Alwanga at the double as Mathare sink Nzoia

Mathare United defender James Situma (left) vies for the ball with Patrick Otieno of Nzoia Sugar during their SportPesa Premier League match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on April 17 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

What you need to know:

  • Mathare's 10th win of this season does not only end a four-match winless run, but also takes their points tall to 38 from 24 rounds.
  • Nzoia have on their side, lost nine games so far remaining on 28 points from 23 games.

Clifford Alwanga returned to the scoring sheet after a three-and-a half-month goal drought with a brace that inspired Mathare United cruise past Nzoia Sugar 3-2 in a SportPesa Premier League match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday.

Kevin Kimani broke the deadlock three minutes after kick-off with a low shot that slipped past Nzoia Sugar custodian Humphrey Katasi after he was fed by Chris Oduor.

Nzoia, whose newly appointed coach Godfrey "Solo" Oduor watched from the stands, equalised through captain Vincent Ngesa seven minutes later with a close range tap in after Gabriel Wandera had flicked into the six yard box a looping header that Mathare defenders failed to clear.

Clifford Alwanga halted his three-month goal drought by restoring the lead on 16 minutes. The former Tusker man swept home Cliff Nyakeya's pinpoint cross from the right flank that troubled Katasi in goal gifting Alwanga an easy task to slot him.

Two minutes later, David Owino's rasping shot after being set up by James Kinyanjui was tipped out by Katasi for a fruitless corner.

Nyakeya was teed up by James Situma from a free kick, but his pile driver veered off the target at the hour mark. Nzoia shot-stopper Katasi had a minute earlier blocked a point blank shot from Kevin Kimani after Alwanga had dispossessed his opponent inside the area.

Alwanga completed his brace by finishing off David Owino's well curled cross from the left wing on 66 minutes.

Hansel Ochieng reduced the deficit with five minutes left, but it was little too late.

Mathare's 10th win of this season does not only end a four-match winless run, but also takes their points tall to 38 from 24 rounds.

Nzoia have on their side, lost nine games so far remaining on 28 points from 23 games.