Homeboyz stun Thika United as Mathare draw

Vincent Okello and Paul Mboya jostle for the ball.[PHOTO: STANDARDMEDIA]

By BRIAN MOSETI and GILBERT WANDERA

Mathare United and Muhoroni Youth battled to a  1-1 draw during Monday’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The result leaves both sides struggling to survive against the rising relegation storm.  Roy Syamba scored first for United in the 32nd minute.

However, Enos Ochieng scored the equaliser eight minutes later to help Muhoroni Youth pick a point from their tour of Nairobi.

In Western province, Kakamega Homeboyz pipped Thika United 2-0 enhancing their chances of survival as they move to 26 points on the log in a match played at the Bukhungu Stadium.

Kakamega Homeboyz stamped their authority after just eight-minutes into the game. The Thika United goal keeper Lucas Indeche made a blunder and let the ball slip through his fingers into the path of Ronald Otieno. The striker did not miss his mark as his shot found the back of the net for the opener.

Things got worse for Thika United as they conceded a penalty after a defender handled   the ball inside the danger zone. Andrew Kulecho hammered home the goal to seal the victory for the Kakamega based team.

Thika United were denied the chance to get a consolation goal after it was rejected by the referee by virtue of one of the Thika players being off side in the build up.

The Homeboyz coach Edward Manoa was happy his team is back on the trail as it tries to survive relegation.

“It was a hard game for us and it was a must win. I commend my players for showing such strong character and getting the win,” said Manoah.

His Thika United colleague John Kariuki however, was not happy with the result.

“The game was very chaotic and the referee did not make it any easier,” he said. “I have seen such bad officiating, but this was worse.”

The match was stopped after players from both sides became physical, but the centre referee agreed to continue.

Elsewhere, Gor Mahia will be crowned the 2013 KPL champions if they stop Sofapaka tomorrow at Kasarani. Victory over Sofapaka will push Gor’s tally to 53 points as second  placed Sofapaka  remain on 43 points. This means that Sofapaka will not be able to catch up with the leaders even if they win all their remaining three matches.