Mara Sugar edge Mathare as Nairobi United's losing streak extends to four games

Mara Sugar FC returned to winning ways after edging Mathare United 1–0 in a closely contested FKF Premier League clash on Monday, 8 December at the Kasarani Stadium.

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Dennis Cheruiyot’s powerful strike seven minutes into the second half proved decisive as the Kilgoris-based outfit halted their three-match winless run and, in the process, climbed out of the relegation zone.

Mathare United, placed ninth on 14 points, seven behind leaders Kenya Police FC, entered the match aiming to collect maximum points and cut the deficit at the top to just three.

The 2008 Premier League champions have endured a lengthy 17-year title drought and were keen to ignite a meaningful charge this season.

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For Mara Sugar, the assignment was straightforward to avoid sinking deeper into the early-season danger zone.

Edward Manoah’s charges started the day on 11 points, only two above Kariobangi Sharks, and desperately needed a positive result to stabilise their campaign.

The match burst into life early, with both sides pushing for an advantage.

Mathare asserted authority within the opening minutes and nearly broke the deadlock in the fifth minute when former Gor Mahia midfielder Musa Masika unleashed a ferocious effort from outside the box.

Mara goalkeeper Felix Adoyo, making his first appearance of the season, produced a superb fingertip save to deny the attacker.

Ten minutes later, Masika again orchestrated danger, setting up Derrick Anami, whose close-range shot agonizingly missed the target.

Gradually, Mara Sugar settled and began asking questions of the Mathare defense.

Timothy Ndayala came close after connecting with a finely weighted cross from Brian Ochieng, his shot missing the target by inches with goalkeeper Kevin Ouru well beaten.

Moments later, Felix Opiyo raced onto a Cheruiyot cutback but dragged his finish just wide.

Mathare regained momentum in the 22nd minute when John Nyawir stepped up over a 25-yard free kick after Ellie Asieche was fouled, but his curling effort skimmed narrowly over the bar.

Five minutes later, Paul Kinyanjui tested Adoyo with a stinging shot after a dazzling run into the penalty area.

The match briefly turned cagey after the half-hour mark, with both sides battling for midfield supremacy.

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But Mara almost stole the lead at the stroke of halftime when Opiyo forced Ouru into an outstretched save from a well-struck free kick, sending the teams into the break level.

Upon restart, Mara Sugar emerged rejuvenated and deservedly went ahead in the 52nd minute.

Dennis Cheruiyot latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike that flew past Ouru, sparking jubilation among the visiting bench.

Mathare nearly responded instantly through captain Asieche, who was beautifully played through by Masika after a sharp exchange with Kinyanjui.

However, Asieche failed to beat Adoyo in a one-on-one situation.

Mara continued to threaten on transition and should have doubled their lead two minutes before the hour mark.

Ndayala forced Ouru into a smart save from a teasing delivery and moments later failed to convert a header from a well-taken Ochieng corner.

Sensing growing frustration, Mathare head coach John Kamau made a double substitution in the 67th minute, introducing Dennis Okoth and Hilary Kiprotich in search of attacking impetus.

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But Mara remained dangerous on the counter and nearly secured the game in the 70th minute when substitute David Omondi sprinted onto a Ndayala through-ball, only for Ouru to narrow the angle and force the striker to shoot wide.

Mathare pushed hard in the final quarter.

Kinyanjui fired narrowly wide from a tight angle before Masika produced another solo moment of brilliance, weaving past defenders only to be denied by Adoyo’s alert goalkeeping.

Despite Mathare’s late pressure, Mara Sugar held firm to secure a crucial away victory, their third of the campaign, lifting them to ninth place on 14 points, six behind leaders Police FC.

For Mathare, the defeat marked their sixth loss of the season and a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top, slipping to tenth, though tied with Mara on 14 points.

Posta Rangers 2-0 Nairobi United

At the Kasarani Annex, resurgent Posta Rangers handed free-falling Nairobi United a 2–0 defeat to pile further pressure on coach Nicholas Muyoti’s struggling side.

First-half goals from Jackson Dwang and Brian Otieno sealed the win for Charles 'Korea' Omondi’s rejuvenated Rangers.

Dwang struck inside the opening 10 minutes after a flowing move involving Kevin Juma and Brian Marita, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Kevin Oduor.

Otieno doubled the advantage four minutes past the half-hour mark, finishing off a clever through-ball from captain Caleb Olilo, capping a well-worked passing sequence.

The victory, Rangers’ second in a row, lifted them to sixth place on 18 points, just two behind leaders Police FC.

Nairobi United, meanwhile, remain winless in back-to-back matches and slip to 12th on 12 points, only one point above the relegation zone but with four games in hand.