Ndege double inspires Mathare past Bandari FC

Obadiah Ndege came off the bench to inspire Mathare United to a 3-1 comeback win over Bandari FC in an entertaining Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Bandari came into the match having lost two consecutive league matches and were keen to bounce back to winning ways against the Slum Boys. The Coastal based side started the livelier of the two and went ahead with only a quarter of an hour gone as veteran midfielder Anthony Kimani scored from the spot.

Mathare’s season top scorer, Whyvonne Isuza, pulled one back 15 minutes later, turning in a neat cut-back from defender Duncan Otewa after a wonderful piece of play in the midfield. Bandari were completely overran in the second half and were downed by a ruthless Ndege.

“After scoring that goal we went to slumberland. I told them Mathare were good at set-pieces especially with Kamura standing over the ball. In the second half we completely fell apart after the second goal and we must change,” Bandari’s Coach, Kennedy Odhiambo said after match.

The visitors threatened first with forward Edwin Lavatsa rattling the woodwork after just 12 minutes and were put in front four minutes later as Kimani drilled home from the spot after Kamura had tackled Kenga from behind.

It was a wake-up call for the hosts who reacted by attacking with intent, and their hard work paid off in the 32nd minute when Isuza turned in Andrew Juma’s cross. The Slum boys could have led into the break but failed to capitalize on keeper Wilson Obungu’s fumble in the 36th minute.

After the restart, the hosts contained early pressure from the visitors and did well to deny Shaban Kenga from restoring his side’s lead after beinmg played through by Musa Mudde.

A well taken free-kick from Kamura fell in the path of Ndege who found the back of the net with a glancing header. It was struck from just inside the edge of the box but it gave Obungu no chance of making the save as it was too powerful and placed far right.

With only minutes left before full time, Ndege got his brace, convering clamly from the spot after a reckless challenge from Bandari skipper Shariff Mohammed on Daniel Mwaura inside the danger area.