After four years of football hiatus, Nakuru’s iconic Stadium, Afraha Stadium roared back to life with a thrilling showdown that left fans craving for more.

In front of a jubilant crowd packed into the newly refurbished pavilions on both sides of the pitch, Zoo Kericho and hosts Nakuru Bucks delivered a dramatic season finale of the Football Kenya Federation FKF Division One showdown sharing the spoils in a 3-3 draw.

But this was not just another football match, it was a symbolic homecoming for Nakuru football, a celebration of resilience and hope after years of waiting. For the first time since April 2021, the Afraha pitch saw a competitive football match again.

Afraha’s return has been long overdue, closed for upgrade since April 30, 2021 the stadium project faced persistent delays, ballooning costs and rising frustration from Nakuru’s football community.

Originally set for completion in mid-2022 the Sh683 million World Bank funded facelift has now crossed its initial budget.

But with phase one nearing completion and only the seat installations remaining there is renewed optimism.

“We thank Nakuru residents for their patience. We are now finalising the tender for seats. A big milestone has been made,” City manager Gitau Thamnja earlier told Standard Sports.

The new Afraha is indeed a transformation, a lush green pitch lies within a blue tartan athletics truck. Two towering pavilions, the changing rooms, Gym space, Media Centre and VIP lounges mark a new chapter for Nakuru sports.

On April 4 this year this 77-year-old stadium hosted Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting.

“This field brings a lot of memories to Nakuru, especially me who played in this pitch,” said coach Siwa who is a former Nakuru All Stars player.

In the match on Sunday, Zoo’s Edwin Namasaka struck first in the ninth minute, calmly converting a well taken penalty that sent Nakuru bucks goalkeeper Justine Opande diving on the wrong way igniting the crowd and setting the tone for an action packed afternoon.

But Bucks hit back with their own penalty just nine minutes later confidently converted by Wayne Odhiambo to level the scores.

The second half turned into a roller-coaster. Teddy Osikol fired Bucks into the lead in the 61st minute before Gilbert Lang rose highest to nod home the third in the 75th minute sending home fans into a frenzy.

But Zoo were not done yet., with just 10 minutes left, Julius Onyango gave them hope with a clinical finish in the 81st minute, and then in the 91st minute when all seemed lost Fabias Oduor found the equaliser sparking wild celebrations from the visitors bench.

Zoo head coach Herman Iswekha was full of pride for his team spirited comeback.

“Coming back from three goals down is not easy. The boys really tried. Infact when we were told the match would be played here at Afraha Stadium we were very excited and we have witnessed some good football here,” said Iswekha

“I had to re-strategise after we conceded the third goal. I made some key substitutions and as you have seen they are the ones who turned the game around,” he added. He admitted that his club’s season had been anything but smooth.

“We didn’t start well, we were hit hard by injuries and lost points in matches we should have won but our main goal was to stay in the league and I am happy we have achieved that,” he said.

While assuring Zoo fans of better days ahead Iswekha said next season will be totally different for the club saying he is looking forward to straighten their attacking and goalkeeping departments.