Naibois Win Two in a Row as They Edge Past Mathare United
Ten man Nairobi United made it two wins in a row for the first time in the Sportpesa League as they edged past Mathare United 2_1 in a highly charged encounter played Saturday at Kasarani Annex.
The Naibois came into the match beaming with confidence following a highly fruitful April that has seen the team remain unbeaten in all competitions, winning four and drawing three of their last seven matches.
The Naibois started the match in their usual 4,3,3 formation making two changes to the team that beat Muranga Seal 4_2 in their last league encounter. Brain Magare replaced injured Brian Mzee in the starting eleven while Mustafa Kizza came in for the suspended Lesley Otieno.
The match started slowly characterised by alot of stoppages in play before finally coming to life in the 19th minute. Kevin Wangaya opened the scoring after receiving a loose pass from Mathare United goalkeeper Kevin Ouru who was out of his position to tap into an empty net giving Naibois the lead.
In the 32nd minute, captain John Otieno pinged the ball forward after Naibois won the ball back from a Mathare United attack to release Duncan Omalla through on goal who finished with aplomb to make it 2_0 at the break.
The Slum Boys started the second half strongly pilling pressure on the Nairobi United backline. Their technical bench made the first move in the 56th minute bringing on Paul Kinyajui and Adams Nyambane for Isaac Omweri and Mohamed Kilume.
The pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty in the 64th minute after John Makwata was fouled by Kevin Osanya in the box. The marksman failed to convert from the spot as Bernard Jairo dived to his left to deny the Slum Boys.
Brian Magare was dismissed in the 66th minute following a second yellow card as the Slum Boys continued to lay siege on the Nairobi United goal mouth. They were finally awarded in the 78th minute as John Makwata pulled one back to make it 2_1 setting the stage for a tense finish.
The Naibois managed to hold on until the final whistle to gain three precious points cementing their grip on sixth place as they continue to impress on their debut season in the Sportpesa League.
