Mathare United edged closer to the summit of the National Super League, trailing just behind leaders Naivas FC, following a gritty 2-1 victory over a 10-man Mombasa Elite at the Serani Grounds in Mombasa County last Sunday.
The scoring was initiated by Rajab Hassan of Mombasa Elite, but it was Boaz Maeri and Elias Cheruiyot who netted one goal each, clinching the win for Mathare.
The match kicked off with Mombasa Elite in high spirits, as Augustine Simiyu broke away for a one-on-one with Mathare’s goalkeeper Steve Njung’e, only to have his shot caught.
Ten minutes in, Stephen Okola met Elli Esieche’s corner with a header that ricocheted off the crossbar, narrowly missing a goal. Hassan then exploited a gap in Mathare United’s defense, slotting in a low drive in the 13th minute to put the hosts ahead.
Mathare United responded with an equalizer at the 34-minute mark, with Maeri heading in a corner from Paul Were.
The game’s dynamics shifted just before halftime when Ismael Nyamawi received a red card for a rough challenge on Starion Odhiambo, leaving Elite a man down. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Elite managed to fend off multiple attacks.
With only seven minutes remaining, substitute Cheruiyot found the back of the net off a cross from Daniel Odhiambo, securing the lead for Mathare. They maintained control for the remainder of the match, ensuring their victory.
Mathare United’s head coach, Jeff Maina, expressed his satisfaction with the result, emphasizing its positive impact on the team’s morale ahead of their upcoming match in Nairobi against Kisumu All Stars.
“We’ve created numerous opportunities but haven’t capitalized on them as effectively as we’d like. Nevertheless, securing the three points is a significant achievement. We’re not feeling the pressure as we vie for the top spot in the NSL, taking each game as it comes,” he remarked.
On the other side, Patrick Nyale of Mombasa Elite acknowledged the setback with a sense of resignation, choosing to focus on the positives and looking ahead.
“It’s a tough break, but I can’t fault my players. We had a solid game plan and nearly had them under control, but we allowed them into a position where they excel. They’re known for their prowess in set pieces, and they took full advantage,” Nyale commented.
