- Mathare United have lost their last five matches
- They sit second from bottom in the standings
- Their hopes are on earning a play-off slot
Mathare United head coach Charles Omondi is confident that the team is able to battle the relegation nightmare hanging over their heads, after a loss to KCB over the weekend complicated their chances.
The 1-0 defeat at the hands of the bankers was their fifth in a row and condemned them to remain second from bottom. But, Omondi believes they can turn the tide in the last three matches.
“I believe we have the ability. Our biggest weakness has been the lack of goals because we create so many chances and don’t score. I think it is a lack of confidence from the players because when you have been on a losing streak, things are always difficult for you. But we will fight to ensure we try and get to winning ways,” the tactician said.
Mathare will face Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars in their next two matches, before a blockbuster tie against Wazito FC in the final day of the season, a duel that will be key in deciding who survives.
Against KCB, Mathare only had themselves to blame after losing a myriad of scoring chances. In the 37th minute, Ronald Bebeto found some space on the right to break into the box, but he could only hit the side netting.
In the 44th 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.
Curtis Wekesa with a glorious chance
Action between Mathare United and KCB
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 19th 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.
Meanwhile, Wazito FC also complicated their own chances of survival after losing by a solitary goal away to Bandari FC in Mombasa, and remain just a point above the automatic relegation zone.
They face off with title chasing Tusker FC at their Muhoroni backyard this weekend, where only victory will give them hope of survival.
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