Stima's current put on hold by spirited Sofapaka

Elli Asieche was on target as Sofapaka held Western Stima to a 1-1 draw at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday.

Vincent Odongo struck in the 52nd minute to set Stima on course for their fourth win of the season but his effort was cancelled by Asieche in the 61st minute.

Stima Coach Paul Ogai said he was satisfied with a point since the match was tough and his players were also fatigued having travelled from Mombasa.

"It is good to get a point from a tough opponent considering we did not have enough rest," said Ogai.

Sofapaka were the better side in the early exchanges as they controlled the game winning five corner kicks but they failed to convert.

John Avire gave the 2009 champions their first shot on target from outside the box but Stima's goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo reacted fast to save.

The hosts saw their first real chance go begging when John Mwita's shot crashed on the side netting after Berry Kote had found him with a cutback.

Sofapaka had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Caroline Wanjala after Luke Ochieng' looked to have handled the ball when making a clearance.

The visitors could have fallen behind shortly afterwards but Richard Aimo went full stretch to his right to deny Mwita who had made a beautiful connection to Kevin Akongo's cross.

Ogai was forced to make a first half change two minutes later after Wesley Kemboi sustained an injury. He was replaced by Kennedy Otieno.

The best chance of the half arrived at the stroke of halftime when Akongo picked out David Ojuang with a cross but Aimo's outstretched foot denied Stima the opener.

Odongo gave Stima a suprise lead in the 52nd minute when he picked Maurice Ojwang's fast thrown-in from the left to fire a venomous drive into the top right corner past a hapless Aimo.

But the lead was short-lived as Asieche tapped in a rebound from close range nine minutes later. Odhiambo had done well to parry a powerful shot from Avire but only as far as Asieche who had the easiest of tasks to guide the ball into the unguarded goal.

Substitute Baron Oketch almost restored the powermen's lead in the 71st minute when he skipped past three blue shirts but Aimo tipped his sumptuous curler over the bar.

Stima also survived twice on the other end as Umaru Kasumba's rasping shot came off the upright before Odhiambo dealt with Michael Oduor's long rang strike.