Mara Sugar FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mathare United in an intense Sportpesa Premier League clash at the Kasarani Stadium on Monday, December 08.
Dennis Cheruiyot’s thunderous strike seven minutes after the restart proved the difference, earning the Kilgoris-based side a vital three points that lifted them out of the relegation zone and snapped their three-match winless streak.
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Mathare United, who began the day ninth on 14 points, seven behind table-toppers Kenya Police FC, were targeting maximum points to trim the gap to just three. The 2008 champions, still chasing an end to a 17-year title drought, started brightly and dominated the early chances.
Former Gor Mahia midfielder Musa Masika was central to Mathare’s early threat. He forced Mara’s returning goalkeeper Felix Adoyo into a brilliant fingertip save in the fifth minute before creating another opening for Derrick Anami, whose effort flew narrowly wide.
Mara Sugar eventually settled into the contest. Timothy Ndayala nearly broke the deadlock after meeting a precise Brian Ochieng cross, while Felix Opiyo also sliced wide from a Cheruiyot cutback.
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Mathare responded through John Nyawir, whose curling free kick in the 22nd minute kissed the top of the net, and Paul Kinyanjui, who tested Adoyo with a stinging drive moments later.
Both teams traded chances late in the half, with Opiyo forcing Mathare goalkeeper Kevin Ouru into a strong save from a well-struck set piece, sending the sides into the interval level.
Mara Sugar emerged as the sharper side after the break and was rewarded in the 52nd minute. Cheruiyot reacted quickly to a loose ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that gave Ouru no chance.
Mathare nearly hit back immediately through captain Ellie Asieche, released brilliantly by Masika, but Adoyo stood tall in a crucial one-on-one.
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Mara, energised by their lead, continued to look dangerous in transition. Ndayala and Opiyo both came close to doubling the advantage, while substitute David Omondi also spurned a golden chance after racing through on goal.
Sensing the growing urgency, Mathare coach John Kamau introduced Dennis Okoth and Hilary Kiprotich in the 67th minute to spark an attacking push.
The Slum Boys mounted late pressure, Kinyanjui going inches wide from a tight angle and Masika weaving past multiple defenders, but Adoyo’s heroics kept Mara in front.
In the end, Mara Sugar’s defensive grit saw them through, sealing their third win of the season and climbing to ninth on 14 points, six behind leaders Police FC. Mathare dropped to tenth level on points with Mara but rued a missed opportunity to tighten the title race.
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