Isibania staged a remarkable comeback to trounce Administration Police 2-1 in an FKF National Super League match played on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at Camp Toyoyo. The match was aired live on free to air channel Bamba Sports.
After a cagey first half that ended 0-0, hosts AP were the first to take the lead in the 67th minute courtesy of a goal from the spot by substitute Robert Jagero. The burly striker tucked in after Nicodemus Asumwa had been brought down by Isibania midfielder Shadrack Kawa.
Second Half substitute Robert Jagero shot AP ahead from the spot after Nicodemus Asumwa had been fouled in the 18-yard box
The lead, however, only lasted ten minutes. Antonio Abwao, who had given the hosts’ defense a hard time for the better part of the match, was brought down inside the box. Abdalla Ismail stepped up to take the resultant penalty kick and did so in calm fashion.
The guests seemed motivated by the equalizer and would take the lead five minutes from time. Michael Babu tucked in from close range after good build-up play from the left flank left him unmarked.
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“We were playing a good opponent in AP. They went ahead with a penalty but I’m glad my boys showed good character to come back and win the match,” said Isibania coach Dan Musta.
Antonio Abwao (Center) was a thorn in the flesh of the AP defense. He won a penalty kick that was converted for Isibania’s equalizer
“Just like last season, the competition is high, but we are working to achieve at least a top-five position in the first leg. This way, our second leg will be much easier,” added the coach.
AP coach Ben Juma, meanwhile, was downcast that his team could not hold on to the lead but was confident that they will make amends and outdo last season’s performance.
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“We lost concentration after scoring the goal. In our first match, we also lost concentration in the second half and conceded two goals. We will go back and work on our mistakes ahead of our next match,” he said.
Isibania players mock Administration Police in celebrating their winning goal five minutes from time
FC Talanta
In the second match played at the same venue, Nairobi City Stars trounced nine-man FC Talanta 3-1, in a match that was also aired live on Bamba Sports.
Abdirahim Mango gave City Stars the lead at the stroke of halftime. Upon resumption, Arthur Museve scored an own goal to hand Talanta an equalizer. City Stars would, however, restore their one-goal advantage less than ten minutes later through Kevin Ouma.
Jimmy Bageya made a return to Nairobi City Stars in the January transfer window. He was instrumental in City Stars’ attack
Talanta were undone by a 56th-minute red card shown to midfielder Victor Ashinga, which looked to slow them down. Ten minutes later, defender Isaac Sadam too was shown red following a rough challenge on returning City Stars forward Jimmy Bageya.
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With a two-man advantage, City Stars resorted to keeping possession. The tactic eventually yielded a third goal in the 81st minute when Adams Usama buried a cutback from the left flank.
Edwin Walumoli, a January acquisition for Talanta from Bidco United, protests a handball by City Stars’ Philip Simiyu
In other results, Western Stima was held to a barren 0-0 draw by Ushuru in a match played at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu while in Muhoroni, Kenya Police got easy pickings after home side Muhoroni Youth failed to turn up for the match.