Striker Ezekiel Odera socred a treble for Nairobi City Stars as Kariobangi Sharks responded to each of his goals to tie a friendly game played on Thursday 24 March 2022 at Utalii grounds 3-3.
Odera first goal was canceled by Julius Masaba as Eric Mata, who scored a brace, responded to his next two goals.
In the 18th minute, a long ball from stopper Edwin Buliba landed in the Sharks box to the path of Vincent Jamaica Otieno who squared a ball across the goal for Odera to tap in the opener.
Sharks then leveled matters for minutes later through Masaba who sneaked past Buliba to chip past an onrushing Elvis Ochoro in Simba wa Nairobi goal.
Odera restored the lead for City Stars four minutes after the hour mark when he received a square pass in the box from defensive-mid Charles Chale Otieno to blast in the second at the far post.
But it was 2-2 just two minutes later after Douglas Mokaya brought a sure cross from the left across goal for Eric Mata to tap home.
City Stars were to head to the break 3-2 up after Odera won a penalty in the 40th minute that he converted to complete his hat trick.
A similar chance presented itself to Sharks ten minutes into the second half when Buliba brought down Mata who dusted himself up to score and settle the game at 3-3.
Speaking after the game, hat trick chief Odera had this to say;
“It’s always a good feeling to score against Kariobangi Sharks. Putting the ball in the back of the net is every strikers’ delight and it acts as a good motivation going forward to the remaining matches left in the season.”
The friendly game was the first for City Stars during the ten-day break that kicked off after the last Premier League game away to Bandari in Mombasa on Thur 17 March 2022.
Simba wa Nairobi will be up against the same side at Ruaraka on Sat 2 April.
Lineups
Kariobangi Sharks: 30. John Otieno (16. Brian Opiyo), 8. Patilah Omoto-Captain, 6. Ziyadi Kiwanuka, 27. Geoffrey Onyango (29. Enoch Wanyama-80), 14. John Omondi (Brian Olang-55) 12. Douglas Mokaya (32. Gideon Wera-82), 23. Keith Imbali (18. Ronald Odede-80), 24. Steve Otieno (17. Ken Kyalo-55), 22. Julius Masaba, 7. Eric Mata (11. Derrick Omondi-80), 13. Isaac Otieno (20. Mathew Kibiwot-55)
Subs: 31. Patrik Muiruri,
Coach: William Muluya
Nairobi City Stars: 1. Elvis Ochoro, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 12. Edwin Buliba, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 8. Calvin Masawa, 3. Charles Otieno (2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-60), 29. Augustine Kuta (14. Rowland Makati-60), 5. Mike Madoya (31. Mohammed Bajaber-60), 9. Vincent Otieno (24. Erick Ombija-80), 15. John Kamau (17. Nicholas Kipkirui-70), 32. Ezekiel Odera (7. Rodgers Okumu-70)
Coach: Nicholas Muyoti
Yellow cards
Kariobangi Sharks: 22. Julius Masaba (67)
Nairobi City Stars: 8. Calvin Masawa (60)
Goals
Kariobangi Sharks: 22. Julius Masaba (22), 7. Eric Mata (36, 55-Pen)
Nairobi City Stars: 32. Ezekiel Odera (18, 34, 40-pen)