Mathare United edge Homeboyz to end losing streak

Mathare United are off the bottom of the SportPesa Premier League table after a 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz in a league match at the Ruaraka grounds on Wednesday.

Eric Ambunya's own goal was the difference between the two sides as the 'Slum boys' ended a run of nine straight matches without a win.

The win saw Mathare move to two places to position 16 with 16 points. It was also sweet revenge after their 1-0 loss to Homeboyz over the weekend.

The hosts started strongly with Ronald Reagan floating in a beautiful cross in the area, but Homeboyz defender Moses Chikati cleared the ball to safety.

Minutes later, Chris Ochieng then fired a shot which deflected off Eric Ambunya, wrong footing Homeboyz keeper David Juma, as it headed straight to the back of the net. The hosts had another attempt almost immediately after Ochieng tried another shot but it would land into David Juma’s safe pair of hands.

The visitors eventually settled into the match and Moses Mudavadi tried an ambitious strike from yards, but it did little to trouble Mathare keeper Wycliffe Kasaya in goal.

The Mike Mururi coached Homeboyz team now upped the tempo, with Francis Nambute being put through by Charles Momanyi but his resultant shot missed the target by a whisker.

Mudavadi then joined the attack with in-swinging balls into the area, but no one was there to bury the balls into the net as the search for the elusive equalizer continued.

A rather dominant Kakamega side, was now controlling the game for the most part, but Mathare would catch their defense napping with a counter attack resulting into a corner.

Mathare winger David Owino then swung in the corner but it did no bear fruit.

Lennox Ogutu was then booked for a reckless tackle on Mudavadi and in the process giving the visitors a free-kick in a prime position, but Eston Esiye’s decent strike met an equally superb save from Kasaya in goal just before the break.

In Muhoroni, Sofapaka beat Muhoroni Youth 3-2 in a thrilling contest. Umar Kasumba, Maurice Odipo and AlibFeni got the strikes for battoto ba Mungu, as Ambrose Ayoyi and Hassan Kayoyo scored for the hosts. The same score was repeated in Kericho where Zoo beat fellow debutantes Kariobangi Sharks 3-2.

A stoppage time goal from substitute Patrick Kwitonda helped Nzoia end its win-less run at home with a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars at the Sudi Stadium.

Bandari and Sony Sugar played out a goalless draw at the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.