MATHARE, AFC DRAW: Controversy at Nyayo as Slum Boys miss chance to go top

KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE AFC's Kepha Aswani celebrate lone goal against Mathare United during KPL Match at Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, July 16, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

AFC Leopards's Kepha Aswani struck a controversial second half goal which denied Mathare United a chance to go on top of the Kenyan Premier League yesterday.

The thrilling encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, but with its share of controversy as Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi was left fuming over the manner in which AFC Leopards had scored the equaliser.

It was a day of stalemates in all the three league matches played across the country. In an earlier tie at the same venue, Nairobi City Stars held Ulinzi Stars to a 1-1 draw as Thika United and Western Stima shared the spoils in Thika.

However, the main talking point of the weekend was at the Nyayo National Stadium with referee Elias Kuloba being the centre of focus.

While he might feel let down by his assistant who failed to raise his flag despite Aswani yards offside for his goal, he will also take a lot of blame for the way he handled the entire match.

At one time Mathare's Derrick Onyango had to be stretched off to be treated in an ambulance after a bad foul by Jackson Saleh, but referee could only give a free kick and did not book the offender.

Leopards coach Ivan Minnaert was also unhappy with some calls.

Leopards threatened first in the fifth minute, but Kepha Aswani's header was cleared by Chrispin Odour's cross in the face of Ingwe goal.

Five minutes later, Allan Kateregga delivered a fine cross from the right, but Paul Kiongera failed to tap in. Mathare could have taken the lead in the 15th minute but Eric Johanna miscued his shot before John Ndirangu's long range effort hit the post.

David Mwangi broke the deadlock for Mathare in the 28th minute when the defender rose above his markers to head home Robinson Kamura's free kick.

Leopards responded immediately, but Aswani was denied by the post. A few minutes later, Aswani saw his header from Ndirangu's delivery go wide before AFC keeper denied Chrispine Oduor the second goal with a superb save.

AFC came into the second half a more rejuvenated side with Minnaert making a tactical change, bringing on midfielder Bernard Mang'oli for defender Yakubu Ramadhan.

And in the 57th minute, Aswani made first half amends with a powerful diving header from Ndirangu's brilliant cross.

In an earlier match at the same venue, Nairobi City Stars rallied from behind to share the spoils with Ulinzi Stars.

Ulinzi took an early lead in the minute after Luis Misiko scored in his own net while trying to clear a dangerous ball.

But after several attempts, Ezekial Odera snatched a point for the Kawangware-based outfit with a clinical finish in the 81st minute.

Although both coaches were happy with the draw, Ulinzi Stars trainer Robert Matano insisted the title race is still wide open.

"I am happy with a point, but the goal we conceded was not genuine. It is still too early to talk about the title. The league has not ended yet, no one has won the title.It was not our last match of the league, so the battle is still on," Matano said.

"It is good we got a point from the match, but we deserved to win. Just like the last two matches, we were wasteful in front of goal. We need to work on our finishing," said City Stars coach Richard Tamale Pinto.