How Mathare scored four to leave Nzoia Nzoia on their knees

Gor Mahia fans. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Defending champions Gor Mahia will usher in 2020 atop the Kenya Premier League table despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Posta Rangers in a Premier League match yesterday, in Narok.

Posta Rangers took the lead in the 50th minute through a penalty by Joseph Mbugi before captain Kenneth Muguna rescued a point for the champions, also from the spot, five minutes from time.

The draw saw K’Ogalo move one-point clear of second placed Tusker at the helm of the standings on 29 points but with two games in hand.

The match kicked off to a slow start with both teams struggling to find their feet but it was Gor who made the first attempt in the eighth minute but Nicolas Kipkirui’s shot went wide.

Muguna would then combine with Boniface Omondi in the left wing but the latter’s cross proved too much for Kipkirui’s reach.

The first half was rather a dry affair but the hosts’ relentless efforts were repaid five minutes after the restart when Joash Onyango handled insde the penalty box.

Mbugi stepped up to beat Boniface Oluoch from the spot with the millers taking control of the game for several minutes later.

Gor relaxed and grew in confidence further as the game progressed and their determination was repaid in the last 10 minutes when the champions were awarded a penalty five minutes from time after Nzoia defence were punished for handling in the box.

Muguna restored parity from the spot as Patrick Odhiambo’s charges rescued a point to register their second draw of the campaign.

We played well but it is unfortunate we did not collect all the three points. When Posta took the lead, they changed the game but I am glad we did not give up and fought back to draw,” said Odhiambo, who is leading Gor following head coach Steven Polack’s absence.

Mathare United fan during KPL match against Nzoia FC at Kasarani stadium on Sunday, Dec 29, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

At Kasarani, Daniel Otieno scored a brace as Mathare United thrashed struggling Nzoia Sugar 4-0.

Clifford Alwanga gave the Slum Boys a narrow 1-0 half time break lead before Otieno doubled the scores eight minutes after the restart.

James Kinyanjui then put the game past Nzoia’s reach before Otieno added the icing on the cake as Mathare sealed their fifth win of the season with a comfortable 4-0 score line.

The win saw Mathare move to ninth in the table with 20 point, while Nzoia Sugar remained one point above the relegation zone with 10 points.