Mathare United continued their trend of beating big opponents by defeating AFC Leopards 1-0 in an FKF Premier League match held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Sunday afternoon. Several regular starters for Ingwe, including Kayci Odhiambo, Musa Oundo, and Lewis Bandi, were absent from the game.AFC Leopards attempted to secure an early breakthrough and started the match strongly. Jaffari Owiti was particularly lively down the left, giving Mathare United’s right-back, Fidel Otieno, a difficult time. The best chance of the match came in the sixth minute when Victor Omune flicked a ball into Maxwell Otieno’s path, but the striker’s near-worldie finish missed the target by a whisker.After withstanding the early pressure, Mathare United gradually grew into the game and began to show some good work going forward. In the 18th minute, Curtis Wekesa beat a couple of players, but his shot cum cross hit the roof of the net. The winger made a similar move three minutes later, and this time his effort was cleared off the line by Robert Mudenyu.The game began to transform into an end-to-end affair, and Owiti should have given Ingwe the lead in the 24th minute when he was put through on goal. However, with only keeper Brian Olang’o to beat, he shot directly at the custodian.Most of the first-half action took place in the middle of the park, and the Slum Boys appeared to be stronger there with a bloated midfield. However, they were unable to convert this strength into anything meaningful.Leopards were fortunate to end the first half with all 11 players after the referee ignored some bookable challenges from Eugene Mukangula and Boniface Mukhekhe, both of whom had already received yellow cards. Coach Patrick Aussems responded by substituting both players with Giovanni Lukhumwa and Peter Thiong’o before the restart.Second halfThe start of the second half was evenly contested, with both teams attacking in search of goals. Wekesa was Mathare’s primary danger man down the left, but his final product let him down. Omune, Cliff Nyakeya, and Maxwell Otieno attempted to put Leopards on the front foot with a couple of half-chances that came their way.A well-executed move by the Slum Boys resulted in a goal in the 71st minute. Wekesa did all the work down the right flank, and substitute Chris Owino scored the goal. Owino should have made it 2-0 minutes later, but he missed a great chance by shooting wide from a prime position. At the other end, Owiti hit the sidenet moments later.In the closing stages, the hosts resorted to good game management, and in the end, they took home maximum points.Mathare United Starting XI: Brian Opiyo (GK), Fidel Otieno, David Ochieng, Gideon Were, Levin Odhiambo, Derrick Ikholi, Khalid Jumaan (C), Curtis Wekesa, Daniel Otieno, Steve Kimari, Douglas KibetSubs: Bernard Jairo (GK), Said Musa, Godfrey Ochieng, Tony Odhiambo, Victor Kioko, Lennox Kimani, Chris Owino, Elijah MwanziaAFC Leopards starting XI: Levis Opiyo, Boniface Mukhekhe, Tedian Esilaba, Robert Mudenyu, Washington Munene, Eugene Mukangula, Brian Wanyama, Jaffari Owiti, Cliff Nyakeya, Victor Omune, Maxwell OtienoSubs: Maxwell Muchesia, Peter Thiong’o, Zachary Njite, Owen Mboya, Giovanni Lukhumwa, Saad Musa, Eric Mbithi, Ojo Olaniyi
