Mathare thrash 10-man Nzoia to go top
Mathare United's Roy Okal (right) dribbles past Nzoia Sugar's Elvis Ronack during their SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Bukhungu stadium, Kakamega on December 15, 2018. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE |
What you need to know:
- Cliff Nyakeya set the tone for the rout in the 26th minute
- Collins Wakhungu was sent off for a malicious tackle on Clifford Alwanga
- Second half goals from Andrew Juma and Chrispin Oduor sealed the win
Mathare United continued their perfect start to the 2018/18 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season with a 3-0 hiding of 10-man Nzoia Sugar at the Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday.
Cliff Nyakeya set the tone for the rout in the 26th minute, moments after Collins Wakhungu was sent off by Isaac Memusi for a malicious tackle on Clifford Alwanga.
Second half goals from Andrew Juma and Chrispin Oduor saw the Slum Boys pick their first away win against Nzoia Sugar since 2017.
Mathare United coach Kimanzi praised his boys for putting up a superb attacking display. “We dominated the proceedings and in the end we were rewarded,” he said.
His opposite number Nicholas Muyoti rued Wakhungu's red card for the loss.
“The red card was harsh. It disorganized my game plan completely, leading to our defeat,” he lamented.
The match started on a high note with forwards from both teams making frantic efforts to snatch an early goal.
Mathare settled first forcing three corners in a span of 12 minutes before the turning point arrived in unfortunate fashion.
Wakhungu, a constant menace on the left, was given a straight red card for a dangerous lunge on Clifford Alwanga in the 24th minute.
Two minutes later, Nyakeya capitalised on an error from Benson Mangala to slot into an empty net after the keeper came off his line and failed to clear.
Mathare United midfielder Chrispin Oduor (left) vies for the ball with Denis Nandwa of Nzoia Sugar during their SportPesa Premier League (SPL) match at Bukhungu stadium, Kakamega on December 15, 2018. Mathare United won 3-0. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE |
The hosts responded well despite the numerical disadvantage with Jackson Dwang, Hansel Ochieng and Edgar Nzano looking dangerous.
Referee Memusi booked Mathare's James Situma for a reckless tackle on Nzano in the 39th minute as Mathare led 1-0 at the breather.
Mathare came into play a more refined side at the restart and in the 53rd minute Andrew Juma sneaked behind the Homeboyz defence to head home unmarked at the back post following a sweet delivery from Kevin Kimani.
The goal deflated Nzoia who fell further behind when Chrispin Odour scored from close range.
Kimanzi made three substitutions to beef up his attack, resting James Kinyanjui, Chrispin Odour and Clifford Alwanga for Daniel Mwaura, Arnold Onyango and Klinsman Omulanga respectively.
Muyoti responded by sending Collins Juma and Dennis Nandwa into the fray but it was all in vain.
