Okumu, Omwenga on target as City Stars dim Mathare

FKF-Premier League side Nairobi City Stars jumped to number eight on the Kenya log after dispatching struggling Mathare United 2-0 at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani on Friday afternoon.

Goals from Bolton Omwenga and Rodgers Okumu on either side of the break were enough to hand Simba wa Nairobi all the points as they embark on a tough run of fixtures in which they will face AFC Leopards, Tusker, and champions Gor Mahia.

Head coach Sanjin Alagic named an unchanged squad from the one that picked a pivotal 2-0 victory against Western Stima for their 25th encounter.

The Hope Center Based side threatened early after Oliver Maloba and Erick Ombija played a quick one-two on the edge of the area but Maloba fired wide.

Mathare replied with a quick well-taken corner but Salim Abdalla “Shittu” was quick to make a timely interception to keep hosts out of trouble.

Bolton Omwenga broke the deadlock on the 27th minute when his cross from the left flank was misjudged by Mathare goalkeeper Job Ochieng as it landed in the back of the net marking the major highlight of the opening half.

In the second half, City Stars picked from where they left with danger man Maloba making a darting run to set up a one on one with the goalkeeper but his hesitation to fire home gave time for Mathare United defenders to catch up and deny him.

Later Rodger Okumu who had replaced Anthony Kimani late in the second-half put the game to bed with a neat finish from close range to hand City their third win on the bounce.

Team coordinator Samson Otieno attributed their latest triumph to meticulous preparation saying it will boost their morale in their next three matches.

“We have prepared well and we are happy to win our third game in the row.

“We play three of the best teams in the division on our next three matches and these results will boost the morale of the boys greatly.

City Stars will take on in-form AFC Leopards on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani as they bid to win their fourth game on the trot.