Posta slow down Mathares KPL surge as Vihiga hold Tusker

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Leaders Mathare United were stunned by rivals Posta Rangers 2-1, in a tightly contested clash staged at the Camp Toyoyo grounds on Sunday, in the round 11 of the campaign.

Thus, the 2008 champions wasted an a brilliant chance to open the gap between them and second placed Gor Mahia, the later missing in action this weekend as they gear up for their continental duty against South Africa’s Supersport United.

Francis Kimanzi’s men must be worried of Gor, who have three matches in hand, breathing on their necks with 22 points, just one behind.
A win in one of the matches they have not played would see Gor leap into the summit, ending the prestige the Slum Boys have been enjoying at the top.
The damage was completed within four minutes, Kennedy Otieno notching one in the 10th before veteran defender Joakins Atudo netted the second in the 14th.

Most organised

Clifford Alwanga reduced the deficit 10 minutes later, but the Mail Men were too stubborn to allow even a share of spoils, sealing Mathare’s second defeat of the season.
“We knew their (Mathare’s) strong points and we worked on them last week in our training. I congratulate my players for their spirit today, against one of the most organised teams in the league,” Rangers coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo charged after the clash.

According to Pamzo, a win against the table-toppers is a huge motivation in the subsequent matches, and expects more character from his team.

“I think we are better placed to face the next opponents, if we build well on this win. This is a done business yes, but the gains from it should go a long way,” he added.

Kimanzi hid not a shred of his disappointment, noting his charges had a chance to do better, with the brave fight they put especially in the second stanza.
“We did our best in the second half, tried to cage them (Posta) but it was too late, the damage was already done. That is gone for now, we must focus on the next assignment,” a sorry but calm Kimanzi underscored.

Elsewhere, Tusker FC could not edge visitors Vihiga United, the league debutants forcing them to a barren stalemate at the Rauaraka Grounds.

Ugandan Sam Timbe thus has more questions than answers on how to navigate the Brewers past the poor record this far, with only two wins in 10 rounds.
Nzoia Sugar continued their resurgence in the league with a 1-0 victory over visitors Bandari FC at the Sudi Stadium, while Chemelil Sugar sunk Wazito FC 3-1 in Chemelil.

Sofapaka, under the tutelage of interim coach John Baraza in his first match since resignation of head coach Sam Ssimbwa, settled for a 1-1 draw against Sony Sugar as Ulinzi Stars registered a goalless draw against Thika United.

In Saturday’s results, AFC Leopards was forced to a 2-2 draw by Zoo Kericho at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, while Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt FC shot blanks in the same venue to share spoils.

Following the results, Leopards are third behind Gor and Mathare with 18, followed by Rangers and Sofapaka respectively, who are tied at 17 to complete the top-five chart.

Summarized Results (Sunday)

Mathare United 1-2 Posta Rangers.

Sofapaka 1- 1 Sony Sugar

Ulinzi Stars 0-0 Thika United

Nzoia United 1-0 Bandari FC

Tusker FC 0-0 Vihiga United.

Saturday

Kariobangi Sharks 0-0 Nakumatt FC

AFC Leopards 2-2 Zoo Kericho. Read more