Kariobangi Sharks Brave The Might Of Everton In Record Kasarani Crowd

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kariobangi Sharks FC held the might of Everton FC to a 1-1 draw before the Kenyan outfit sparked the mother of all celebrations in front of a record crowd at the MISC Kasarani, Nairobi when they edged the ensuing penalty shootout 4-3.

It was truly a momentous occasion that will forever be etched in the history of local football when the visiting English Premier League (EPL) heavyweights drew a mammoth 64,829 attendance that surpassed the mark of last year's meeting of SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC and Championships side Hull City FC.

Striker Duke Abuya sent the local supporters into orbit when he opened the scoring for the Sharks midway through the first half before a peach of a free-kick seven minutes into the second half by half-time substitute Joe Williams levelled matters.

Blues manager, Marco Silva used all 22 players he brought with him to Nairobi but they could not force a winner with both sides having late claims for penalties turned down as the fast-paced encounter ended in stalemate after the final whistle to proceed to a straight shootout.

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Williams saw his effort saved by Sharks keeper Brian Bwire before goal scorer Abuya blasted his spot-kick over the bar. Nathan Broadhead, Geoffrey Shievka, Josh Bowler, Sven Yidah, Fraser Hornby and George Abege made no mistake with their efforts.

When Dennis Adeniran had his kick saved, goal keeper Brian Bwire fired home to hand the spoils to the Kenyans.

Everton were first to have an attempt on goal in the second minute as Mason Holgate who was returning to the side after his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion got to the end of an Ademola Lookman cross but it went inches wide of the goal. 

In the 11th Lookman went down after a heavy challenge from Yidah and the Englishman could not continue and was replaced in an early blow to the Toffees. 

Two minutes later, the crowd went crazy when Sharks came close after captain Eric Juma found namesake and striker Eric Kapaito with a chip and the forward shot at goal but it flew over Martin Stekelenburg's bar. 

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In the 24th minute, Kasarani erupted as Abuya opened the scoring with a calm and collected finish after a nice through ball from his skipper.

Beautiful pass

Everton came back into the game after the setback and strung together a couple passes but Oumar Niasse was unfortunate not to get his shot on target in the 31st. 

Sharks were impressive throughout the opening half and almost got a second in the 33rd after Patilah Omotto found Harrison Mwendwa with a beautiful pass but the latter hit a wicked right footed shot that rolled out of play. 

Mwendwa continued to threaten and three minutes later he showed great pace before unleashing another effort at goal which end inches wide of the frame. 

In the 39th, Everton came as close as they had all day and it was the popular Theo Walcott who picked out substitute Broadhead with a delightful ball but the latter skied his effort, to the relief of the Kenyans in attendance. 

In the 41st, Andre Gomes was shown a yellow card for a foul on Sven Yidah as Sharks continued to push in search for a second goal. 

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The second half began with much more pace than the first and the absence of former England international Theo Walcott was the most noticeable difference. 

Everton got a free kick right on the edge of the penalty box in the 53rd and Joe Williams was confident enough to hit it on the ground to get one back for the visitors, making it 1-1. 

Sharks new signing Patrick Otieno made way for James Mazembe on the hour mark as Muluya sought a way back into the game. 

Chances went lacking as the game progressed as it looked as though it would be going to a penalty shootout, just like the last time an English team played on Kenyan soil. 

Neither team registered a clear cut chance on goal as the game progressed and it was almost certain that it would be going straight to penalties

Bwire made the stadium come alive as he saved the first penalty from goalscorer Williams but Abuya who also missed and Broadhead made no mistake from the spot scoring to give Everton the advantage. 

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Shiveka stepped up to take the second and his hilarious celebration was well received by the crowd before Yidah sent them into more raptures when he replicated his viral celebration from the 2019 SportPesa Cup in Tanzania.

Abege then scored and a miss by Benni Baningime almost caused ear drums to burst inside the stadium and goalkeeper Bwire stepped up to take what would be the winning penalty for Sharks to crown the historic day.