Mathare United finally lost a match after 16 outings, succumbing to a numbing 2-0 defeat at Awendo, home of Sony Sugar. Steve Biko (42nd minute) and Kayombo Dondo (44th) exploded in the closing stages of a first half that baffled Mathare United. The visiting team simply did not recover despite their stout efforts in the second half.

It was ironically a five star performance by Sony Sugar despite recent murmurs about administrative problems. Mathare United as usual started the game with their free flowing football but Sony defied this and in the 42nd minute roving defender Kayombo Dodo curved in a dangerous cross from his own half which found midfilder Steve Biko on the run to crack in a thunderous shot past advancing Mathare ‘keeper Martin Musalia.Mathare had failed to take advantage of early Sony misfortunes when first choice ‘keeper Evans Omondi was injured barely 10 minutes into the game and was replaced by his understudy Collins Oduor.

In less than two minutes after Sony’s first goal, scorer Biko became the provider after he took a quick short free-kick back to Dodo who wasted no time with a 40 yard screamer that went past a stranded Musalia. Then Mathare continued to have a bad day in the office as coach Salim Ali brought in Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Makacha for injured Simon Mburu but Makacha was a pale shadow of his former self.

Sony’s new signing and substitute Joshua Oyoo Ayub missed several clear chances perhaps due to the fact that it was his first game in front of the demanding fans at his new home who wanted results through thick and thin. The inclusion of Dennis Oliech’s younger brother Kevin Opiyo buoyed the Mathare striking force but his forage upfront was cut off by the steady defenders who remained steadfast.

The goalless second half was a see-saw affair though Sony defenders Dodo, Kevin Oluoch, Jean Koffi and David Otieno effectively marking the Mathare strikers led by James Omondi [who had a rather dull day] were perhaps the critical difference in a match well officiated by Richard Obare from Nairobi. Mathare’s Ali was, however, composed saying: “We have had a good run but the efficiency of Sony today was tremendous.They utilised their chances but we did not do the same. It was simply their day.”

Francis Baraza of Sony was an elated man while fans sang his praise: “The boys gave their best in all departments. I hope this is the start of good things to come,” he said. It was clear that a coaching panel coup had taken place at Awendo when it emerged that, Rishadi Shedu, the man who had taken charge from Baraza at the beginning of the season had quit in a huff after last week’s loss to Red Berets in Naivasha.

Shedu is said to have left the camp acrimoniously, without even talking to the players, and later in mid-week, through a telephone short message service (SMS) said he had terminated his contract citing interference from some officials in the club that had made his work impossible. Sony lost 1-0 at Naivasha against Red Berets last week and their situation starting to look precarious at the foot of the table, it may just have lifted them against Mathare United.

Still as low as 13th on the table, Sony will look to keep up Sunday’s form in the next match, still at home, to Mahakama next Sunday.

TEAMS:-

SONY SUGAR - 1. Collins Oduor: 2. David Otieno, 5. Sylvester Wanyama, 7. Chamberi Marwa (9. Joshua Oyoo Ayub, 49’), 6. Jean Koffi , 10. Kevin Oluoch,11. Dennis Onkangi (25. Jack Omondi, 82’),12. Steve Biko (captain),16. Justine Monda (17. Mohamed Yusuf, 70’), 20. Frederick Onyango, 28. Kayombo Dodo

Reserves not used- 21. Evans Omondi,13. Silas Aluvisia, 19. Victor Majid,15. Luke Ochieng’

Scorers - 12. Steve Biko ( 42’), 28. Kayombo Dodo (44’)

Coach - Francis Baraza

MATHARE UNITED -16. Martin Musalia: 24. Heavener Maloba, 3. Kennedy Omogi,15. Antony Kimani (captain),17. Lloyd Wahome, 4. Dennis Nzomo, 21. Kelvin Omondi (27. Jacob Kelly, 71’), 22. Kevin Kimani, 5. Joseph Nyagah, 8. Simon Mburu (14. Austin Makacha, 38’), 25. James Omondi (23. Kevin Opiyo, 50”)

Reserves not used - 1. Duncan Ochieng’, 7.Vincent Okello, 11. Innocent Mutiso, 9. Ismail Musa

Coach - Salim Ali

Referee - Richard Obare (Nairobi)

Assistant referee - Margaret Omondi (Busia)

Asst refeee - Moses Waswa (Bungoma)

4th official - James Kagera (Nairobi)

Source www.kpl.co.ke