Mathare stutter again, Nakumatt finally win

Mathare United squandered a chance to go level on points with Kenyan Premier League leaders Gor Mahia (27 points) after being held to a 1-1 draw by their arch-rivals Kariobangi Sharks at Camp Toyoyo yesterday.

Patillah Omoto cancelled out Clifford Alwanga’s first-half opener to deny second-placed Mathare (25) an opportunity to go back to the summit.

In an earlier match, Thika United started their post-Nicholas Muyoti era with a 1-0 win over Wazito as their fellow relegation-threatened Nakumatt ended their 10-game winless run with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Zoo in Kericho .

This was Nakumatt’s second win of the season since beating Nzoia Sugar by a solitary goal in February.

Sofapaka also ended their five-game winless run with a narrow 1-0 away victory against newcomers Vihiga United at Mumias Sports Complex. Stephen Waruru’s effort on the stroke of half-time is what separated the two sides.

It was the same situation for Thika United, who like Nakumatt chalked up their second win of the campaign after silencing Wazito 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo.

Eugene Mukangula’s last-gasp strike was all Thika United needed to beat Wazito.

Mukangula comfortably connected Shami Kibwana’s 87th minute precise cross to beat Wazito goalkeeper Phillip Odhiambo.

But Wazito have themselves to blame after wasting several scoring opportunities.

Frank Ouna’s men had a chance to take the lead in the 13th minute when Pistone Mutamba attempted to loop the ball over on-rushing Thika goalkeeper Eliud Emase, only for Kassim Mwinyi to recover quickly and make a brilliant goal-line clearance.

Ivorian defender Emmanuel Tienan then saw his glancing header from Joachim Omolo’s free kick on the half-hour mark agonisingly miss the target before their penalty appeal was turned down by the referee on the stroke of half-time.

Mathare United FC's Francis Omondi (left) and Bolton Omwenga of Kariobangi Sharks FC during KPL Match at Camp Toyoyo. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Wazito’s wastefulness came back to haunt them when Mukangula perfectly headed home Kibwana’s cross late in the game.

Boniface Mukhekhe was the hero for Nakumatt after scoring a late winner to deny hosts Zoo a point.

With the match tied at 2-2, the unexpected happened when Mukhekhe popped up to end Zoo’s five-game unbeaten streak with a stoppage time effort.

Nakumatt had taken a 2-0 half-time lead through Job Omuse and Clinton Kisiavuki’s goals before Michael Madoya and Nicholas Kipkurui brought the hosts back into the game.