Kariobangi Sharks edge out Mathare United 2-1 in Slum Derby
Mathare United went down fighting 2-1 against Kariobangi Sharks in the Slum Derby played on Sunday at the Kasarani Annex.
An own goal from Paul Kinyanjui handed Sharks the advantage in the 22nd minute before Mark Vivian doubled their lead in the 65th minute.
Elli Asieche scored Mathare United’s consolation goal from a freekick in the 97th minute but it was a little too late.
John Kamau was forced to make five changes partly due to injuries to key players centre back Francis Kayugi and defensive midfielder Brian Ochieng.
Steve Kimari, who replaced Ochieng in the line-up for his first start, had a strong performance and carved out two excellent chances, either side of the interval.
Alex Warai, who was handed his first-ever start in United colours, was a constant thorn in the visitors’ defence, especially in the latter stages of the first half.
Sharks score
Despite our relentless pressure, it is Sharks who, fortuitously, drew first blood. Against the run of play, the visitors opened the scoring when Paul Kinyanjui unfortunately bundled the ball home while trying to get back and defend a counter-attack.
With their lead, Sharks would sit back waiting to pounce and take advantage of our high press.
This strategy would pay off in the 65th minute when, after losing possession in midfield, the ball would find its way to Markvivian, who, without hesitation, chipped the ball over Kevin Ouru from almost 30 yards out.
Despite the uphill task, the lads would not relent and kept fighting, eventually managing to pull one back with the final kick of the game through Asieche.
Despite the loss, the lads can take pride in the way they played as they dominated the match from start to finish.
Having played their opening four games of the season inside two weeks, the lads now have a breather due to the international break and will resume league action in two weeks when they travel to Shabana.