KCB beat relegation fighting Mathare to move four points clear

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 19 – Another defensive blunder from Lennox Ogutu proved catastrophic for Mathare United as the relegation fighting side lost by a solitary goal to BetKing Premier League leaders KCB who moved four points clear at the apex.

Ogutu who scored an own goal against Gor Mahia in midweek swept down Baraka Badi inside the box in a needless challenge in the 58^th minute resulting in the penalty that Derrick Otanga scored to give the bankers the lead.

Ahead of Sunday’s fixtures, KCB now sit pretty on top with 42 points with Tusker second on 38 points.

The bankers had the most of the chances especially in the first half.

KCB’s David Owino battles for the ball with Mathare United’s Khalid Jumaan and Alphonce Ndonye during their BetKing Premier League match at the Ruaraka Complex on June 19, 2021. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Otanga, a constant thorn in Mathareá back had a 16^th minute chance when he took a first time shot on his left foot from the edge of the box, but it flew just wide. Brian Ochieng also had a shot for the bankers which greased the bar.

On the other end, Mathare had a chance in the 22^nd minute when Norman Ogola swung in an inviting cross from the left, but skipper Chris Oduor sent his header just over the bar.

Mathare survived in the 33^rd minute when lack of concentration at the back saw Otanga break into the box from David Owino’s freekick, but is effort at clipping the ball over the keeper went just over.

In the second half, the bankers were determined to get an early goal and they were gifted with a penalty in the 58^th minute when Lennox Ogutu brought down Baraka Badi with a needless challenge. Otanga stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way and gave the bankers the lead.

KCB’s David Owino battles for the ball with Mathare United’s Kennedy Ochieng during their BetKing Premier League match at the Ruaraka Complex on June 19, 2021. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Victor Omondi came close to making it two four minutes later, but his long range grass cutter was well saved by Job Ochieng in the Mathare goal.

Mathare boss Ouna made attacking changes to his team, John Mwangi and Daniel Otieno all coming on to spruce up the attacking play. They were better moving forward and forced KCB to defend deep. They came close when a neat change of passes between Otieno, Khaleed Juman and Tyson Otieno saw Jumaan break into the box, but his eventual shot was wide.

Ogola had a go at goal with a curling freekick in the 80^th minute, but his well taken effort went just wide. The Slum Boys dug in for a fight, but they couldn’t get the ball into the net.