The Hawks put up a battling effort in Awendo but were undone by defensive lapses.
Mara Sugar thrashed Darajani Gogo 3-0 in a National Super League match at Awendo Green Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the win, the Sugar Millers remained fifth on the league standings while Darajani Gogo also remained sixth on the log.
10:00 - 14.05.2023
NSL Mara Sugar face Darajani Gogo challenge in Awendo
The Sugar Millers are coming off a loss to Migori Youth and a win over Vihiga United in their last two league matches.
Mara Sugar were keen to return to winning ways after falling 2-1 to archrivals Migori Youth aways in their previous game in midweek.
Francis Xavier made four changes to the starting line-up that faced Migori Youth as he recalled Eliud Emase, Arnold Akafwale, Kevin Muuhanji and Robert Obaga.
Darajani Gogo were looking to extend their four-match unbeaten run in the league having walloped Vihiga United 5-1 at home in their previous league game.
The match got off to a lively start, and it was the Sugar Millers who broke the deadlock four minutes into the game following a good move by Xavier's side.
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Deniss Maruti controlled the ball brilliantly before playing through Plimenon Nyakwaka, who fired past Darajani Gogo goalkeeper Emmanuel Orwa to make it 1-0 to Mara.
The goal did not come as a surprise as the Sugar Millers had scored eight of their goals in the first 15 minutes of the game in the league this season.
Gogo, who have been praised for playing enterprising football under Caleb Aringa, tried to respond with a goal, but the Sugar Millers defense made sure that their keeper, Eliud Emase, was well-protected.
Frederick Mutinda had a chance to shoot at goal following a good move by the hosts, but Mara defender Drona Langa put his body on the line as he blocked the goal-bound shot.
At this stage, the momentum was with the visitors as the half-time break approached, and the home side came close to doubling their lead through Victor Ngume and Brian Ochieng.
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Ochieng 's powerful shot was pushed away by Orwa, who was alert, before Ngume curled his effort narrowly wide.
Mara Sugar were leading 1-0 at the interval following a lively first half in Bungoma.
Francis Xavier’s charges continued to stretch the game from the wings coming from the break and Nyakwaka eventually doubled their lead just before the half hour mark with a first time volley at the near post after a cross from substitute David Owino.
Gogo reacted with a tactical change bringing in Francis Koyugi for Malisau Mutheki to add numbers going forward.
The visitors looked revived and nearly pulled one back in the 67th minute when Brian Wafula unleashed a powerful strike from long range which Emase was forced to parry to safety.
Koyugi was guilty of missing easy goal scoring opportunities in the afternoon as he hit the upright, before firing wide of the target from close range.
Towards the last 15 minutes, coach Xavier pushed his men to probe for the third goal and their efforts were rewarded when Victor Ngume hit back of the net for his seventh goal of the season.
Darajani Gogo searched for a late consolation goal, but Mara Sugar stood firm at the back and they secured a 3-0 win over the Hawks.
In another match played Sunday at Silibwet Green Stadium in Bomet County, hosts Silibwet Leons were held to a 2-2 draw by touring Kajiado FC.
NSL Sunday results
Coastal Heroes 1-0 Kajiado FC
Naivas FC 2-1 Gusii FC
Vihiga United 1-2 MCF
Mara Sugar 3-0 Darajani Gogo
Silibwet 2-2 Kajiado FC