Sofapaka down Chemelil as Mathare stutter again

Sofapaka FC rose to fourth place on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings as Pistone Mutamba’s double inspired a 3-0 away victory over Chemelil Sugar on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides showed early intent in a fast start but it was the visitors that struck first as Mutamba nodded headed home beyond goalkeeper Morgan Alube from a corner in the seventh minute.

Striker Stephen Waruru doubled his side’s advantage on the half-hour mark before Mutamba struck again just after the restart to take the game beyond Chemelil and seal back to back success for his side.

In Kasarani, Mathare United put up a dominant performance but in the end it counted for nothing as they missed the chance to reclaim top spot when they drew 0-o with Western Stima FC.

Posta Rangers versus Kariobangi Sharks produced the matchday’s only other goalless draw at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos while Derrick Otanga’s lone goal was enough to hand Sony Sugar a 1-0 victory over Mount Kenya United.

At the Chemelil Complex Sofapaka were rewarded for a brave start when Mutamba tucked home the opener yet John Baraza’s men had to be alert to stop an immediate reply with the home fans pushing their side to go for the equalizer.

Waruru had the chance to make it 2-0 but the striker fired wide after some inventive play with Ugandan international Umaru Kasumba, blowing up the opportunity to give Baraza’s men a two goal cushion.

Sofapaka were almost made to pay on the other end and had their Justin Ndikumana to thank as the goalkeeper kept out Musa Oundo’s left-footed strike from the spot.

Waruru atoned for his miss in the 33rd minute, glancing home a header past Alube from George Maelo’s pinpoint long throw.

He had the ball in the back of the net moments later but his effort was ruled out for offside just when they thought they had buried Chemelil.

After some fine exchanges between Waruru and Kasumba, Mutamba was back for a brace three minutes after the restart as he unleashed a high power drive from the edge of the box, landing into the bottom right corner with Alube remaining helpless between the sticks.

Sofapaka were not done yet as Baraza introduced goal sniffer John Avire, with center back Sammy Imbuye taking his seat on the bench.

Avire marauded the right wink swinging in a couple of juicy crosses as millers leftback Philip Mwangale endured an afternoon to forget.

Kasumba was on target quarter an hour left to play, but was ruled offside, in what was his last involvement of the day, Cornelius Lusaka taking on the mantle with the scores standing at 3-0.

-Additional reporting by Hillary Anekea