Ten-man APS Bomet staged a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a hard-fought 3-3 draw against a Shabana FC at the Kericho Green Stadium.
The Glamour Boys appeared to have the game firmly within their grasp after a two-goal cushion courtesy of a brace from Brian Olega and a Brian Michira strike and with a man advantage.
However, the script flipped dramatically late on.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Black Berets showcased resilience to score twice in quick succession with substitute Philip Wasai netting his sixth goal of the season and Dickson Kibet bagging a dramatic leveller from a ball initially intended to be a cross.
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10-man APS Bomet salvage point against Shabana
The hosts made two changes to the starting lineup introducing Hillary Otieno for his debut in place of the suspended Anthony Naibei while Frank Mandela came in for Hillary Wandera.
Tore Bobe equally made two changes bringing in Danson Kiprono and Brian Olega for Ezekiah Omuri and Eric Otieno respectively.
The Black Berets were the first to knock just seconds after a kickoff, Philemon Nyakwaka picked the ball just outside the area on the right before hitting the ball with Shabana’s goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng’ mishandling the ball only for it to end into his own net for the lead and Nyakwaka’s first goal of the season.
Shabana quickly responded and almost got the equalizer in the fourth minute but Brian Olega’s shot from close range was saved by Cetric.
Ten minutes later it was Danson Kiprono’s turn to test Cetric but his shot was firmly saved.
Tore Bobe’s effort would eventually pay dividends in the 19th minute, a quick exchange of play between Michira and Nsubugo saw the ball fall into the path of Olega who fired home.
Five minutes later, Danson Kiprono failed to capitalize on an empty net opportunity after Brian Michira’s shot was deflected with the ball heading into the halftime break with a 1-1 score.
Tore Bobe came out for the second half with renewed urgency. Olega clutched onto a Wycliffe Omondi long ball and fired home from close range to give Shabana the lead.
Talisman Brian Michira doubled the glamour boys advantage in the 65th minute after a wonderful pass from Kiprono for his fifth goal of the season.
Things would move from bad to worse for Sammy Omollo’s black berets as Chris Wilunda was red carded for serious foul play.
Bomet found a new sense of urgency with 10 men and substitute Philip Wasai scored to halve the deficit.
A minute later Dickson Kiprono sent the crowd into an electric mode, his heavy pass landed into the far post to level the scores and restore parity for Pamzo’s men in the 83rd minute.
With a man less, Bomet held on to secure a valuable point at home and overcome last weekend’s painful late loss to Ingwe.
The result elevates to Shabana in third place but they’ve missed the chance to reduce the gap in points with AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at the top to threes points.
While Pamzo will be happy with a late decent performance after last minute setback in the previous match against AFC Leopards.
Elsewhere mid season signing Yves Koutiama scored in his third consecutive match to lead defending champions Kenya Police to a 1-0 win against Mara Sugar at the Green Stadium in Awendo.
In Mbaraki, Bandari played to a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks. The result means new coach Bernard Mwalala is unbeaten in his first three matches.
APS Bomet vs Shabana FC lineups
APS Bomet Lineup: Bob Cetric, Frank Mandela, Edward Mazembe, Joseph Masibo,Chris Wilunda, Maxwell Kubasu, Francis Omondi, Hillary Juma,Duncan Mogasa, Rodgers Kipkemoi, Philemon Nyakwaka.
Shabana Lineup: Stephen Ochieng’, Danson Kiprono,Victor Omondi,Mark Okolla, Wycliffe Omondi,James Mazembe, Bronson Nsubugo,Biron Otieno,Kevin Omundi, Bronson Nsubuga, Brian Michira,Brian Olega