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Batoto ba Mungu would have claimed a healthy win but wasted numerous chances.
Mathare United’s recent resurgence has been dealt a blow after going down 1-0 to Sofapaka in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Kasarani Annex on Wednesday.
The Slum Boys had won four of their last six matches and were on an upward trajectory before they suffered the midweek defeat.
Meanwhile, Batoto ba Mungu almost grabbed a lead in the sixth minute, but Simon Abuko could not find the back of the net even after being put through nicely on goal by Brian Wepo.
Mathare created a chance in the 12th minute when Fidel Otieno delivered a cross from the right flank. Douglas Kibet collected it but ended up sending it wide while on a good goal-scoring spot.
Another chance for Sofapaka presented itself in the 20th minute when Wepo’s long throw landed in Mathare’s defensive area. Roddy Manga flicked the ball towards Stephen Okola, whose close-range header went wide.
Two minutes after the half-hour mark, the 2009 Premier League champions were unable to break the deadlock as another opportunity went unutilized. Nixon Omondi’s swinging delivery found Manga, but the former sent his header wide.
As the second half started, Sofapaka made two changes; Baron Oketch and Rodgers Okumu were withdrawn, and Alex Imbusia and Ben Stanley were thrown into action.
Batoto ba Mungu finally scored to take the lead in the 53rd minute through Imbusia’s thunderbolt. This was a huge sigh of relief for them after failing to make their numerous chances in the first half count.
The home side would have made it 2-0 at the hour mark, but Imbusia – after a nice team build-up that also involved Wepo and Manga – could not beat goalkeeper Opiyo with his final shot.
As Mathare’s attacks grew blunt, interim coach Samuel Koko made two changes three minutes after the hour mark. Derrick Ikholi and Daniel Otieno came on for Augustine Kuta and Kibet.
Sofapaka continued to exert their dominance and could have doubled their lead in the 80th minute, but Abuko missed the target by a whisker.
The Slum Boys could not take advantage of the four added minutes to at least claim a goal and share points with their opponents, who could not convert a majority of the chances created.
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