Ten-man Nairobi City Stars moved to 10th place in the FKF Premier League table after thrashing Sofapaka 3-0 on Monday at the Ruaraka Grounds, Nairobi.
Sanjin Alagic's side scored their goals through Peter Opiyo, David Agesa and Salim ‘Shittu’ Abdallah, all in the first half that witnessed drama and plenty of action.
Veteran midfielder Opiyo opened the scoring in the 3rd minute of the game when he slotted in a penalty after a handball by a Sofapaka player in the penalty area. An error by Sofapaka goalie Aigba Moubarak granted Stars their second of the day in the 16th minute when his misjudgment allowed lanky forward Agesa to tap home the hosts second of the game. Former AFC Leopards man Shittu then opened his account for Simba wa Nairobi when he headed home the third off a Bolton Omwenga’s cross in the 37th minute.
Sofapaka keeper Aigba was then given marching orders at the stroke of halftime, for a reckless challenge on Nicholas Kipkirui.
The ill-tempered game also saw City Stars also reduced to ten men when former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Sven Yidah got his matching orders after receiving his second yellow card six minutes from regular time.
The game also witnessed two penalty misses, Lawrence Juma missing for Sofapaka and Anthony Kimani missing for the hosts.
The win propels City Stars to number 10 on the 17-team log with 20 points. Sofapaka are 12th on the log after back to back losses.