>>BY ERIC OCHIENG’>>
SS Assad efforts to get a second win in a row came to an end on Sunday at their home turf after visitors Luanda Villa Soccer Club emerged winners with a 2 – 1 victory.
Even with the home ground advantage, SS Assad still failed to capitalize on the multiple chances they had, handing the visitors maximum points.
Speaking to journalists after the match, SS Assad coach Phelix Ogutu cited poor officiating and lack of key players due to injuries as reasons behind the 2-1 loss.
“He officiated our last game where he did the same thing, the Football Kenya Federation should sensitize referees on fairness during games. We were also missing six of my first 11 team,” said Ogutu.
Both team started the match with defence in mind trying to master each other game plane for a long period of first-half.
After a goalless first half, the second half saw both teams recharged and eager to get a goal.
In the 47th minute Ndayala Timothy gave the visitor the much awaited lead after beating Assad defender Mathias Mwatabu and shooting a volley that Assad keeper Elijah Owiti couldn’t save.
SS Assad’s midfielder Bockins Adeya almost equalized for the host in the 57th minute but his shot was saved by the opponents keeper.
Opportunity opened for the host team after Assad winger Rajab Hassan was brought down in the box leading to penalty that was converted in by Jaffer Mwangi in the 60th minute restoring parity for the host.
In the dying minutes of the game Barack Victor gave the visitors the much awaited goal which earned them three points a few minutes after coming off the bench.
The coastal Kings SS Assad will face MCF away in their next match on 7th Dec. They sit 11th in the NSL log with twelve points after 11 games.
