wasambo (5), Victor Ngume (7), Andreas Odhiambo (8), Stephen Bwire (19), Leonlevitt Otieno (21), Jacon Otieno (24)
Substitutes
Sebastian Wekesa (30), Brian Odhiambo (1), Steve Biko (6), Tonny Gogah (12), Zablon Kuleta (17), Mathew Kibiwott (20), Evans Ochieng (22), Kevinluke Onesmus (25), Patrick Ngunyi (28)
ALSO READ: Manchester City vs Manchester United Preview: Team News, Lineups & Prediction