Sofapaka right-back Baron Ochieng has explained the brief lapse that led to their 1-1 draw with Mara Sugar on Saturday afternoon at the Dandora Stadium in the FKFPL Week 23 match.
Sofapaka were the first to score in the first half through Edward Omondi, before Joseph Okwenda equalized for Mara Sugar.
Sofapaka, whose home form has been inconsistent, having secured 15 points from 11 matches (4 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), needed the three points to strengthen their position in the top ten. Following the results. they stayed in ninth place with 30 points.
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On the other hand, Benedict Wanjala’s side has struggled recently, failing to win any of their last three matches.
This poor run has left them in 11th place on the standings with 27 points, courtesy of seven wins, six draws, and 10 losses.
Ochieng, one of the key players in the squad, stated that while the first half did not unfold as they had hoped, they were able to score late in the period. He believes they simply lost focus during a set piece, which led to them conceding the equalizer.
“The game started well for us, but it didnāt go as planned in the first half, despite us capitalizing on one chance,” Ochieng told SportPesa Blog after the match.
“In the second half, we dominated, but we lost concentration on the set piece, and thatās where we conceded.”
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He further mentioned that the visitors were content with securing a point, as they focused on defense after equalizing and failed to take advantage of their opportunities in the second half.
“Mara came for a draw. After they scored, they immediately dropped back to defend. Anyway, I hope we will meet them again next season,” he added.
He also described the match as a case of bad luck, asserting that the team is currently in good form this season.
“I have to say we donāt have any major issues, because even after conceding, we continued to dominate. There are matches where we come back and win, so today, Iād say it was just bad luck,” he stated.
Sofapaka’s next assignment will be against Nairobi City Stars on March 14 with City Stars currently battling relegation.
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