By James Waindi
Former Kenyan Premier League champions Mathare United twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Nairobi City Stars in a physical match that produced three red cards at the Hope Centre.
City Stars’ goals came from their last season top scorer Arthur Museve and teenager David Gateri, while Mathare replied through Lloyd Wahome and former Seychelles-based and Thika United striker James Omondi.
Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi said he was satisfied with the result after the match, but noted he would have loved to pick maximum points from the fixture.
"The result is not good enough, but picking a point at Hope Centre is not bad either. The match was very physical because the players have been on pre-season but we will pick up our rhythm probably in our next fixture," said Kimanzi.
His opposite number Kennedy Odhiambo said they could have easily won the tie had they observed some discipline.
"We were on top of the match for a longer period but some school boy mistakes cost us dearly. The two red cards really affected our play and left our midfield a little bit shaky," he said.
Midfielder Arthur Museve who finished as Stars’ top scorer with 10 goals last season scored the opening goal in the 11th minute from the penalty spot after Mathare United defender Dennis Nzomo handled a goal bound shot at the line.
Mathare, who finished second last season, piled pressure on their opponents but could not beat an impressive Stars’ custodian Joseph Ruto as the match went to half time with Stars leading 1-0.
In the second half, Kimanzi threw in three offensive players, Simon Mburu, Jacob Keli and Omondi in an effort to rescue the match. They pilled pressure on Stars’ box but the opponents counter attack almost produced a second goal.
However, Simon Mulama brought down Jimmy Bagaye just before he could pull the trigger, giving referee Sylvester Musonye no chance but to give Mulama a straight red card since he was the last man.
The resultant free kick almost went in after Gateri’s bended shot went inches wide with goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng well beaten.
Despite being a man down, Mathare pushed forward and their pressure was rewarded in the 69th minute when Wahome headed in Kevin Kimani’s corner kick.
Bagaye was given his marching orders a minute later for retaliation after he knocked Kimani to the ground following a rush challenge, but Gateri restored Star’s lead in the 72nd minute when he converted substitute Tony Nyangor’s cross.
Star’s Francis Thairu was sent off with 10 minutes to go after a two footed challenge on Simon Mburu.
