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A late goal by substitute Patrick Otieno saw 10 men Sharks snatch a point from Sofapaka in Kenyan Premier League round 15 match played at the Machakos Stadium. Sydney Lokale had given Sharks the lead in the 9th minute before Elli Asieche and Francis Imbuye scored two quick fire goals in the 41st and 45+2 minute to hand

Sofapaka a 2-1 lead at halftime. Second half substitute Patrick Otieno the netted from Patila Omoto corner kick in the 88th minute to ensure the spoils were shared despite the 78th minute red card for Sven Yidah.

Team News
Coach William Muluhya handed teenage left back Boniface Mwangemi his debut and Harrison Mwendwa also returned to the starting lineup.

Starting XI: Brian Bwire (GK), Eric Juma ©, Tom Teka, Samuel Olwande, Boniface Mwangemi, Sven Yidah, Patila Omoto, Julius Masaba, James Mazembe, Harrison Mwendwa, Sydney Lokale.

SUBS: Brian Opondo(GK), Peter Oudu, Kevintom Machika, Patrick Otieno, Patrick Ngunyi, Daniel Sakari,

First Half

The match started on a high note as Sharks took the lead through Lokale in the 9th minute. The striker sent a powerful shot past the keeper from 14 yards after

Sofapaka failed to clear a cross from Mwangemi. Sharks then threatened again in the 18th minute through Sven Yidah who won the ball in the midfield a drove forward but his short from outside the area went just wide. James Mazembe then had a mazy run in the 28th minute followed by a ferocious shot which went just inches above the post.

Sharks were unfortunate to concede a penalty in the 40th minute after the ball hit Omoto’s hand as he was defending in the box. Our former player Elli Asieche made no mistake from the spot as he slotted the ball in the bottom left corner. The hosts then took the lead through a powerful header from Francis Imbunye in added time to send the game to half time at 2-1.

Second Half
The second stanza saw Sharks start strongly once again. Mwangemi brought in a wonderful cross in the 49th minute but Lokale’s toe pork went wide. The coach then introduced Patrick Otieno for Harrison Mwendwa at the hour mark which saw much more pressure mounted on Sofapaka left side of defence.

Sharks efforts at an equaliser were dealt a major blow as Sven Yidah was sent off for a second booking in the 78th minute. The coach however continued to charge the boys forward and he made two changes bringing in Patrick Ngunyi and Kevintom Machika for Julius Masaba and Sydney Lokale.

Sharks kept pushing and their efforts were rewarded in the 88th minute at Otieno rose the highest to head in a wonderful Omoto corner kick delivery.

The result was the 5th draw in 7 league meetings between the two sides leaving the hosts at 22 points while the Sharks have 10 points.

Up next is a midweek fixture at home against Bandari FC.