Mathare back to the top after five-goal thriller

Sofapaka Omar Moussa is challenged by Enock Agwanda (left) of Sony Sugar during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Wasteful Sofapaka held by Sony as ten-man KCB battle to draw with cash strapped Vihiga.

Mathare United returned to the top of the SportPesa Premier League table by beating Kakamega Homeboyz 3-2 in a thrilling tie at Kasarani Stadium as ten-man KCB drew 1-1 with cash strapped Vihiga United in Machakos.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off both at Kasarani and Kenyatta Stadium in honour of those who died during Tuesday’s terror attack at DusitD2 Complex, Riverside Drive.

A brace from Chrispin Oduor and Cliff Nyakeya’s strike helped to overhaul goals from Allan Wanga and Luke Namanda.

The victory saw the unbeaten Slum Boys open a two point gap over second placed Bandari (18 points) as Homeboyz extended their winless run to six matches.

It was a day of draws in Machakos. Ten-man KCB drew 1-1 with Vihiga United in an early kick off match before wasteful Sofapaka also shared the spoils with Sony Sugar (0-0).

Steve Wakanya canceled out Shami Kibwana’s early opener to ensure cash strapped Vihiga go back to Western Kenya with a valuable point.

But Mike Mururi’s men have themselves to blame after they failed to capitalized on their numerical advantage to secure the win.

The hosts had to play the final half an hour with one man less after defender Gabriel Mugabo was got his marching orders for second bookable offence.

“I’m with that draw. I’m pleased with the boys’ performance because we played under fatigue and difficult conditions. We had less than eight hours to rest after traveling all-night from Vihiga.

“It’s been devastating. I’m humbly requesting the Vihiga County government to continue supporting the team.

“We didn’t capitalize on the numerical advantage but I think the curent financial crisis the team is going through somehow affected us.”

But for his KCB counterpart Frank Ouna, those were two dropped points.