APS Bomet came from a goal down to secure their first-ever win in the SportPesa League, stunning Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in a dramatic encounter at Kasarani Annex.
The law enforcers headed into the match under pressure, having lost three consecutive matches and sitting bottom of the table with only two goals scored and seven conceded.
Sharks, on the other hand, came in with mixed form one win, two draws, and one loss with their most recent triumph being victory in the Slum Derby against Mathare United before the international break.
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APS Bomet made several changes to their lineup in search of their first win of the campaign.
Towering defender Dominic Kipkirui returned to the starting eleven alongside Rodgers Kipkemoi and Brian Buleti.
Sharks started strongly, eager to build momentum from their last win.
Mark Vivian Kesa, who had scored a brace in round four against Mathare, continued his fine form when he opened the scoring in the 8th minute. He latched onto a precise Keagan Ndemi pass to give Sharks a 1-0 lead their first home goal of the season.
The hosts dominated possession, stringing neat passes together in midfield through the creativity of Humphrey Aroko, Andreas Omondi and skipper Patillah Omoto.
Kesa almost doubled the advantage at the half-hour mark, but his curling effort flew inches wide.
Bomet slowly grew into the game and threatened through Rodgers Kipkemoi in the 35th minute, but his weak shot was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa.
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A minute later, Evans Kipkemoi’s inviting cross almost found Rodgers again, only for Wekesa to tip it away.
The visitors relied heavily on their aerial strength, forcing several set-piece situations, though they couldn’t find the breakthrough before halftime.
APS Bomet stage a remarkable comeback to secure first ever SportPesa League victory
After the break, Sharks looked to press their advantage. Zablon Kutela whipped in a dangerous cross from Omoto’s build-up, but the header went wide.
Coach Wafula of APS Bomet responded with a double substitution in the 51st minute bringing on Philip Wasai and Duncan Mogasa for Evans Kipkemoi and Buleti.
The changes quickly paid off. On 58 minutes, Wilunda’s brilliant outside-foot pass found Wasai, whose chip was ruled offside. Sharks coach William Muluya introduced Biko and Razel on the 66th minute to inject fresh legs.
As the match wore on, Bomet’s substitutions turned the tide. In the 85th minute, Mogasa curled in a superb free kick to level the score.
Barely a minute later, he turned provider, setting up Wasai, who outpaced Sebastian Wekesa to slot home the winner.
Sharks pressed late on Joseph Mwangi heading just wide and Biko’s stoppage-time effort ruled offside but it wasn’t enough.
The final whistle confirmed APS Bomet’s first-ever SportPesa League victory a result that lifts them off the bottom of the table, leapfrogging Tusker FC, and marking a new chapter in their top-flight journey under Coach Bernard Wanjala who replaced Michael Nam during FIFA International break.