Migori Youth were held to a 2-2 draw by Tanzanian side Pamba Jiji in an entertaining international friendly played at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Sunday, 27 September.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe encounter brought the curtain down on Migori Youth's two-match tour of Tanzania, as the newly promoted FKF Premier League side continued fine-tuning their squad ahead of their maiden top-flight campaign.##NAJAVA_MECA_9985378##Migori made a flying start, taking the lead inside the opening three minutes through Mike Isabwa.The former Kakamega Homeboyz winger capitalised on a defensive lapse, collecting the ball from a Pamba Jiji defender, before rounding the goalkeeper and calmly slotting into an empty net.The hosts nearly responded through Shaphan Oyugi, who got on the end of a well-delivered ball inside the box, but blasted wide with only goalkeeper Evans Omondi to beat.©Rodgers OdhiamboMigori remained dangerous going forward and came close to doubling their advantage before the quarter-hour mark when Fredrick Ologi raced onto Hamvin Okoth's delivery, but failed to convert from close range.Fredrick Nyakwaka also went close for Migori after being picked out by Clinton Okoth, but the lanky striker was denied by the Pamba Jiji goalkeeper.Pamba Jiji eventually restored parity in the 24th minute through Yunus Idd, who reacted quickest after Omondi spilled the ball, tapping home from close range.Harambee Stars coach explains continued trust in midfielder despite backlashMigori continued to probe for another breakthrough, and almost regained the lead through David Odoyo. The former Tusker player collected the ball from Maxwell Odada, before sending a teasing delivery across the face of goal, but it narrowly evaded his teammates.Migori eventually regained the advantage seven minutes before the interval, with Isabwa completing his brace in spectacular fashion.The forward stepped up for a free-kick and produced a superb curling effort that found the roof of the net, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead at the break.The Tanzania Premier League outfit under coach Francis Baraza came out strongly after the restart in search of an equaliser, with Amos Kadikilo going close shortly after the hour mark ,when his powerful effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.Migori responded with an opportunity of their own as Woodvin Okoth unleashed a fierce strike after connecting with Odada's delivery, but his effort sailed over.The Tanzanian hosts continued to press and came close through Zabana Mayombia, who headed a well-delivered ball inside the box, but failed to find the target from a promising position.Harambee Stars midfielder identifies area of concern ahead of Guinea clashTheir persistence finally paid off in the closing stages, when Fadhili Baluba converted from a corner-kick situation, to restore parity and complete the scoring.Migori pushed for a late winner, but Pamba Jiji remained organised defensively to secure a share of the spoils in a tightly contested encounter.The result followed another 2-2 draw against Alliance FC earlier in the tour, with Christopher Koloti finding the net for Migori.The two matches formed part of the club's preseason preparations, providing Migori with valuable competitive exposure against Tanzanian opposition, as they continue preparations for their historic debut in the FKF Premier League. McCarthy defends Harambee Stars after disrupted preparations for Eritrea drawThe club will now return to Kenya to continue preparations for the new season, with coach Salim Babu expected to use the remaining pre-season period to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
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