Mathare United hammer Sofapaka to go top

Mathare United's Edwin Seda celebrates his goal against Sofapaka during their Kenya Premier league match on February 25, 2018 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Mathare United claimed an impressive 3-1 win over Sofapaka in a Kenyan Premier League match at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County on Sunday.
  • Francis Omondi put the skum boys ahead from the spot-kick on 19 minutes after midfielder Edward Seda was fouled by Rodgers Aloro.
  • Eight minutes later, Mathare United doubled their lead as Chrispinus Odour beat Sofapaka keeper Mathias Kigonya with a long range effort.

Mathare United claimed an impressive 3-1 win over Sofapaka in a Kenyan Premier League match at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County on Sunday.

Francis Omondi set the tone for the deserved victory with his 19th minute opener from the spot after Edward Seda was brought down in the box.

Chrispin Oduor doubled our lead shortly afterwards with what is a likely contender for goal of the season with an adventurous effort from the midline that beat Matthias Kigonya all the way.

Kigonya halved the deficit for the visitors with a neat penalty kick after Johnstone Omurwa had handled in the box. With the tie still open, Seda put the result beyond doubt with an accomplished finish moments after the hour mark.

The result left Mathare top of the standings atleast until after Gor Mahia's clash with Kariobangi Sharks at the same venue.

Kenyan international Stephen Waruru and Ugandan Umaru Kasumba, who were last year's contenders in the Kenyan Premier League golden boot, led Sofapaka's attack as Mathare had to rely on the raw but talented pair of Daniel Mwaura and Cliff Nyakeya.

The slum boys were first off the blocks, with Francis Omondi converting a spot kick in the 17th minute. The penalty had been necessitated by Rodgers Aloro's act of bringing down Mathare's Edward Seda, who returned to full fitness towards the end of last year after a year long injury layoff.

Harambee Stars trialist Crispin Oduor doubled the scores for the slum boys ten minutes later with a spectacular goal from the middle of the pitch, one that is a strong contender of goal of the season.

Ugandan goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya halved the deficit in the 42nd minute with yet another successful penalty that had been awarded after Johnston Omurwa handled the ball inside of the box.

Seda then entered the score sheet in the 63rd minute with a calm finish in the bottom right corner.

"I am very happy with the strides these boys have made over the last 10 months. Last year we concentrated on building the team and suffered throughout the season, but now we are somehow enjoying the fruits," said Mathare coach Francis Kimanzi.