Mount Kenya United stun leaders Mathare to pick first win

Mount Kenya United rallied from a goal down to pick their first win of the season after edging SportPesa Premier League leaders Mathare United 2-1 at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on Saturday.

Chrispin Oduor had handed the visitors the lead in the 40th minute from the spot after Cliff Nyakeya went down easily in the box from Phillip Odhiambo's challenge.

Peter Amani restored parity with a thumping header at the stroke of half time after rising high to connect to Moses Odhiambo's delivery from a corner.

The Melis Medo-coached Mt Kenya United grabbed the lead with only three minutes left.

The referee Nyabera Libese awarded the hosts a penalty after spotting a handball in the Mathare box following a goal-mouth melee.

Amani stepped forward but his initial effort was parried by David Okello. However Libese awarded Mount Kenya another penalty after ruling that Amani was fouled before pouncing on the rebound.

The Tanzanian made no mistake on his second attempt, keeping his calm to beat Okello.

Coach Medo congratulated his charges for the spirited comeback.

“Our striking and defensive lines were well prepared for this match and those who had written us off should start thinking otherwise as we are prepared to fight to the last drop of our sweat,” said Medo.

A rather dejected Francis Kimanzi conceded defeat and blamed fatigue for the loss.

“Our unbeaten run is over but that is not a big deal because records are there to be broken. My boys have been affected by a series of injuries and fatigue from congested fixtures. They deserve a rest,” said Kimanzi.

The hosts looked menacing in-front of goal as they pushed their opponents into their own half in the opening stages winning an early corner through John Ndirangu.

In the 38th minute, the Slum boys were awarded what appeared to be a dubious penalty after Odhiambo came off his line and made some slight contact with Nyakeya in an off-the-ball challenge.

Taking the resultant spot kick, Crispin Oduor sent Odhiambo sprawling on the wrong direction.

Mt Kenya should have cancelled the lead in the 43rd minute but Samuel Ndungu's grass cutter was easily gathered by Mathare custodian Okello.

However, the one minute of stoppage time saw Mt Kenya go to the dressing room with renewed energy after Amani soared high to head home.

On resumption, Medo made three changes bringing in Harun Nyakha, Nahashon Thiong'o and Kevin Thairu. Kimanzi introduced Ronald Reagan, Daniel Mwaura and Ahmed Ahmad.

Wiht only five minutes left, one of Mathare defenders handled the ball from a goalmouth melee.

Amani was to return to the spot kick moments after his first penalty had been saved. He was hacked down by Mathare defender Johnstone Omurwa as he was preparing to stab home the rebound.

This time around Amani calmly stepped forward and slotted the ball into the net to score his third goal of the season.