Visiting Nairobi City Stars left it late to outwit hosts Vihiga Bullets 2-1 in a second round National Super League (NSL) tie played on Monday 9 September, 2019 at the Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega starting 10am. Two second half goals by Gambian striker Ebrima Sanneh delivered the win.
It was a second bite of the cherry for City Stars as the game was initially scheduled for the Sunday before but aborted in the 75th minute following a heavy downpour that flooded the surface. At the point of the call-off City Stars led 1-0 courtesy of Sanneh’s lone goal.
In the Monday repeat City Stars trailed the game 1-0 at half time after Bullets took the lead in the 32nd minute via a perfect free kick from Oscar Karuli that went over the wall and way past the reach of keeper Elvis Lovae Opiyo.
The game looked locked but a change in tact by Coach Sanjin Alagic saw the introduction of former Hakati Sportiff striker Vincent Otieno for Davis Agesa and Oliver Maloba for Elvis Ojiambo turn out to be the perfect twist in the game.
At the hour-mark Anthony Muki Kimani floated a perfect corner that header specialist Sanneh buried home to level matters.
With less than ten minutes Maloba and Jamaica’s effect came to play. The two were too much for the Bullets backline, and as they got Sanneh another opportunity – and he tapped in the winning goal.
Maloba cut in from the right wing past Bullets defenders before offering a layup for Jamaica who then returned the favor with quickness for Maloba to get the ball to Sanneh’s feet for the winner.
“Today’s game was a great victory for us, we have lions and not players. I am very proud to be their coach. We played exceptionally throughout the game.” said an elated Sanjin after the game
The latest win comes on the back of the season opening 2-0 win over Shabana at Hope Centre, Kawangware last weekend.
Next up for City Stars is a home game at Hope Centre against relegated Vihiga United at the Hope Centre, Kawangware on Fri 13 September 2019
Lineups:
Vihiga Bullets:21. Elix Otieno, 23. Oscar Masiga, 15. Sylvester Owino, 6. Kelly Alubale, 26. David Kavaji, 22. Kevin Muhanji, 12. Christine Zigah, 10. John Khanda, 20. Edwin Wamalwa, 11. Timothy Lumasai, 9. Jackson Oketch
Subs: 32. Ali Kesi, 7. John Maina, 14. Emmanuel Mwakwingi, 25. Okello Baraza, 13. Francis Ambani, 8. Kelvin Mwavali, 4. Joseph Otieno
Coach: Edward Manoah
Nairobi City Stars: 23. Levis Opiyo, 8. Calvins Masawa (Captain), 4. Salim Abdalla, 24. Cornelius Mwangi, 28. Kevin Okumu (17. Noah Abich), 3. Charles Otieno, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (21. Oliver Maloba ), 30. Anthony Muki Kimani, 19. Jimmy Bageya, 11. Davis Agesa (16. Vincent Otieno), 26. Ebrima Sanneh
Unused Subs: 1. Ronny Kagunzi, 15. Peter Wainaina, 10. Nahashon Thiongo, 22. Wycliffe Otieno
Yellow cards; Cornelius Mwangi, Anthony Kimani
Coach: Sanjin Alagic