Homeboyz skin AFC Leopards, Mathare edge Rangers

AFC Leopards defender Kayci Odhiambo (right) battles for an aerial ball with Kakamega Homeboyz captain Moses Mudavadi during their FKF Premier League match at Dandora Stadium. [Kakamega Homeboyz FC]

Mathare United moved nine points further away from the relegation zone after coming from behind to thrash Posta Rangers 3-2 in a FKF Premier League match played at Dandora Stadium which hosted a double header yesterday.

The Slum Boys have blown hot and cold this season, but one defeat in their last seven matches has lifted the team to almost the safety zone after three wins and three draws.

Carrying a comfortable 2-0 lead against Rangers during the first leg played last year in November, Mathare were keen to complete a double, which they achieved despite going behind after eight minutes.

Felix Oluoch finished off a pass from Ivan Ochieng to give Rangers an early 1-0 lead after lobbying over Posta goalkeeper Michael Wanyika who failed to cover his near post.

Mathare responded in the 18th minute through Derrick Anami, who struck from the spot after Faustine Samaki brought Brian Ouru down in the area for a 1-1 tie at half time.

In the final half, Mathare United head coach John Kamau introduced Robert Mboya for Wanyika in goal before adding Musa Masika and Paul Kinyanjui in place of Elli Asieche and Brian Ochieng respectively, signaling his intent to win the match.

The early substitutions paid off in the 60th minute when former Gor Mahia midfielder Masika gave Mathare the lead.

After a mix-up from the Posta defenders, Masika grabbed the loose ball before curling the ball into the net.

Five minutes later another defensive mistake allowed another substitute Kinyanjui to lob the ball into an empty net.

Shami Mwinyi came off the bench to score the consolation goal for Sammy Omollo charges after being introduced in the 68th minute.

The defeat leaves Posta hanging two places above the red zone with 25 points and could drop depending on the outcome of today's matches. Mathare are now placed tenth with 33 points.

In the second match, Kakamega Homeboyz also came from behind to stun AFC Leopards 2-1 and grab the Ingo derby bragging rights.

Victor Omune gave Ingwe the lead in the eighth minute before Moses Shumah equalised at the stroke of half-time.

Henry Omollo came off the bench to score the winner after replacing Shumah, heading home in the 84th minute for the win.

Victory saw Homeboyz leapfrog Leopards into the fifth spot with 38 points. Ingwe dropped to sixth with 37 points.