The last-minute goal by Alex Imbusia was what we needed to grab a point against FC Talanta.

In the opening quarter of the tie, we came close to breaking the deadlock through Simon Abuko. Ben Stanley laid through a great ball to Munala, the striker dribbled into the visitors’ box, but his shot went slight inches wide on the far right end of the post.

At the half-hour mark, the visitors had a perfect chance to take the lead in the match. A long volley by Augustin Kuta forced David Nshimirimana to clear off for safety, but custodian Boniface Munyasa quickly acted to punch the ball out for safety.

Two minutes before the intermission, the hosts pulled the first blood through Herman Mwambeghu. The forward sneaked in to shoot a hard one past Munyasa.

At the hour mark, we made a great push to get the equalizer through Manga. Ben Stanley loafed in a great delivery, but Manga failed to direct his header, only for his efforts to go out for a goal kick.

With a quarter of an hour to play, we had another attempt on goal through Alex Imbusia. The striker had a great run down the left flank, cutting into the penalty area, but the hosts’ goalkeeper was rightly placed for an easier pick.

Against the run of play, we pulled the equalizer through Alex Imbusia. A long throw by Tyson Omondi landed on Ben Stanely, the midfielder, who in turn lifted the ball in the penalty area, which landed on Manga, who quickly flicked the ball into Imbusia’s path. The winger made no mistake in slotting the ball as we went ahead to pick a point on the road.

Two goals either side of halftime from both sides were all that mattered as we shared the points in a four-goal thriller.

In a tie staged at Police Sacco Stadium, the visitors took an early lead in the opening ten minutes through Staphord Odhiambo, who directed his header past Simon Masaka.

Ten mintues later ae came close to level the scores through Rody Manga. The striker collected Addis Panoam’s delivery, but the forward’s header went a few inches off target.

At the half-hour mark, we finally leveled the scores through Evans Maliachi. The midfielder hit a hard shot from 25 yards away that teased the keeper to find the equalizer.

Five minutes later, before the break, we came close to taking the lead in the match through Rody Manga, but the striker’s effort lacked enough power for an easier pick for Ulinzi Stars’ custodian.

Five minutes after the restart, we were awarded a penalty after Sébastien Sunday was brought down, but Manga failed to convert from the spot.

Twenty minutes from now, the visitors have a good chance to go ahead through Boniface Muchiri. The midfielder’s volley was goal-bound on the far right side of the goal post, but Masaka Simon made a swift reaction to pull off a fingertip save.

Against the run of play, the soliders scored a late equalizer through Enos Ochieng, who pounced on a loose ball to tap the ball past Masaka Simon as we played to a two-all draw.

Our latest acquisition Brent Omwena has expressed his joy after putting pen to paper for his first top-flight move and has set his sights on making history at the club.

On joining Batoto Ba Mungu,
“I am so delighted to join Batoto Ba Mungu. It’s an unimaginable feeling to join a big club, and more importantly, it all feels like a dream come true since I have always had my sights set on someday plying my trade at the highest level in the country. ” “I am so glad the technical bench trusted in my capabilities to hand me my first professional contract,” said Omwena.

On being able to play,
“It’s a deeply satisfying feeling to be eligible to participate at the highest level in the country and, moreso, to represent a top club like Sofapaka.” “I look forward to giving my very best and being able to make history during my stay at the club.”

On competition,
“I have always strived and thrived in a competitive environment.” It is such a healthy atmosphere to know that there is so much quality in the goalkeeping department. “I am glad to be in such an environment, and I want to keep learning as I patiently wait for my turn to be between the sticks.”

On mozzartbetcup
“Sofapaka has always been a powerhouse club in the country, and every opportunity to win is always a priority for the club.” “We have been working hard in training, and having had a solid start into the tournament, we hope to go all the way to clinch the cup and get to represent the country at the continental stage,” added Brent.

On targets;
“I understand I am new to the team, but regardless of that, I look forward to putting in more work and giving my best when called upon to do so.” “With the second leg on, I will be satisfied if we can make it to at least the top five places, win the mozzart Cup, and at least play part in a number of matches when the season culminates.” Concluded Omwena

Brent, who recently signed from Kibera Blackstars, will be hoping to make his debut on Saturday when we take on Darajani Gogo Boys in the round of 16 of the Mozzart Bet Cup tournament.

Our latest signing Eugene Wethuli is estatic on joining Sofapaka and has set his sight on scoring at least ten goals before the seasons culminates.

On joining the club ;
“I am glad to have joined one of the most competitive teams in the country. Sofapaka is a great club with some rich history and this a perfect opportunity for me to advance my career and be part of history in the near future.” said Eugene

On his targets
” I have my work cut out before the league ends. It’s going to be a demanding task because I understand the club’s targets but I am confident I am up to task and I look forward to at least contribute six to ten goals before the seasons concludes.”

On Roddy Manga competition;
” It feels good to have a solid competition and I am glad to have Roddy Manga as my competitor. It’s going to be a healthy competition because this will challenge me to up my game and work extra hard to be at my best and for the team.” added Wethuli

On his thoughts on the team;
” The team is well blended, a couple of experienced and talented young players have joined the squad and this a great boost to the team. We have started off the second leg on a really positive note and I really confident if we get a couple of positive results we will be able to finish among the best five and equally challenge for Mozzartbet cup which gives a perfect opportunity of representing the country at the continental stage.” Concluded Wethuli

Eugene Wethuli joined the club from Kakamega Homeboyz and will be looking forward to making his debut after the international break.

Head coach David Ouma has expressed his satisfaction after clinching the Jamhuri Day Cup on Monday after edging the AFC Leopards on post-match penalties.

“First of all, I must commend the players.” I am so happy with my players’ resilience and hard-fought spirit throughout the encounter. “They showed character and gave their best, and it is not a surprise that it paid off.” He said

“We knew it was going to be a tough battle, and we had to fully prepare for the Monday task.” We knew what was in store, and we had to give it our very best. As I always said before, Sofapaka is a title-winning team, and I am glad we made a statement on Monday by lifting the Jamhuri Day Cup.” He added

“I understand we are ten points off the top of the table, but I am not shaken because I know the players will overturn the slow start. “For now, we are glad to have at least won a cup to end the year on a positive note, and I am optimistic this will build our momentum going into the remaining fixtures of the league.” Concluded Ouma.

Sofapaka will next take on Ulinzi Starts.

Sofapaka were this evening crowned Jamhuri Day Champions after edging the AFC Leopards 4-3 on post-match penalties.

In an FKF Premier League fixture also played to mark Jamhuri Day national celebrations, Ingwe were the better side in the opening half, and it was no surprise as they took an early lead in the match with only a quarter of an hour played through Washington Munene. The defender made no mistakes, converting from the spot.

On resumption for the final half of the match, Batoto Ba Mungu were the more aggressive side, throwing numbers upfront for an equalizer. Their constant attempts bore fruit ten minutes from time through Roddy Manga. The forward pounced on a loose ball and headed it past Levis Opiyo for the equalizer.

On post-match penalties, Davis Kasiyre, Stephen Okolla, and Lucky Musyoki converted their penalties except for Alex Imbusia, which was enough as we beat Ingwe 4-3 to clinch the Jamhuri Day Cup.

Stephen Okola is happy with the win against Bandari and hopes for a strong finish on Sunday when Sofapaka takes on Ulinzi Stars.

About the win in Mbaraki:
The Bandari match was a very important tie for us. There was a lot at stake, and we knew a win was vital in achieving our season target. We literally gave our best in the match, and I am so happy we crowned our effort with a win.

On his lone goal of the match:
It was a great feeling to be on the scoresheet on Saturday and, more importantly, to help the team secure maximum points and achieve its season target. It has been a long time since I found the back of the net and I am glad I was able to get my second of the season. As a defender, it is a plus as the season culminates.

Ulinzi Stars:
It is not yet a fully done affair, and we have an opportunity to cement our current position or move up the log. We have one final match to fight for on Sunday when we face Ulinzi Stars, and I feel it is yet another chance to make it three in a row. They will definitely give us a good test, but I am confident we will carry the day.

Batoto Ba Mungu locks horns with Andreas Spier’s Gor Mahia Fc on Wednesday in round 21 of the FKF Premier League fixture.

Ahead of the mid-week encounter, Andreas Spier’s men head into the match the better side coming from a 2-1 win over soldiers Ulinzi Stars, while Ken Odhiambo will be looking to build on the one point against the bankers last weekend.

Below is a sneak preview of all you need to know ahead of Wednesday’s game..

Form guide.
Heading into match day 21,K’Ogalo is the most on form side, sitting third in the table with 34 points, while Sofapaka is 12th with 25 points.

Numbers.
A sum of 30 encounters have been played between the two sides. In the twenty encounters, our opponents had the upper hand, winning 17 matches while we settled for four. Nine other matches ended in draws.

Our biggest win against Gor Mahia was a 3-1 win at Narok Stadium back in 2020, while our biggest loss to our opponents was a 3-0 drabbing in 2018.

Goals.
A total of 18 goals have been scored between the sides with an average of two goals per match.

Team News.
The team has been boosted by the timely return of defender Nixon Omondi, who has recovered from the hamstring injury suffered during a Tusker match a fortnight ago. However, SĂ©bastien Sunday has resumed light training while the duo of David Kingatua and Ronack Otieno are out due to malaria.

Key men.
Lawrence Juma and Samuel Onyango are some great form. The duo will be key for both sides in the quest for goals upfront.

Reverse fixture.
In an entertaining tie in October 2021, our opponents won 1-0 in a match played at Kasarani Stadium.

The match will be staged at Wundayi Stadium.

The manager held his presser discussing KCB point, the Gor Mahia tie and team news.

Read on more for the full transcript.
On KCB point..

The bankers dominated the better part of the first half, but after the substitutions, we got stability and became dangerous on goal. Sadly, we didn’t convert our chances but I am glad we collected a point against a strong opponent and we want to build on it come Wednesday.

On Gor Mahia..
We face a team that is
currently on a good run, but it is a perfect opportunity to build on the momentum from the point against KCB. Our preparation is good and we will treat our opponents with the right mindset.

On how important Gor clash is..
Our encounter against Gor has always been a close one. We are in need of maximum points moving forward and the Wednesday tie is a chance for us. It’s a crucial encounter and we want to convert our chances upfront.

On team news..
There are no fresh injury concerns to worry about, but we are delighted to have Nixon Omondi back in the squad. He resumed group training and we hope he can be in good shape for Wednesday’s fixture.