SPL: Mt Kenya end Mathare United’s unbeaten run

Mt Kenya United players celebrate after scorring their second gola against Mathare United at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on February 2,2019.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

Bottom side Mount Kenya United yesterday shocked SportPesa Premier League leaders Mathare United 2-1 at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Melis Medo’s boys had to come from a goal down to end the Slum Boys unbeaten run.

The leaders went ahead in the 38th minute after referee Kartstone Nyabera awarded a penalty after Mt Kenya goalkeeper Philip Odhiambo fouled Cliff Nyakeya .

Striker Crispin Odour took the spot kick sending Odhiambo the wrong way.

Mt Kenya’s Samuel Ndungu then wasted an open chance to draw his team level in the 43rd minute after his shot from outside the box was easily saved by Mathare United keeper Job Ochieng.

One minute to stoppage time Mt Kenya’s Tanzanian import Peter Amani cancelled Mathare United’s lead after heading home a Moses Odhiambo cross.

Mt Kenya were a rejuvanated side in the second half and went ahead from a penalty of their own in the dying minutes with Amani netting his second of the match.

He was forced retake the penalty after Ochieng had saved his earlier effort.

He was fouled by Andrew Juma when he was set to drill home the rebounce.

Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi while accepting the defeat said his boys were fatigued.

“My boys have had no rest because of the tight fixture schedule and this has affected them as some are injured,” he said.

The result has given second placed Bandari a perfect opportunity to close the gap on league leaders.  

Bandari host AFC Leopards today in Mombasa hoping to hit back after the loss in midweek.

Elsewhere, 11-time Kenyan champions Tusker went level on points (18) with second placed Bandari after being held 0-0 by Posta Rangers. [Kipsang Joseph and Rodgers Eshitemi]