Slum Boys slow Brewers in BetKing Premier League t*tle
Bottom-placed Mathare United earned an important point away against BetKing Premier League leaders Tusker FC in a goalless draw at Ruaraka Grounds yesterday.
Tusker still lead the standings with 55 points while Mathare United are last with 15 points. Both sides missed open chances as Tusker’s five matches’ winning run got scratched.
While the Slum Boys custodian David Okello named man of the match, Tusker’s coach Robert Matano was not happy with his team’s performance.
“We played well but we were not sharp enough to get goals.We can get the point and plan again but this was supposed to be a win,” he said.
His counterpart Frank Ouna, however, accused the opponents of not playing proper football.
“This was a bad match even for my boys given the nature of football our opponents produced.Otherwise I pick some positives in this game that can help us plan onwards.
Okello returning at goal was a good bet since he is experienced and he kept us in the game,” said Ouna.
In the opening half, Tusker had more of the ball and hit the post twice through Christopher Ochien’g and George Ogutu with the Slum Boys holding steady.
On the opposite end, Mathare United also caused problems through Khalid Jumaan and John Mwangi but lacked the final punch with Burundian goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekure well shielded by the fantastic pair of Rogers Aloro and Eugene Asike.
Mathare United custodian David Okello also had his work cut out, twice denying George Ogutu in what was a busy half.
Slum Boys’ captain David Ochieng was solid in the defence and was ably assisted by his defensive partner by Martin Ongori in silencing the likes of Brian Marita and Chrispinus Onyango who were constantly knocking at their goal.
In the middle of the park, Mathare had the experienced pair of Danson Kago and Cercidy Okeyo driving things but met their match in the shape of Tusker captain Hashim Sempala.
The second half saw both sides pushing with Tusker’s flying winger Brian Marita having a go at the Mathare backline at every opportunity.
The Slum Boys however had a tough time getting beyond their own half with Tusker often pressing them into their own territory with the full-backs Sammy Miseh and Eric Ambunya often transforming to wing-backs as Tusker built up pressure.
In other matches, Bidco United and Bandari FC tied 2-2 in a hard-fought clash that saw both sides lose a player each to a red card.
The match played at Thika Stadium saw Bidco lead 2-0 at the break before the visitors came back to the match.
Alex Juma and David Orem scored the early goals for the hosts while Umar Kasumba and William Wadri nettedor Bandari in a match that also had two penalties.
Meanwhile at Nakuru’s ASK Grounds, AFC Leopards suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of lowly Western Stima. The Powermen led 2-0 at the break as Leopards looked lost in the match.
Leopards are now on 43 points, while Vihiga United are up one spot to 15th on the log with 21 points.
