Mathare fend off Sharks’ attack to claim derby bragging rights

Mathare United scored in either half through winger Kevin Kimani and Daniel Otieno to secue a 2-1 win to claim the derby bragging rights in the face of a late onslaught from Kariobangi Sharks.

Sharks had their goal scored through Daniel Sakari.

Mathare laid down their ambitions early on with lanky forward Dani Lual causing chaos in the Sharks danger zone. Defender Martin Ongori released him early on but his powerful shot was saved by Brian Bwire in Sharks goal.

In the 28^th Minute, James Kinyanui crossed into the box but Lual’s acrobatic effort went wide. Mathare were not going to be denied as captain Kimani got them the lead in the 30^th minute.

After some neat work from winger James Kinyanjui who dazzled past youngster Mwangemi Boniface before releasing a dangerous cross into the area which was not dealt with by the Sharks defenders, well-positioned Kimani controlled and released a shot into the top corner with goalkeeper Brian Bwire left helpless.

For long spells of the first half, Mathare had Sharks on the ropes with the their two wingers combining well in the 34^th minute only to be stopped by defender Samuel Olwande.

With their half-hearted efforts, it seemed that Sharks would get a goal only if Mathare made mistakes and when they did just before halftime after Kevin Kimani had misplaced a pass, Tom Machika controlled and shot over the bar.

With Muluya’s men rarely threatening in the first half, he made drastic changes few minutes after the restart. New signing from Wazito Derrick Onyango replaced John Omondi while danger man Julius Masaba was replaced by Otieno Patrick after a suspected injury.

Derrick Onyango was proving to be a menace as he hit the post in the 68^th minute after a slide rule pass from Patillah Omotto.

With Sharks influence growing in the match, they sent more men forward and Mathare realized an opportunity to counter attack. In the 80^th  minute, pacy winger Tyson Otieno picked the ball from his own half, dribbled past two defenders and  released substitute Daniel Otieno who calmly placed the ball past Bwire to double their advantage.

Five minutes later, Sharks were on the score sheet amid confusion in the Mathare box, goalkeeper Job Ochieng mistiming Daniel Sakari’s cross which nestled into the net.

Mathare resulted to time wasting tactics following the referees four added minutes leaving Sharks with little to do. A brief scuffle ensued before the final whistle between the two coaches with Muluya clearly angered with Mathare’s antics.

KPL Collated Results

Ulinzi Stars 3-2 Western Stima

Mathare United 2-1 Kariobangi Sharks

Kisumu All Stars 0-2 Posta Rangers

Sofapaka 4-1 Nzoia Sugar

KK Homeboyz 2-1 Gor Mahia

Bandari 1-2 Tusker

AFC Leopards 2-0 Wazito