Stima fight hard to stop Talanta

Nairobi Stima’s fought hard to beat FC Talanta 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo as round eight of National Super League (NSL) action took centre-stage.

Caleb Olilo’s 65th minute goal was the difference in a match that was largely flat and devoid of clear-cut chances from both ends. 

On the balance of play, Talanta had more possession but ultimately the forward line of Rodgers Omondi and Brian Juma failed to hit the target despite keeping the central defence pairing of Shela Mandela and skipper Joseph Shikokoti busy throughout the match.

Their goal came against the run of play with a left flank attack engineered by left back Levian Ochieng.

His final ball was mishit for a poor clearance by centre back Michael Muya onto the path of the well placed Olilo to stab home from six yards. 

Talanta who missed sitters from Anthony Guchu and Adam Wahab in the early stages of first half then begun pressing up in search of an equaliser but the Stima defence held tight with the wingbacks playing long balls in search of the Victor Omune in the opposing half but impressive goalkeeper Michael Kaleve was on high alert.

“It is a relief for us to get this slim win. We played a tough team but I am happy with the result. Having dropped five points in our last two matches, we had to make amends to get our confidence back,” said Lenard Odipo of his team which now moves to second place with 17 points in eight rounds.

In an earlier kick off, Mt. Kenya United continued with their impressive resurgence after stunning favourites Ushuru by 2-1 at the same venue. The win pushed the immediate former KPL side to seventh on the log with 14 points and within touching distance of the leading pack. 

Mt. Kenya were two nil up in the first half as they momentarily seized opportunities through John Ndirangu and Clement Masijidi with cool finishes in the box.

In another fixture, a brace from Francis Ochola earned Modern Coast important three points on the road as they downed basement side Northern Wanderers 2-0.The highly contentious match saw both goals score through second half penalties by the experienced striker while on the other end the home side were denied a penalty and a goal in a drama filled encounter.

Bidco United have moved a spot down to third following their goalless draw against stubborn Administration Police at Thika Stadium while Shabana also went goalless against Vihiga Bullets away at Mumias Complex.