SPL: Kasumba scores two as Sofapaka thrash league leaders at Kasarani

Sofapaka FC's Titus Achesa (left) and James Situma of Mathare United during KPL Match at Kasarani stadium on Tuesday Feb 12, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kimanzi rues poor show as Mathare Utd floored

Slum Boys still remain top despite Bandari beating Vihiga in Mombasa.

Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi admitted his side were outplayed by Sofapaka as the Sportpesa Premier League (SPL) leaders were thrashed 4-1 at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

It was the heaviest defeat for the league leaders who still remained top with 25 points, but only on goal difference after Bandari beat Vihiga United 2-0 in Mombasa.

“We never showed that we wanted to win the match. That early goal also destabilised us and we were forced to change everything which forced us make mistakes.

“We showed good movement at some point in the match but it was too late. Trying to recover from three goals is difficult.  It all depends on how you start a match and the fact is we started badly,” Kimanzi said.

Sofapaka coach Francis Barasa said his players had a positive attitude in the match and believes this helped them pick  the crucial win.

“It is all about the attitude. They wanted to win and it evident from the way they played.”

An early goal by Elly Asieche, two more by Umaru Kasumba and another one by Titus Achesa  was enough to earn Sofapaka maximum points.

Kevin Kimani pulled one back for Mathare United late in the second half.

Asieche opened the scores for Sofapaka in the second minute after a goalkeeping howler from Allan Owiny.

The goal inspired Sofapaka and they looked for more goals and added another in the 32nd minute with Titus Achesa’s deflected strike from a freekick.

Ahmed Ahmad’s shot in the 39th minute was inches wide as Mathare looked to hit back.

But it was Kasumba who scored the third goal for Sofapaka with his first of the match in the 43rd minute. He turned in the rebound after Owiny had made a another goalkeeping error as he spilled Esieche's long effort in front of two Sofapaka players.

In Mombasa, Bandari beat Vihiga United 2-0 which moved them to second place ahead of Gor Mahia.

Goals by David King’atua and Yema Mwana were enough for Bandari to maintain their title ambitions.

King’atua  slammed home the opener in the 10th minute with a thunderous shot from a free kick as Bandari took a first half lead.

Rwandan import Mwana put the issue beyond doubt in the 73rd minute to ensure Vihiga United lost their second match in a row.

In another match, Kariobangi Sharks picked their second win in a row after edging out Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.