KCB pile more relegation pressure on sorry, goal-shy Mathare United

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Mathare United’s relegation woes were deepened Saturday evening after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of KCB at the Ruaraka Complex, with the Slum Boys’ survival hopes now hanging by a thread with three matches left.

Meanwhile in other matches played on Saturday, Nzoia Sugar’s slim title hopes were dented as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Kariobangi Sharks while at the Kasarani Annex, Sofapaka beat Posta Rangers 2-1 to move to 12^th in the standings.

At the Ruaraka Complex, Mathare were in dire need of victory, as they sit second from bottom with 22 points, and a win would have reduced the pressure on their shoulders but instead, they suffered a fifth consecutive defeat.

Musa Masika scored the winner for the bankers, his freekick from distance finding its way into the net in a crowded box as the bankers cemented their hold on fifth spot.

But Mathare will only have themselves to blame after missing a myriad of scoring opportunities.

In the 37^th minute, Ronald Bebeto found some space on the right to break into the box, but he could only hit the side netting.

In the 44^th minute, Baron Oketch was sent through on goal by Daniel Otieno, but the former Gor Mahia and Western Stima forward saw his low effort saved by the goalkeeper one on one.

In added time, Curtis Wekesa had the best chance for Mathare, a cross from the right finding him unmarked at the backpost, but his header on target was saved by Bryne Omondi in the KCB goal.

Mathare had benefited from these chances after dodging several bullets in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Brian Olang’o made a great double save on the half hour mark to deny Maurice Ojwang’s header from a Masika freekick before bouncing back up again to pick Harrison Mwenda’s rebound.

Masika had another good chance earlier on in the 19^th minute first hitting the crossbar from inside the box before the ball was recycled and cut back to him by Brian Ochieng, but he shot over the bar.

In the second half, Mathare started strong once again, this time Otieno’s cross from the left finding Oketch at the backpost but somehow couldn’t get his effort on target.

With these missed chances, Mathare were punished on the hour mark when Masika’s freekick curled in to the far post.

Mathare tried to push in for an equalizer, but KCB defended well.