- Mathare United beat Gor Mahia 2-1
- They moved out of the drop zone for the first time this season
- Kariobangi Sharks thrashed Wazito in another midweek tie
Mathare United interim coach Sammy Koko says the team needs to work harder to completely pull out of the FKF Premier League relegation zone early enough.
The Slum Boys stunned league leaders Gor Mahia in midweek, beating them 2-1 to move out of the red zone for the first time this season.
“I think this was a really great win for us but the work is not yet done. We need to continue working hard and winning matches so that we get out of there early enough. We don’t want a situation where we are still fighting relegation late into the season,” Koko, who also doubles as the goalkeeper trainer said.
With the win, Mathare moved to 15th with 16 points from the same number of matches, and will have a rest this weekend as they are not participating in the FKF Cup.
Excited with the victory
Action between Mathare United and Gor Mahia
The Slum Boys were excited with the victory against a side that has been on form and leading the standings and they were deemed as underdogs coming into the tie.
“We prepared well for this game. We knew what we were needed to do and we knew where to play the balls to have the advantage. I want to thank the players because they really fought. We knew that Mathare is always a problem for Gor and the players came ready,” said the tactician.
Once again, Daniel Otieno came off the bench to score the winner, smashing home an 84th minute goal for his fifth of the season. Most of this campaign, the former Sony Sugar man has been used as a substitute and coach Koko says this has been a tactic.
“We know his abilities and tactically you need to have people who think smart. He is good with the ball and when you bring him in in the second half, most defenders are usually tired.He gives us a lot more coming into the match from the bench,” said the coach.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s Jonathan McKinstry was dejected with his team’s performance, but said Mathare deserved to win.
Mathare deserved the win says McKinstry
Action between Mathare United and Gor Mahia
“Congratulations to Mathare because they really played well. We were a bit flat today and not at our level. We can’t complain about the result. We needed to do more and I don’t think our quality was good. Overall it was a disappointing day for us,” said the coach.
Douglas Kibet broke the deadlock for Mathare in the eighth minute when he reacted quickest to tap the ball home after Chris Owino’s initial effort had come off the bar.
Mathare led 1-0 at halftime. Gor came back in the second half more determined with Dennis Nganga coming close with a header from an Austine Odhiambo going wide.
They levelled however from another setpiece, this time Odhiambo floating the ball to Benson Omalla on the far post, the latter thumping home a header for his 17th goal of the season.
But, Mathare’s never say die attitude lufted them through as they scored the winner with seven minute left, Daniel Otieno smashing the ball home after a defensive error from young centreback Joshua Onyango.
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