Mathare stretch lead, Kamura caps Leopards fightback

Mathare United’s winning streak showed no sign of stopping as they edged Tusker FC 1-0 to tighten their grip at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) on Sunday.

The result at the Ruaraka Grounds represented the fourth win on the bounce for Francis Kimanzi’s men as they moved four clear of second-placed Gor Mahia FC.

In the day’s early kick-off at Kakamega County’s Mumias Complex, Vihiga United had battled to a 1-1 draw with Chemelil Sugar with AFC Leopards later fighting back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Nzoia Sugar.

Benjamin Oketch scored for Chemelil from a 17th minute free-kick before Vincent Wonder restored parity at the half-hour mark.

Leopards had appeared looked certain to suffer their second successive defeat when Elvis Rupia notched a first half brace before Brian Marita halved the deficit minutes at the stroke of half-time.

Robinson Kamura then scored three minutes after the restart to secure the point and put Leopards back third on 16 points, a point above Sofapaka FC who were shock 2-1 losers at Thika United.

At the Kericho Green Stadium, Michael Madoya scored the lone goal as Zoo Kericho FC recovered from the dead to edge Posta Rangers 1-0 for only their second win of the season.

The result pulled them out of the bottom of the KPL as Nakumatt FC who lost 2-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz slipped a place down to take their place.

The upset of the round was at the Thika Municipality Stadium where goals from Masakidi Mata and substitute Edmond Adem helped the hosts down Sofapaka for their first win of the season.

“I am very happy for the boys and I thank God for this win. There is so much ahead of us and it’s not time to celebrate . We will keep focusing on the matches ahead of us because if we lose concentration on them, it will still continue to be tough on our side,” Thika boss Nicholas Muyoti said in the post-match interview.

Thika will seek their second win when they travel to Ulinzi Stars on Sunday while Sam Ssimbwa’s side seek to return to winning ways when they entertain Sony Sugar FC on the same day.

-Report by Geoffery Mwamburi and Lameck Aming’a