By Ibrahim Adolwa

Nzoia Sugar played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Kenya Police at Sudi Stadium.

In a match that that began at a slow pace, James Kibande raised to the occasion, scoring against his former club right at the stroke of halftime, with a lovely assist from the inform Joseph Mwangi.

The visitors showed intent in the second half, fashioning chances through their attacking triumvirate of Francis Kahata, Elvis Ripia and Cliff Miheso.

The visitors’ efforts were awarded in the 51st minute through Elvis Rupia’s header. “Machapo,” almost doubled the lead four minutes later from Francis Kahata’s header. However, Humphrey Katasi collected the ball.

With the match turning frantic, substitute Alfred Tanui almost put Nzoia ahead in the 66th minute. However, he could not convert from close range, with only Police keeper Job Ochieng to beat.

However, Joseph Mwangi, who had received a call up to the national team was at hand to score Nzoia’s second from a looping header in the 74th minute.

With the clocking ticking down, there was yet another twist to the game. Elvis ‘Machapo’ Rupia, who scored the visitors’ first goal, turned provider, his dinking pass finding Derrick Otanga who equalized with two minutes of normal time left to snatch a point.

An additional four minutes could not provide fodder for another twist of the game, with both teams sharing a point.

The attention now turns to the international break, with Nzoia set to take on Ulinzi Stars at Sudi Stadium in the next round of fixtures.