Kisumu All Stars and Vihiga United players during a friendly match at the Moi Stadium on Wednesday. [Photo/Nancy]
Newly formed Kisumu All-Stars went down 0-1 against 2018 Kenya Premier League (KPL) debutants Vihiga United in a pre-season friendly match played at the Kisumu Moi Stadium on Wednesday.
The lone goal was scored in the second half by former Kariobangi Sharks forward Mike Isabwa. The goal resulted from a free kick after Kisumu All Stars defender Collins Wendo had been shown a straight red card for rough play.
Veteran midfielder Charles Okwemba had in the first half failed to put Vihiga United in front after his penalty kick was saved by All-Stars goalkeeper.
The two teams used the match to prepare ahead of KPL and National Super League (NSL) kick off this weekend and next weekend respectively.
Vihiga United coach Edward Manoah said that after a brief pre-season, his team is ready to take on 2008 KPL Champions Mathare United at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
“The fixture is already out and we are ready to face Mathare United on Sunday. Our aim is to win the match but if we get a draw we will still appreciate. Our target is to retain our KPL status at the end of the season,” said the veteran coach.
His Kisumu All Stars counterpart Nickanor Aketch said that his players learned a lot from the match. “It is a new team and we are still learning,” he said.
All-Stars will make NSL debut against St. Joseph’s FC on February 10.