ERROR-STREWN CLASH AT THIKA: Mathare overcome poor goalkeeping to win as Posta dispatch newboys Zoo Kericho and Chemelil win derby
Football
By
Ben Ahenda, Phillip Orwa and Rodgers Eshitemi
| Mar 13, 2017
Kenyan U20 international David Owino scored a late winner on his Kenyan Premier League debut as Mathare United beat Thika United 3-2 in a thrilling match, at Thika County Stadium, yesterday.
In a match that witnessed four headed goals in as much corners thanks to horrendous goalkeeping as Christopher Oruchum and Sosthenes Idah netted for Thika while George Owino and Ronald Okoth netted Mathare’s two other goals.
In Nakuru, Gilbert Osunga was sent off mid-second half as a 10-man Posta Rangers weathered the storm to edge newcomers Zoo Kericho 1-0 at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Second half substitute Jared Obwoge, who came in for Dennis Mwaura struck the match winner in the 78th minute from a pinpoint Simon Mbugua cross from the right flank.
Prior to that goal, the two teams subjected each other to some rough tackles in the second half that prompted referee to give Osunga his marching orders with a yellow card to Nixon Amulanda of Kericho Zoo to bring back the match to some sanity.
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Kericho Zoo coach Sammy ‘Jambe’ Okoth was a satisfied man with the results and said they would catch up as the tournament progresses on.
“We’ll soon settle down despite starting the league on a losing note. The referee tried to keep the match in order and it is upon us to prove ourselves in subsequent matches to come,” he told Feverpitch.
The striking partnership of Geoffrey Gichana and Dominic Ouma of Kericho Zoo failed to penetrate the rearguard of the mailmen prompting substitution, with Dennis Omondi replacing Gichana 10 minutes to the final whistle.
Elsewhere, Chemelil Sugar beat hosts Sony Sugar 2-0 to win the Sugar Derby at Awendo Green Stadium.
James Omino scored in the 47th minute and and Collins Neto netted from a penalty in the 62nd minute.
Chemelil’s first goal arrived following neat interplay from counter attack when Jeffari Owiti picked out Oscar Oketch, who in turn teed up onrushing Omino to loop the ball beyond goalkeeper Kevin Omondi.
A quarter an hour later veteran Hillary Echesa was brought down by Samwel Olale and Neto stepped forward to give Chemelil a two-goal victory. — Reports by Ben Ahenda, Phillip Orwa and Rodgers Eshitemi