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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

No KPL title in sight?

Football

By - | Jul 13, 2012

By Gilbert Wandera

Mathare United shocked Sofapaka 2-0 on Wednesday night in round 18 of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Jesse Were and John Odhiambo scored a goal each to ensure the 2008 champions who have been struggling this season got all three points.

The result continued Sofapaka’s poor run in the league as they have now collected only one point out of a possible nine in the last three matches.

Were’s goal came after only seven minutes as he benefited from a mix up between defenders Edgar Ochieng’ and Juma Abdalla to beat David Okello in goal.

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The Sofapaka defence was not having a good night as they allowed John Mwango to set up the second goal with an incredible run down the right wing before dispatching a goal bound cross that was easily tapped home by Odhiambo two minutes into the second half.

Perhaps inspired by the desire to keep away from the relegation zone, United appeared the better side, created more chances and were hungry for goals.

After scoring his first goal, Were who has had a great partnership with Francis Ouma missed another chance to increase his tally in the 25th minute when he sent his effort wide.

The league’s top scorer John Barasa remained a thorn in Mathare’s defence but he appeared to struggle to get balls as his main source Humphrey Mieno appeared cut off.

He got his first chance on the hour mark when he rose high to head a cross from deep but the attentive Martin Musalia in Mathare’s goal picked up his effort to deny Sofapaka their opener.

The win, the fourth for Mathare this season, sends the Slum Boys to 13th spot with 18 points while Sofapaka remain in third spot.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards may go top of the standings this evening (7pm) if they beat Nairobi City Stars at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Leopards are currently second on the log and need to win on Friday to displace leaders and champions Tusker.

This is a grudge match as City Stars won the first leg 3-0 and it is a result that marked the turn around for the Kawangware based club since they have not lost from that time on.

City Stars have gone an in incredible six matches un-beaten and go into Friday’s fixture as the favourites.

Even after losing top goal scorer, Dan Ssrenkuma, the Kawangware-based club has not been shot of inspiration. Their most recent win was against high riding Thika United away.

Former Gor Mahia striker Ibrahim Kitawi is fast settling at the club and his experience will count for something against Leopards.

Like, City Stars, Leopards have also turned around their performance winning their last two fixtures.

The team welcomes new defence kingpin Pascal Ochieng’ who completed his move to the club this week.