- Sofapaka hold APS Bomet in Dandora as the two sides battle to a hard-fought result.
- The hosts came into the clash desperate to bounce back after a 3-1 defeat to Ulinzi Stars.
- APS Bomet arrived full of confidence following their remarkable 4-1 demolition of Gor Mahia.
9-man Sofapaka showed incredible resilience as they battled to a hard-earned point against APS Bomet in a tense SportPesa League match staged at the Dandora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts came into the clash desperate to bounce back after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Ulinzi Stars, while APS Bomet arrived full of confidence following their remarkable 4-1 demolition of record champions Gor Mahia earlier in the week.
The opening half was a balanced affair, with both teams creating opportunities but lacking the final touch.
ALSO READ: APS Bomet coach reveals what inspired stunning SportPesa League victory over Gor Mahia
9-man Sofapaka hold APS Bomet in Dandora
Sofapaka’s danger man Joseph Kuloba had early chances, but the APS Bomet backline, commanded by captain Chris Wilunda and Edward Masembe, remained composed and disciplined.
In one of the clearer moments of the half, goalkeeper Bob Cetric denied Kuloba’s flick, turning it out for a corner as Sofapaka increased pressure.
APS Bomet also asked questions of Sofapaka’s defense, with Paul Wasai forcing Edward Olak into a sharp save when his powerful header threatened to find the back of the net.
Despite the half producing moments of promise, the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Sofapaka show character
The second half exploded into life barely two minutes after the restart when Japheth Mzungu was shown a straight red card, reducing Sofapaka to ten men.
Surprisingly, the setback did not discourage Ezekiel Akwana’s players. Instead, Sofapaka pushed forward with renewed determination, forcing Cetric and Masembe into several crucial interventions to keep APS Bomet level.
APS Bomet nearly made their numerical advantage count in the 65th minute when Wasai’s header drifted wide, followed by Rogers Kipkemoi’s shot hitting the side netting.
Hansel Ochieng’, who scored twice against Gor Mahia, also came close with a free header that went inches wide, leaving APS Bomet wondering how they were not ahead.
Despite being a man down, Kuloba, Sofapaka’s top scorer, continued tormenting the Bomet defense. In the 75th minute, he muscled his way past the defenders, only for his left-footed effort to be deflected for a corner.
As the game entered stoppage time, Sofapaka’s situation worsened when Iddrisu Shaibu received a second red card, leaving them with nine men. Yet, against the odds, Batoto Ba Mungu showed immense character to hold on for a valuable point.
After the match, Akwana expressed disappointment with the avoidable red cards, saying, “The first red card was more a mistake from my player on how he conducted himself but it’s football, a game of emotions.”
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia thrashed by minnows APS Bomet in major SportPesa League upset
APS Bomet coach Benedict Wanjala, on the other hand, was pleased with his team’s defensive performance.
“It’s good we’ve gotten our second clean sheet in the SportPesa League. We’ve worked for it and I’m happy with how my boys played today,” he remarked.
The result leaves both teams reflecting on missed chances but satisfied with their respective fights Sofapaka for their resilience, and APS Bomet for their improved defensive solidity.