Mathare United's wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them yesterday as they lost 1-0 to Sofapaka at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani to end their nine-match unbeaten start.
Mathare dominated and created clear cut chances but were punished in the 37th minute after Brian Nyakhan tapped in Peter Lwassa's cross to give Sofapaka the lead and the match-winning goal. Lwassa picked the ball from halfway weaved past a handful of his markers before picking the unmarked Nyakhan who brilliantly put the ball past an advancing Job Ochieng.Mathare had won four and drawn five of their opening nine matches but their attempt to keep their unblemished run was halted by Batoto Ba Mungu whom coach John Baraza hailed for their discipline.
"We knew they would come out guns blazing but I commend the boys for containing their pressure. They pressed us into our own half for long spells but we were disciplined in defending. We took our chance and I am happy we have returned to our winning ways,"said Baraza.
Elsewhere, debutants Kisumu All-Stars registered their second win of the season after humbling Wazito 2-0 at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu. Similarly, Posta Rangers edged Nzoia Sugar 2-0 at the Sudi Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sony Sugar's 26-year stay in the top flight came to an end after dishing their third walkover of the season. The financially struggling Sony were set to face Zoo Kericho at the Kericho Green Stadium but turned up late for the match. According to the Kenya Premier League head of fixtures Michael Kirwa, the outcome meant that the 2006 champions were demoted to the National Super League. The league body through their Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda also confirmed that all their previous results in the season will be rendered null and void. Sony had initially failed to turn up for the AFC Leopards and Tusker matches.
"I can confirm that they have a walkover and the rules states that should a team fail to show up for three matches in a season, they forfeit their place and still meet the axe."
While Sony bod the league farewell, their sugar company-sponsored counterparts Chemelil are now a match away from relegation after failing to honour their clash away to KCB at the Kenyatta Stadium Machakos. Consequently, the bankers earned three points and two goals without breaking sweat. Last month,Chemelil gave their away match to Bandari a wide berth and their woes deepened last week after coach Francis Baraza left for Tanzania based Biashara United.
