KCB dent Mathare United's relegation survival hopes

Mathare United FC's Cercidy Okeyo (left) and Samuel Mwangi of KCB FC at Ruaraka Grounds during FKF Premier League match on May 19, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

A second-half match-winner by Derrick Otanga's gave Frank Ouna a rude welcome back to the top flight after KCB confined Mathare United to a 10th defeat of the season thanks to a 2-1 win in the mid-week FKF Premier League fixture.

The scoreline left Mathare rooted at the bottom of the table with the Slum Boys staring at a possible maiden relegation from the top tier.

Mathare have never dropped to the lower division since their league debut in 1998, but poor performances all season could see this historic feat destroyed.  

After the firing of Salim Ali, Ouna was brought on board with clear instructions to salvage the already bad situation at the cracking Mathare Valley. But the former Wazito FC tactician has picked up from where Salim left off. 

Mathare started the game on a high with Daniel Otieno capitalising on a poor defensive mistake from the KCB backline, to put his side ahead in the second minute.

Vincent Wasambo, however, waited until the 45th minute to level proceedings with a deflected shot. Super-sub Otanga shattered Mathare’s hopes when he got his name on the scoresheet in the 75th minute.

With Zoo FC already demoted to the National Divison One League due to match-fixing offences, Mathare are now bottom of the log with just 10 points from 16 matches.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) last week announced the team that will be on top of the table by June 30 will represent the country at the CAF Champions League next season.

This means that the 2008 champions will have to win all their matches and hope that those above them drop points, for them to have a fighting chance at maintaining Premier League status. 

The victory pushed KCB up to second on the log with 34 points, three behind leaders Tusker.?