Amani double clips high-flying Mathares wings

Mathare United spurned the chance to stretch their lead on top of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) table into double digits when they slumped to a shocking 2-1 defeat to Mount Kenya United at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

Peter Amani notched a brace that included a dramatic late penalty to inspire Mount Kenya to their first victory of the season and bring a shuddering halt to Mathare’s unbeaten start to the season.

Chrispin Oduor had blasted Mathare ahead from the spot in the 40th minute but that lead lasted only six minutes as Amani hit the reply on the other end to level matters just before the break.

Chemelil Sugar later fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Ulinzi Stars thanks to Lucas Watere’s calmly taken penalty in the 78th minute after Elvis Nandwa had put the hosts in front with superb pile driver from outside the box.

At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Tusker FC were held to a barren draw by Posta Rangers but the point nonetheless lifted Robert Matano’s charges above Bandari FC into second on the KPL table.

Following a balanced opening spell at Afraha, Mathare were gifted the chance to go into the lead when the referee awarded a penalty to the league leaders after Cliff Nyakeya had been brought down by the slightest of touches with Oduor making no mistake from the spot.

Amani pulled MKU back level when he rose highest to beat goalkeeper Job Ochieng with a header off Moses Odhiambo’s corner kick.

James Kinyanjui rattled an effort against the woodwork on the hour mark after racing through from midfield before substitute Daniel Mwaura went close from an ambitious shot.

It went all wrong for the visitors in the 86th minute when Mount Kenya won a penalty after defender James Situma was adjudged t have handled the ball in the area with Amani stepping up to take on the responsibility.

Ochieng refused to be beaten for a second time, guessing right to deny Amani but the forward earned another chance to make amends when he was awarded another penalty. The rebound had fallen back to him and he was brought down by Andrew Juma as he attempted to pull the trigger.

He got it right the second time, wrong-footing Ochieng to leave Mathare staring at their first defeat of the season. The visitors have had to come from behind to seal victories on two occasions but managed no such heroics as Mount Kenya held on to seal the upset win.

Mount Kenya United XI: Phillip Odhiambo, Marvin Oacha, Mohamed Nigol, Bernard Omondi, Moses Odhiambo, Joseph Wanyonyi, Peter Amani, Boniface Mukhekhe (Waweru Thiong’o), Samwel Ndung’u, Brian Nyakhan, John Ndirangu.

Subs: Frankline Murimi, Harun Nyakha, Kevin Wangui, John Mwangi, Paul Kairu, Sailas Shihemi.

Mathare United XI: 30.Job Ochieng’ (GK) 16.David Owino 28.James Situma 19.Johnstone Omurwa 12.Andrew Juma 22.Roy Okal 29.Chrispin Oduor (C) 11.Cliff Nyakeya 17.James Kinyanjui 7.Kevin Kimani (2. Daniel Mwaura) 21. Clifford Alwanga.

Subs: 1.David Okello (GK) 4.Harun Junior 27.Tyson Otieno, 10.Ahmed Ahmad 8. Alphonce Ndonye 15. Ronald Reagan.

SUMMARISED RESULTS 

Wednesday

Kariobangi Sharks FC 0-0 Mathare United

Zoo Kericho FC 1-0 AFC Leopards SC

Kakamega Homeboyz 4-0 Bandari FC

Gor Mahia FC 2-0 Sony Sugar FC

Saturday

Mount Kenya United 2-1 Mathare United

Posta Rangers 0-0 Tusker FC

Ulinzi Stars FC 1-1 Chemelil Sugar FC