Sony sink Mathare, Homeboyz hold Leopards

Sony Sugar delivered the latest setback on Mathare United’s swiftly diminishing title hopes when they claimed an impressive 2-1 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) victory on Wednesday at the Kasarani Stadium.

Klinsmann Omulunga scored in between strikes by Daniel Otieno and Enock Agwanda with all three goals coming during a frantic six-minute spell in the first half.

At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, AFC Leopards were held to a 1-1 draw by Kakamega Homeboyz while Chemelil Sugar and Posta Rangers played out to a barren draw at the Chemelil Sports Complex.

Whyvonne Isuza had put Leopards ahead with a delightful header in the ninth minute only for goalkeeper Jairus Adira to deflect a ball in his net for a bizarre own goal after Allan Wanga’s header had come off the woodwork.

There was little desire shown by either teams in the opening quarter-hour mark with Agwanda’s fierce wayward shot from outside the area in the 12th minute the only meaningful attempt.

Sony struck first as their possession-based play finally paid off with Otieno getting on the end of Robert Achema’s clever pass and it was all thanks to some quick thinking by Agwanda whose throw in caught the home defense napping.

The lead barely lasted three minutes as Mathare hit back through Omulanga who reacted fastest to tuck home from a rebound after Chrispin Oduor’s initial effort had been punched back into play by goalkeeper Kevin Omondi.

Sony restored their lead three minutes later with Achema the provider again, tactfully chipping a cross for Agwanda to head home beyond David Okello following some creative build up from mid field.

Mathare players were forced to push higher upfield in the second half as they sought to level matters and it seemed they had found the equalizer after Omulanga put the ball in the back of the net but his effort was cancelled for a foul on Omondi.

Agwanda had the chance to put calm his side’s nerves by providing a two-goal insurance after breaking clear on goal but Okello judged perfectly to charge off his lines and thwart the attack, picking the ball off his his feet.

Every ticking second on the clock spelled doom on the wounded hosts who were determined to get an equalizer as they staged a couple of promising attacks on a seemingly impenetrable Sony backline .

Late efforts from Mathare to net an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game and peharps share spoils with Sony Sugar as none of their attempts on goal were well executed to beat a stubborn Sony goalie.