Thika United deflate Mathare United at Nyayo

Thika United's Nigerian striker Onwudi Chebueze (front-right) celebrates his goal with teammates against Mathare United during their SportPesa Premier League match on July 23, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • It was Chibueze’s first league goal which he celebrated wildly, pin-pointing at his name at the back of his jersey.
  • Mukangula pounced on a long ball from his goalkeeper Hamuza Muwonge before his volley left Kasaya flat-footed.

Nigerian import Onwudi Chibueze and Eugene Mukangula struck late in the second half as Thika United stunned Mathare United 2-0 in a Kenyan Premier League at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

The encounter, which had otherwise been a dull affair for the large parts, cracked into life with 11 minutes left when the impressive Chibueze made the most of a chance from down the left flank.

Having made a run to the far left for a loose ball and Mathare goalie Wycliffe Kasaya advancing for a challenge, he intricately lobbed the ball to the far right corner from a tight angle to give James Nandwa’s relegation-threatened charges the lead.

It was Chibueze’s first league goal which he celebrated wildly, pin-pointing at his name at the back of his jersey.

Before the dust could settle, the "Slum Boys" were caught napping once again. Mukangula pounced on a long ball from his goalkeeper Hamuza Muwonge before his volley left Kasaya flat-footed.

It was an awry afternoon for the flamboyant Kasaya, who in more than four occasions was left exposed by his defence.

The scoreline could have been huge for Thika had the evergreen Mathare skipper George Owino not cleared from the line in the 68th minute.

"It's a turning point. We defended well and attacked with purpose for 90minutes too," Thika coach James Nandwa said after the game.

His Mathare counterpart Francis Kimanzi bemoaned the defeat.

"We were poor in the last 15minutes. But we are not worried because we are still competing. When you make some silly mistakes you are punished for that," said Kimanzi.