Kenya Power Charity Cup: Mathare lose to Sofapaka in post-match penalties

In the penalty shoot-out Sofapaka scored through Thomas Wanyama and Felly Mulumba while United converted through Eric Johanna. Both goalkeepers were in top form as they saved a number of the penalties.

Mathare United showed early urgency in the final match as they sought to go ahead. They should have taken the lead in the third minute with a move that forced Duncun Ochieng, in the Sofapaka goal, to come out and punch Daniel Mwaura’s cross for the first corner of the match.

Police use tear gas to disperse fans during the Kenya Power Charity Cup match at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.

The move was initiated by Vincent Odongo deep in Sofapaka’s half. He picked out Edwin Ombasa with a low cross who in turn tapped the ball to a waiting Mwaura and the latter went for the goal.

Mwaura was at it again a minute later as he forced another save from the veteran Sofapaka keeper with a long shot.

On the other side of the pitch teenage striker Enock Agwanda was giving Mathare United defenders a hard time. His first touch on the ball ended in a corner for his side after veteran Edger ‘Fighter’ Ochieng came out quickly to stop his goal bound move.

Sofapaka’s first shot at goal came in the tenth minute and newly signed Anthony Ndolo was responsible for the shot which however did not give Peter Odhiambo in the Mathare United goal any trouble.

In the 28th minute with Sofapaka piling pressure, Mathare United defender David Mwangi handled the ball while trying to stop Clifftone Miheso from heading into the net.

Referee Davies Omweno promptly awarded a penalty and booked the defender. Veteran striker John Barasa stepped up to score.

Mwangi was then pulled out for Peter Odhiambo as United sought to seal their back line. Sofapaka’s Maurice Odipo was also booked for rough play just before the match went on recess.

United kept up the pressure in the second half and were rewarded with an Abich goal taking the match to penalties.