NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – Chris Opondo’s brilliantly executed goal in the second half earned Mathare United their first point in the FKF Premier League on their fourth attempt on Wednesday afternoon.
The Slum Boys were on a run of three consecutive defeats, but showed a hugely improved performance against their former coach John Kamau, earning a well worked point.
Cavin Odongo had given Posta a first half lead, but Mathare put in the hard yards in the second half to claim a point on the road and kick start their fight to affirm their place in the top flight.
Odongo’s goal in the 39th minute saw Posta go into the break a goal up. The attacker volleyed home from close range a beautiful team goal by the mailmen.
Brian Otieno did all the hard work on the right, making a daunting run to beat Lennox Ogutu before gloating a cross to the backpost that was met by Brian Marita. The latter nodded the ball to the edge of the six yard box for Odongo to volley home.
Immediately after the goal, Posta almost doubled their advantage, this time Marita taking responsibilities on his own feet with a shot from 35yards out but Mathare keeper Brian Olang’o made a fine save.
Before that, chances were few and far in between, with Only Odongo’s freekick from range having landed on target, but it was an easy catch for keeper Olang’o.
Mathare had some half chances with shots from range, Augustine Kuta twice trying his luck with one flying over while another went wide.
Curtis Wekesa also had an effort when he dribbled centrally from the left, but his shot from range sailed wide.
In the second half though, Mathare came back better and they dominated most phases of the ball. They levelled in the 65th minute, Opondo brilliantly curling the ball home after picking a pass from Daniel Otieno.
It was a relief for Mathare and they played with more confidence, especially with Marita having missed two earlier chances with shots saved by the keeper.
With 10 minutes to go, Mathare almost snatched a win, but Posta keeper Brandon Obiero pulled a brilliant save to deny Augustine Kuto’s freekick curled onto the corner of goal.
