Mathare win to keep survival hopes alive: Despite beating Posta Rangers, Stima are still not safe

KPL Mathare United FC's Samwel Olwande drible ball past Maxwel Onyango of Muhoroni FC during KPL at Ruaraka Grounds on Nov 10, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kariobangi Shark’s striker Masoud Juma moves closer to winning golden boot. 

Mathare United continued their push to survive relegation after beating already relegated Muhoroni Youth 2-1 in yesterday’s Kenyan Premier League match at Ruaraka Grounds.

Red hot Masoud Juma moved closer to winning the coveted golden boot after hitting a brace to take his goal tally to 17 in Kariobangi Sharks’ 4-1 demolition of Nzoia United at Camp Toyoyo. Duke Abuya scored the other brace for Sharks to go level on points (49) with fifth placed Kakamega Homeboyz, who lost by a solitary goal to champions elect Gor Mahia in Mumias.

Bandari saw off visiting Ulinzi Stars 1-0 as Kepha Aswani’s 13th goal of the season helped Nakumatt (39 points) to silence their hosts Sony Sugar, consequently ending their four-game winless run.

At Ruaraka Grounds, the wet and soggy pitch could not stop a determined Francis Kimanzi’s side from extending their unbeaten run to seven matches.

Cliff Nyakeya set up Edward Seda for the first goal before grabbing the match winner to take Mathare’s points tally to 38 ahead of next Saturday’s season-ender against Posta Rangers.

Mathare came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute, but Roy Okal’s attempt at the edge of the box following the visitors’ defence poor clearance went wide before Chrispin Ochieng fluffed his effort.

Muhoroni responded in the 18th minute when Bliss Kityo wasted a gracious opportunity after a good build up.

Moments later, Ochieng forced a fine save from Muhoroni goalkeeper Said Juma as the hosts intensified their search for an opener.

Mathare persistence finally paid off on the stroke of halftime when Nyakeya teed up Seda to break the deadlock.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Maxwell Onyango picked up the ball in the box following a goal mouth melee to draw level six minutes after the break.

Mathare regained the lead in the 58th minute through Nyakeya’s strike after a brilliant delivery from birthday boy John Mwangi.