Kenya: Agro Chemical Five Places Up in Nationwide League

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

William Njuguna

15 June 2011

Agro Chemical from Muhoroni climbed five places up in the Nationwide League after edging out Administration Police 2-1 in a highly charged tie that pitted two former Kenya Premier League (KPL) sides at the Nairobi Stima Club. Agro, who were initially placed 10th are now fifth with 18 points.

Agro coached jointly by Sylvester Odhiambo and Fred Ochieng opened the scoring barely 15 minute into the match through Steve Biko who headed home Abbas Kilwabei’s free kick.

Encouraged, the victors extended their lead in 41st minute when Elisha Omollo stabbed the ball home after receiving a nice pass from Ben Ayoyo to silence chanting Administration Police fans. AP restored parity with their consolation goal late in the 60th minute through former International Humphrey Alemba. Agro had to endure hectic moments in the second half where the Embakasi soldiers fired all their missiles in every direction searching for the equaliser.

But the real hero was Agro Chemical custodian Eric Wasike who made crucial saves in the dying minutes to affirm his supremacy in the position.

Former KPL side Mahakama, who had no League assignment still top the 16-teams Nationwide League table with 23 points. They tie with Naivasha-based Oserian but Judiciary outfit enjoy a better goal aggregate. Mathare Youth found the going tough in Nakuru when they succumbed to a 4-0 thrashing by AC Nakuru in an early kick off at the Afraha Stadium.

Mathare coach Gabriel “Kingi” Njoroge was bitter with the manner the appointed referees handled the match. He said the four goals were scored from an offside position. He accused the whistler for frustrating his side by red-carding Mohammed Noor early in the first half for no apparent reason. Despite the defeat, Mathare were a joy to watch. They displayed brilliant football but their strikers were unable to translate their chances to goals.

AC Nakuru had a poor outing last week after they lost two consecutive matches against Opera ( 3-1) and Strathmore University with a solitary goal at the Nairobi City Stadium. In other weekend’s Nationwide League matches, Bidco United failed to utilise their home-ground advantage going down with a solitary goal to Gusii United at Thika Municipal Stadium.

Homegrown of Naivasha were held to a 1-1 draw by Admiral from Mombasa at Kingsfisher ground while Real Kisumu settled to a barren draw with Nairobi Stima at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

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