Slum derby ends in draw as Zoo cage Leopards

Kariobangi Sharks FC's George Abegejump past Andrew Juma and Roy Okal of Mathare United during KPL match at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Leaders Mathare United maintained their unbeaten run after battling to a barren draw against Kariobangi Sharks in a Sportpesa Premier League (SPL) match at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

In Kericho, AFC Leopards woes continued after a 1-0 loss to Zoo Kericho while Kakamega Homeboyz docked Bandari 4-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.

Kevin Omondi ensured the home team got all three points at Kericho Green Stadium after netting in the 84th minute.

At Afraha Stadium, SPL champions Gor Mahia hit back with a 2-0 win over Sony Sugar.

Jacques Tuyisenge scored both goals for Gor Mahia, who had lost to KCB last Sunday at Machakos.

He scored in the 13th and 79th minutes.

The much hyped Slum derby at Kasarani was an exciting match by all counts and was well attended too and both teams did not disappoint. The only negative to the match was that there was no goal.

It was the league leaders who showed clear intention to go ahead with Cliff Nyakeya having the first chance after being set up with a long ball from midfield.

Nyakeya picked the ball,  cut inside the Kariobangi Sharks backline, but did not get space to shoot as the Sharks defence stood firm.

Mathare United continued their dominance and David Owino was next on line to threaten as he rattled Sharks post. 

At the quarter hour mark, Harrison Kinyanjui then set up Nyakeya who headed wide.

Sharks slowly found their way into the match as Harrison Mwendwa missed from close range in the 27th minute as his goal bound shot was deflected for a corner.

Then Duke Abuya hit the post as Sharks forced four corners in quick succession.

It was Mathare United who ended the half on a high with Kevin Kimani failing to beat John Oyemba in goal at the half hour mark after a well worked move.

It was a battle of the midfield in the second half with both teams fighting to take control.

Kariobangi Sharks second half substitute James Mazembe had the first chance, but he failed to finish Michael Bodo’s cross.

At the tail end Sydney Lokale looked to have won a penalty, but the referee waved away his pleas.

At Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz thrashed Bandari 4-0 as the team bounced back to winning ways a day after sacking head coach Paul Nkatha.

It is only the third win for Homeboyz who are now handled by striker Allan Wanga on an interim basis.

It was the first loss for Bandari who finished runners-up during last weekend’s SportPesa Cup final in Tanzania.

Allan Wanga netted a brace while Maxwell Ravell and Luke Namanda scored a goal each.